While many of us think of powdered milk as a last resort when we’re out of fresh milk, this versatile ingredient is often overlooked in our pantry. In reality, it’s a valuable addition to both sweet and savory dishes. Its shelf-stable nature makes it perfect for whipping up a treat or adding a creamy texture to meals. Whether you’re looking for decadent cookies, comforting mac and cheese, or something else entirely, powdered milk can be a game-changer.
With this list of recipes on hand, you’ll be ready to get creative and enjoy the best that powdered milk has to offer.
Popular Powdered Milk Brands
In the United States, powdered milk is a staple ingredient in many recipes due to its ease of storage and use. Several well-known brands and products are commonly employed for various purposes. Notably, Carnation’s instant nonfat dry milk from Nestlé is widely used for both drinking and cooking. Additionally, Bob’s Red Mill is revered for its high-quality non-fat dry milk powder, which is particularly suitable for baking.
For those seeking an organic option, NOW Foods offers a non-fat dry milk product ideal for baking, smoothies, and sauces. Augason Farms’ Morning Moo’s milk alternative, based on whey, has gained popularity as a long-term storage solution. Lastly, Hoosier Hill Farm’s whole milk powder is prized for its rich flavor in recipes, offering a full-fat option.
Best Recipes Using Powdered Milk
Milk Cookies
Enriching the classic sugar cookie recipe with dry milk powder creates a truly indulgent treat. The addition of this essential ingredient yields a rich, creamy flavor profile that is further enhanced by its moisture-retaining properties, resulting in a delightfully soft and tender cookie.
Milk Powder Burfi
Indulge in the rich pleasure of burfi, a decadent treat that dissolves effortlessly on the palate with each morsel. This delightful dessert can be whipped up in under 25 minutes, making it an excellent choice for spontaneous gatherings or satisfying unexpected cravings, whether from guests or your little ones.
Chocolate Fudge
Within a mere 15-minute timeframe, this delightful confection can be whipped up to perfection. What’s more, its adaptable nature permits the incorporation of mix-ins such as cocoa powder, plump raisins, crunchy nuts, and sweet dried fruits, allowing you to tailor the flavor to your unique preferences.
Toasted Milk Pie
The Toasted Milk Pie boasts a classic custard foundation, but it’s elevated by an innovative touch: the incorporation of toasted milk powder. This game-changing ingredient infuses the dessert with deeper, more complex flavors that evoke notes of rich nuts and sweet caramel, creating a truly unique taste experience.
Hot Chocolate
Indulge in this decadent holiday treat, crafted with just four ingredients that harmoniously blend to create a rich and creamy delight. At its core is the deep, velvety flavor of cocoa powder, providing a satisfying depth. The powdered sugar infuses a subtle sweetness, while the powdered milk lends a luxurious texture, perfectly balancing the flavors.
Peanut Butter Protein Balls
Combining the richness of peanut butter with the wholesome goodness of oats, powdered milk, and sweet honey, these bite-sized energy balls are a perfect solution for on-the-go snacking, packed lunches, or even a satisfying dessert. Their simplicity makes them easy to whip up in no time, making them an ideal choice for any occasion.
Toasted Milk Ice Cream
Indulge in the decadent flavors of this Toasted Milk Ice Cream recipe, where toasted nonfat milk powder infuses a rich, brown, buttery, and nutty essence. By toasting the milk powder and blending it seamlessly into the ice cream mixture, you’ll experience a depth of flavor that will leave you craving more.
Powdered Milk Cake
Indulge in this luscious cake, where the sweetness of powdered milk infuses the batter, paired with a velvety topping crafted from a harmonious blend of condensed milk, cream, and powdered milk. The result is a moist and decadent treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Snowball Cookies Without Nuts
Indulge in a sweet twist on classic snowball cookies! This recipe boasts ease and flexibility – no waiting for dough to chill, and the powdered sugar coating allows you to tailor the sweetness level to your taste. A delightful spin that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Blueberry Smoothie Recipe
This strawberry-blueberry smoothie boasts a refreshing blend of flavors, expertly crafted without relying on yogurt or frozen fruit. As a result, it’s an excellent morning pick-me-up that showcases the natural sweetness of its star ingredients – plump strawberries and juicy blueberries.
