These Evaporated Milk Cookies capture all the warmth and comfort of a homemade dessert. Soft and pillowy with a tender, cake-like crumb, they’re infused with warm spices and topped (optionally, but highly recommended!) with a sweet vanilla frosting. The evaporated milk gives them an irresistibly creamy richness that sets them apart from your everyday cookie. These are the kind of cookies that feel like a hug—perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
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2 1/4 cups (270 g) all-purpose flour, scooped and leveled
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1 1/2 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp ground cinnamon, plus more for topping
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1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
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3/4 cup (170 g) salted butter, softened
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1/2 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
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1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1/2 cup (115 ml) evaporated milk
Optional Frosting:
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1/2 cup (115 g) salted butter, softened
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1 1/2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar
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1–2 tbsp evaporated milk
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1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
How to Make Evaporated Milk Cookies
1. Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg if using. Set it aside—this is our dry mix.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s light, fluffy, and begging to be snuck by the spoonful—2 to 3 minutes will do.
4. Add the Egg, Vanilla & Milk
Mix in the egg and vanilla. Then, with your mixer on low, add the evaporated milk. It may look curdled. Don’t panic! That’s just science doing its thing. Once we add the dry ingredients, all will be well.
5. Combine Wet and Dry
Using a spatula, stir the dry mix into the wet mixture until you have a soft dough and no streaks of flour remain.
6. Scoop and Bake
Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes—look for puffed centers and set edges.
7. Cool Completely
Let them cool for a few minutes on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
8. Frost (Optional but Recommended!)
Whip the butter until light and airy, then blend in the powdered sugar, evaporated milk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Spread a generous dollop on each cooled cookie and finish with a dusting of cinnamon.
Helpful Tips
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Don’t Overmix: Once the flour goes in, stir just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
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Soft Butter Matters: Room-temp butter is key for creaming—it traps air and makes for a fluffier cookie.
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Spacing is Important: These puff up, so leave room!
Substitutions & Variations
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No Nutmeg? Skip it or sub with allspice or a pinch of clove.
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Unsalted Butter? Just add an extra pinch of salt to the dough and frosting.
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Try Almond Extract: For a twist, sub half the vanilla with almond extract—so good!
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Make it Maple: Drizzle a little maple syrup into the frosting for an autumnal vibe.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie – Based on 22 Cookies, Frosted)
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Calories: 175
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Total Fat: 8.9g
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Saturated Fat: 5.5g
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Cholesterol: 31mg
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Sodium: 90mg
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Total Carbohydrates: 22g
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Dietary Fiber: 0.4g
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Sugars: 13g
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Protein: 1.6g
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Calcium: 25mg
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Iron: 0.6mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cookies in advance and frost them just before serving for peak freshness.
Do I need to refrigerate the dough?
Nope! This dough is ready to bake right after mixing—yay for quick cookie fixes!
Can I skip the frosting?
You can, but… don’t. 😄 The frosting adds that milky-sweet kiss that makes these cookies unforgettable.
Storage Instructions
Store frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them unfrosted and freeze in a single layer—just thaw and frost when ready!
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Final Thoughts
These Evaporated Milk Cookies are the kind of treat that quietly steals the show. They’re simple, nostalgic, and absolutely packed with comforting flavor. The soft, cake-like texture and creamy frosting make them feel extra special—perfect for holidays, coffee breaks, or whenever your sweet tooth strikes.
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof: you can dress them up with frosting and spices or enjoy them plain with a glass of milk. Either way, they’re anything but boring!!
Give them a try and let your kitchen fill with that cozy, buttery scent—there’s nothing quite like it.