Canillitas De Leche, A Milky Traditional Sweet

Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz

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Ingredients:

1 cup of powdered milk
2 cups of powdered sugar
2/3 of 8 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk

Instructions:

On a clean surface, form a volcano with powdered milk and powdered sugar. Open a hole in the center of the volcano. Gradually add the condensed milk while stirring to form a dough that is easy to manage.
Add the condensed milk very slowly so that the dough does not get too thin. Use approximately 2/3 of the can, but, if necessary, add a little more until the dough is soft enough
Using your hands, start forming the canillitas. Place them on a wooden board and cut them into sticks like the traditional Guatemalan recipe. You can also use cookie cutters to give them different shapes or braid them, as I did in this case.
Store the milk candy in a sealed container and put them in the refrigerator.

Notes:

Make Ahead Of Time

This version of the classic recipe is one you can make ahead of time. My recipe for Guatemalan canillitas de leche is a 10-minute dessert so simple to make that it will surely become one of your new favorite Guatemalan recipes. Saving time in the cooking process means that you can spend more time with your family and friends enjoying this traditional Guatemalan candy.

You can make this Guatemalan candy the same day or prepare them beforehand. I like making them a day or two in advance to avoid running around last minute, especially when I am making other Guatemalan dishes like traditional Guatemalan Enchiladas. When shaping the canillas de leche you can get creative. My kids love to braid them or simply roll them into bite-size balls, you can let your imagination run wild and make them in any shape that you wish.

Tips On How To Make Canillitas De Leche

Take it easy with the condensed milk: It is crucial to lay down all the dry ingredients first and then add the condensed milk little by little. You don’t want to go overboard and end up with a thin dough that you won’t be able to shape.
Minor tweaks go a long way: Adding one teaspoon of vanilla extract or a little powdered cinnamon will give the recipe a creamier flavor. If you are feeling creative, make two or three separate batches, adding a few drops of food coloring to each one. Playing around with different colors can make this recipe pop and will go along great with your Hispanic Heritage month theme party.