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–+ servings
Malted Milk Cookies
Malted Milk Cookies are a nostalgic treat combining the creamy, toasted flavor of malted milk powder with the buttery sweetness of classic drop cookies. These cookies get an extra crunch and chocolatey punch from crushed malted milk balls, making them an old-fashioned favorite with a satisfying texture. Perfect for after-school snacks, lunchboxes, or a sweet pairing with milk, they offer a vintage flair that brings back the essence of soda fountains and malt shops from mid-century America.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 36
Calories 140 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (no substitutes, softened)
  • ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp instant chocolate drink mix (like Nestlé Quik or similar)
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 cups malted milk balls (e.g., Whoppers, crushed)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars

  • Cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla

  • Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, chocolate drink mix, baking soda, and salt.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Fold in Malted Milk Balls

  • Stir in crushed malted milk balls by hand.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

  • Shape dough into 1½-inch balls. Place 2 inches apart on greased or parchment-lined baking sheets.
  • Bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, or until lightly set and edges are golden.

Step 7: Cool

  • Let cool 1 minute on the baking sheet, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Tips

  • Chill dough 20 to 30 minutes if cookies spread too much
  • Use chocolate or vanilla malted milk balls for flavor variation
  • Crush malt balls finely for smoother dough texture
  • Roll dough balls in sugar before baking for crisp edges
  • Add ½ cup chocolate chips for a malt-shop twist
  • Bake one test cookie to check spacing and timing
  • Store baked cookies in an airtight tin to preserve crispness
  • Freeze shaped dough balls and bake from frozen (add 1 to 2 minutes)

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 1.5gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.8gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 85mgPotassium: 40mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 150IUCalcium: 15mgIron: 0.6mg
Keyword classic cookies, from scratch, holiday cookies, malted milk, nostalgic dessert, retro recipe, vintage baking
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