Milk Powder: Enhancing Cookies, Brownies, and Cakes

Baking offers endless possibilities with just a handful of ingredients. Whether it's cakes, cookies, or brownies, the foundation typically consists of flour, butter, sugar, and eggs. While mastering baking techniques is crucial, there is a secret ingredient that can elevate almost any baked good: milk powder.

1. Unveiling Milk Powder

Milk powder, also known as powdered milk (distinct from malted milk powder), is created by evaporating all the liquid from milk. It's milk in its concentrated form, offering fat, protein, and flavor without affecting the liquid component of your baking. This imparts an extra layer of richness, sweetness, and creaminess to your treats. Moreover, its low moisture content allows it to be stored in the pantry for over a year without refrigeration.

2. A Versatile Enhancer

Renowned chef Christina Tosi, the author of Momofuku Milk Bar and Milk Bar: Kids Only, believes that milk powder can improve almost any dessert. It adds a fantastic baseline flavor, making ice creams creamier, denser, and silkier, while also enhancing the chewiness of cookies. Milk powder may seem unremarkable on its own, but when incorporated into recipes, it works like a secret weapon, transforming the taste and texture of baked goods.

3. Experimenting with Milk Powder

One tablespoon of milk powder can work wonders in various baking projects. For instance, Chef Christina Tosi's Mint Cookies and Cream Cookie Pie recipe incorporates a tablespoon of nonfat milk powder with flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. This addition intensifies the chocolate flavor, making the dark vanilla notes in a chocolate chip cookie more magical and enhancing the indulgence of regular chocolate.

4. Improving Bread and Dough

Milk powder isn't limited to desserts; it can also enhance bread and dough. When used in place of liquid milk, milk powder allows leavened dough to retain more gas, resulting in lighter, fluffier bread. Additionally, milk powder provides a more concentrated form of milk sugars and proteins, which improves the texture and tenderness of flatbreads like paratha roti. Adding about two teaspoons of milk powder to the dry ingredients creates soft and tender roti.

5. Milk Powder in Brownies

When it comes to brownies, pastry chef Lani Halliday from Brutus Bakeshop emphasizes that milk powder contributes not only to texture but also to flavor. To take it a step further, she combines milk powder with brown butter to intensify the taste. By caramelizing the protein solids in the butter and milk powder, the flavor becomes nuttier and more pronounced. The use of full-fat milk powder adds richness to the brownie batter.

6. Fried Dough and Gulab Jamun

Milk powder works wonders in fried doughs like gulab jamun—a popular Indian sweet. In the absence of khoya (thick concentrated milk solids), milk powder serves as a convenient substitute for Indian cooks worldwide. The recipe often calls for over a cup of full-fat milk powder, resulting in spongy treats with a beautiful bronzed exterior and a moist, cakey interior. It's a necessary ingredient for achieving the desired texture.

Incorporating milk powder into your baking repertoire opens up a world of possibilities. From enhancing the richness and creaminess of desserts to improving the texture of breads and fried doughs, milk powder proves to be a versatile ingredient with numerous applications. Its ability to add depth of flavor and enhance the texture of baked goods makes it a valuable addition to any pantry.

So, the next time you embark on a baking adventure, consider reaching for milk powder. Experiment with different recipes, adding a tablespoon or two to your dry ingredients, and observe the remarkable difference it makes. From cookies to cakes, brownies to bread, milk powder has the power to take your baked creations to new heights.

In conclusion, milk powder is a secret weapon that professional bakers and home cooks alike swear by. Its concentrated form provides richness, sweetness, and creaminess, elevating the flavor profile of desserts and adding a delightful chewiness to cookies. Moreover, its versatility extends beyond sweet treats, as it contributes to the texture and rise of bread and enhances the softness of fried doughs.

So, why not embrace the magic of milk powder in your baking? Stock your pantry with this incredible ingredient and unleash its potential in your favorite recipes. Let milk powder be your culinary ally, transforming ordinary baked goods into extraordinary delights.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I substitute liquid milk for milk powder in my recipes?

While it's possible, milk powder offers a concentrated flavor and additional richness that liquid milk cannot replicate. It's best to use milk powder as a dedicated ingredient in your baking projects.

Is there a specific type of milk powder I should use?

For optimal results, opt for full-fat milk powder, as it provides the richest flavor and texture. However, nonfat milk powder can also be used in certain recipes where a lighter crumb is desired.

Can I store milk powder in the refrigerator?

Milk powder has a low moisture content and does not require refrigeration. It can be safely stored in a cool, dry place, such as your pantry, for an extended period.

Are there any alternatives to milk powder?

While milk powder offers unique properties, some recipes may allow for substitutions such as almond or coconut milk powder. However, keep in mind that these alternatives may impart a slightly different flavor profile.

Can I use milk powder in dairy-free or vegan recipes?

Yes, there are dairy-free and vegan milk powder options available, such as soy or oat milk powder. These alternatives can be used to achieve similar results in dairy-free or vegan baking.

Get creative in the kitchen and harness the potential of milk powder to elevate your baked goods to new heights. Explore the world of flavors and textures that this humble ingredient brings, and enjoy the delightful results it delivers. Happy baking