Why You’ll Love These Cookies
These cookies are popular because they are:
- Very soft and tender
- Lightly sweet (not heavy)
- Easy to prepare
- Perfect with tea or coffee
- Loved by kids and adults
- Long-lasting when stored properly
Unlike crunchy cookies, these are more like soft bakery biscuits — airy inside with a delicate crumb.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk powder (full cream gives best flavor)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup softened butter or margarine
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional for Decoration
- Extra milk powder or powdered sugar for dusting
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Knife or dough cutter
Understanding the Texture
The secret of these cookies is milk powder. It gives:
- Rich creamy taste
- Soft texture
- Light color
- Slightly chewy softness
Butter adds tenderness while a small amount of oil keeps them moist longer. Overbaking is the main enemy — they must stay pale and soft.
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Take butter and egg out of the refrigerator about 20–30 minutes before starting. Room-temperature ingredients mix more smoothly and create a softer dough.
Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F).
Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugar
In a bowl, add butter and powdered sugar. Beat for about 3–5 minutes until light and creamy.
This step adds air, making cookies soft rather than dense.
Add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat again until fully combined and smooth.
Step 3: Mixing Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix:
- Flour
- Milk powder
- Baking powder
- Salt
Stir well so everything is evenly distributed.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix gently until a soft dough forms.
Do not overmix — too much mixing makes cookies tough.
Step 4: Adjusting the Dough
The dough should be:
- Soft but not sticky
- Easy to shape
- Smooth and pliable
If too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour. If too dry, add a teaspoon of milk.
Let the dough rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the flour absorb moisture.
Step 5: Shaping the Cookies
Take small portions of dough and roll into short logs. Cut into small rectangles or pillow shapes similar to those in the picture.
You can also roll into balls and flatten slightly.
Place on baking tray with small spaces between them.
Press lightly with your finger to create a slight flat surface on top.
Step 6: Baking
Bake for 12–15 minutes.
Important:
- Cookies should remain light in color
- Only a gentle golden spot appears on top
- Do NOT wait until fully brown
They continue cooking slightly after leaving the oven.
Step 7: Cooling
Remove from oven and let cookies rest on the tray for 5 minutes.
Transfer carefully to a cooling rack. They will be delicate while hot but firm up slightly as they cool.
Dust with milk powder or powdered sugar if desired.
Tips for Perfect Soft Cookies
- Use powdered sugar, not granulated.
- Don’t overbake — softness depends on this.
- Full-cream milk powder gives richer flavor.
- Mix gently after adding flour.
- Measure ingredients accurately.
Small details make a big difference in texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cookies become hard
- Baked too long
- Too much flour
Dough cracks
- Not enough moisture
- Butter too cold
Cookies spread too much
- Butter too soft
- Dough too warm
If dough feels warm, chill for 10 minutes before baking.
Flavor Variations
Coconut Milk Cookies
Replace some milk powder with coconut milk powder.
Lemon Flavor
Add lemon zest for freshness.
Chocolate Version
Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder.
Cinnamon Style
Mix cinnamon into powdered sugar for dusting.
Serving Ideas
These cookies pair perfectly with:
- Tea
- Coffee
- Milk
- Hot chocolate
They are also great for gifting or serving during family gatherings.
Storage Tips
Store in airtight container:
- Room temperature: 5–7 days
- Refrigerator: up to 2 weeks
- Freezer: up to 2 months
They stay soft if sealed well.
Why This Recipe Is So Popular
Soft milk cookies remind many people of traditional bakery treats. They are simple yet comforting, with a gentle sweetness and creamy flavor. Because they are not overly rich or heavy, you can enjoy several without feeling overwhelmed.
They are also beginner-friendly — even someone new to baking can get excellent results.
Pro Baker Secrets
If you want bakery-level results:
- Sift dry ingredients for lighter texture.
- Use a scale for accurate measurements.
- Bake on middle oven rack.
- Rotate tray halfway if your oven heats unevenly.
These small techniques improve consistency.
Final Thoughts
These soft milk powder cookies are the perfect balance of simplicity and comfort. With their delicate texture, mild sweetness, and beautiful soft appearance, they make an ideal everyday treat. The ingredients are basic, the method is easy, and the result feels homemade in the best way.