If you have a sweet tooth and love the nostalgic charm of Filipino treats, you are in for a delightful surprise with this Cookies and Cream Pastillas Recipe. This simple yet indulgent dessert blends the rich creaminess of sweetened condensed milk and powdered milk with the irresistible crunch of crushed cookies, creating bite-sized wonders that melt in your mouth. Every morsel is like a little celebration of textures and flavors, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring as a special treat just for yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly straightforward but essential in crafting the perfect Cookies and Cream Pastillas. Each component plays a vital role — from the luscious creaminess of the condensed milk to the delightful crunch and chocolatey bite of the cookies, resulting in a harmonious and crowd-pleasing sweet treat.
- Sweetened condensed milk: The base that brings creamy sweetness and moisture to the pastillas.
- Powdered milk (full cream recommended): Adds a velvety texture and milky richness that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Crushed cookies (such as Oreos or chocolate wafers): Provide that iconic cookies and cream flavor plus a little delightful crunch in every bite.
- Powdered sugar: Used for coating, it lends a delicate sweetness and a pretty finish to each bite-sized pastillas.
- Vanilla extract (optional): Just a splash to enhance the flavor and bring warmth to the dessert.
How to Make Cookies and Cream Pastillas Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Condensed Milk and Powdered Milk
Start by pouring the sweetened condensed milk into a large bowl. Gradually stir in the powdered milk, mixing consistently until you reach a soft, dough-like consistency. This base is what makes pastillas uniquely smooth and creamy, so take your time ensuring these two come together perfectly.
Step 2: Fold in the Crushed Cookies
Once your pastillas dough is ready, gently fold in the crushed cookies. These bits will add that signature cookies and cream vibe with a little crunch in every bite. If you want to kick the flavor up a notch, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract now and blend it evenly throughout the mixture.
Step 3: Shape the Pastillas
Scoop small portions of the mixture using your hands and roll them into bite-sized balls or little logs — whatever shape you fancy. This is the fun part, and shaping the pastillas by hand makes each one feel homemade and special.
Step 4: Coat with Powdered Sugar
Next, gently roll each shaped pastillas in powdered sugar. This not only adds an extra layer of sweetness but also gives a soft, delicate texture on the outside, creating a perfect contrast with the creamy center.
Step 5: Chill to Set
Place your coated pastillas in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling lets them firm up just enough to hold their shape, making them easier to handle and enhancing that melt-in-your-mouth feeling when you finally bite in.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
These Cookies and Cream Pastillas can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Each bite offers a lovely balance of creamy sweetness with that unmistakable cookies and cream crunch that everyone will love.
How to Serve Cookies and Cream Pastillas Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to get creative with garnishes! A light dusting of cocoa powder, finely chopped nuts, or even some extra crushed cookies sprinkled on top adds a little flair and enhances the overall texture and look of your pastillas.
Side Dishes
Cookies and Cream Pastillas pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. For a more festive touch, consider serving alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement their creamy texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Arrange the pastillas elegantly on a decorative plate or in mini cupcake liners. Wrapping them individually in colorful cellophane is perfect for gifting or party favors and adds a charming homemade touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cookies and Cream Pastillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to a week, maintaining their creamy flavor and soft texture without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze these pastillas. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight for the best texture.
Reheating
Since pastillas are best enjoyed cool or at room temperature, reheating is generally not recommended. Just bring them out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving to let them soften slightly, and you’re good to go!
FAQs
Can I use other types of cookies for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Oreos and chocolate wafers are classic choices, you can also experiment with other crunchy cookies like vanilla wafers or even chocolate chip cookies to create your own twist.
Is powdered milk necessary in this recipe?
Powdered milk is essential because it gives the pastillas their creamy, smooth texture and helps them firm up. Using full cream powdered milk ensures the richest taste and best consistency.
Can I skip the powdered sugar coating?
You can, but the powdered sugar adds a lovely sweetness and helps prevent the pastillas from sticking together. Without it, the texture and presentation may be affected slightly.
How long does it take to make Cookies and Cream Pastillas?
Preparation is super quick — about 10 minutes for mixing and shaping, plus 30 minutes chilling time. So in under an hour, these delicious treats can be ready to enjoy!
Are Cookies and Cream Pastillas gluten-free?
Typically, no. Most cookies used, like Oreos, contain gluten. To make this recipe gluten-free, opt for gluten-free cookies that mimic the cookies and cream flavor.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Cookies and Cream Pastillas Recipe is a wonderfully rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with sweet aromas and your heart with joy. The creamy texture combined with cookie crunches makes every bite simply unforgettable. Whether you’re whipping these up for a party, a quick snack, or a gift, I highly encourage you to try this recipe and share the happiness it brings!
Print
Cookies and Cream Pastillas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Filipino
Description
These Cookies and Cream Pastillas are a delightful Filipino-inspired sweet treat combining creamy sweetened condensed milk and powdered milk with crunchy crushed cookies. Rolled into bite-sized balls and coated in powdered sugar, they offer a perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures, making for an easy no-bake dessert or snack that can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Pastillas Mixture
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups powdered milk (or full cream powdered milk)
- 1/2 cup crushed cookies (like Oreos or chocolate wafer cookies)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Coating
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Mix Milk Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, pour the sweetened condensed milk. Add the powdered milk gradually while stirring constantly until a dough-like consistency forms, smooth and pliable.
- Add Cookies and Flavor: Stir in the crushed cookies thoroughly to distribute them evenly throughout the mixture. If using, add vanilla extract to enhance the flavor, mixing well.
- Shape the Pastillas: Using your hands or a scoop, take small portions of the mixture and roll them into small balls or log shapes, about 1-1.5 inches in size, ensuring uniform shapes for even setting.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Roll each shaped pastilla in powdered sugar until they are fully coated, which adds a sweet, delicate outer layer and prevents sticking.
- Chill to Set: Place the coated pastillas on a tray or plate and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow them to firm up and hold their shape before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Cookies and Cream Pastillas chilled or at room temperature, appreciating the creamy interior paired with the crunchy cookie bits and soft powdered sugar coating.
Notes
- You can substitute any favorite cookie type for the crushed cookies, such as chocolate chip, graham crackers, or vanilla wafers, to change the flavor profile.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of powdered sugar used for coating or by mixing more or less condensed milk into the dough.
- If the mixture is too sticky to handle, chill it briefly before shaping to make it easier to roll.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days for best freshness.
- Vanilla extract is optional but recommended for enhanced flavor depth.