Ras Malai
The sweet and creamy delight of South Asian cuisine is brought to life through the preparation of paneer, where milk solids are lovingly soaked in a rich mixture of sweetened milk and infused with the distinctive flavor of cardamom. This simplified recipe takes a cue from powdered milk, yielding a treat that’s just as delicious, yet effortlessly easy to prepare.
Polvoron
In the Philippines, Polvoron holds a special place as a beloved shortbread treat. The magic happens when you blend together toasted flour, powdered milk, sugar, butter, and a pinch of your favorite flavors – think pinipig for a nutty twist, cashews for added crunch, or cookies and cream for an indulgent surprise.
Cinnamon Milk
As the mercury drops, a soothing cup of warmth becomes a staple in many households. This comforting beverage is an excellent substitute for hot cocoa, ideal for cozying up on chilly winter nights or starting the day off right during fall and winter mornings. Its versatility allows you to enjoy it on its own or mix it with coffee, tea, or brewed cacao to create a unique blend that suits your taste.
Mac & Cheese
With just three essential ingredients, this one-pot mac and cheese recipe offers a straightforward cooking experience that’s perfect for busy days or impromptu gatherings. Its versatility is further amplified by the option to add your preferred toppings, from classic chives to creative combinations of your own.
Pastillas De Leche
The classic Filipino treat, also known as milk or milk tablets, is largely composed of milk and sugar. Its signature variant boasts an unusually soft texture, delivering a sumptuous, creamy taste experience that’s simply irresistible.
Japanese Milk Bread
In the heart of Japan, a beloved bread has garnered widespread affection for its luscious milkiness and airy texture. The Japanese Milk Bread, also referred to as Shokupan, is a staple in many Japanese households, where it’s savored daily as a breakfast treat or used to make satisfying sandwiches.
Coconut Rice
To produce a light and airy coconut rice that rivals what you’d find at a high-end eatery, this recipe employs an unconventional yet effective approach. By baking the rice in the oven rather than relying on stovetop cooking, you’ll guarantee a consistent heat distribution and eliminate the risk of burning the pot.
Orange Julius Recipe
What sets this Orange Julius recipe apart is its effortless preparation and swift execution. The harmonious blend of orange juice concentrate and vanilla yields a rich, velvety flavor profile that’s sure to delight even the most discerning palates.
Milk Peda
The renowned Indian dessert, which requires just a mere 20 minutes to prepare, combines the ingredients of milk powder, milk, and sugar. To elevate its flavor profile, you can incorporate the aromatic essence of cardamom and/or the subtle hint of saffron. For an added dimension of taste, top it with crunchy pistachios.
The bottom line
Powdered milk is often underestimated, but it’s actually a highly versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of dishes, both savory and sweet. Its value extends beyond just being a backup option when fresh milk isn’t available, as it offers a unique texture and flavor profile that can elevate many recipes. With this collection of ideas at your disposal, we encourage you to rethink powdered milk’s role in your cooking and explore the many creative possibilities it has to offer.
More About Milk
When it comes to cooking, having the right ingredients can make all the difference. For those who prefer dairy-free or lactose intolerant options, coconut milk recipes offer a delicious alternative to traditional milk-based dishes. But did you know that powdered milk can also be used as a substitute in many recipes? In fact, with a few simple techniques, you can even froth milk using a microwave! The debate between goat milk and cow milk is another common concern for many home cooks.
Whether you’re looking for a milk substitute for Hamburger Helper or simply seeking a convenient way to add flavor and creaminess to your meals, these versatile options are sure to please.
Instructions
When cooking with powdered milk, start by selecting a recipe that catches your eye from our extensive collection. Ensure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand before getting started. Once you’ve prepared and enjoyed the dish, be sure to give credit where credit is due – share the source of your inspiration!