Easy Pastillas Recipe: Make Filipino Milk Candy At Home

Hey guys! Today, we're diving into the sweet world of Filipino treats with a classic recipe that's sure to bring back childhood memories – Pastillas! These soft, milky candies are a staple in Filipino households, especially during special occasions and holidays. And guess what? They're surprisingly easy to make at home. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get started on this delightful journey of making Pastillas, the ultimate Filipino soft milk candy.

What is Pastillas?

Before we jump into the recipe, let's talk a little bit about what Pastillas actually are. Pastillas de Leche, often simply called Pastillas, are traditional Filipino milk candies made primarily from powdered milk, sugar, and sometimes a touch of citrus zest for that extra zing. These candies are known for their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and their sweet, milky flavor. They're often shaped into small logs or other fun shapes and wrapped in colorful cellophane or paper. Making Pastillas is a cherished tradition in the Philippines, and the recipe has been passed down through generations. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it a perfect treat to make at home, and the result is a delightful candy that everyone will love. The beauty of Pastillas lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create something truly special. It’s a fantastic way to introduce yourself to Filipino cuisine and experience the flavors that are close to the hearts of many Filipinos. The texture is key here; you want them to be soft and slightly chewy, not hard or brittle. The sweetness should be balanced, not overpowering, making it a perfect treat for any time of the day. Plus, making Pastillas is a great activity to do with family and friends. It’s a fun and engaging way to spend time together, especially during holidays when everyone’s looking for something to do in the kitchen. The process of mixing, shaping, and wrapping the candies can be quite therapeutic, and the final product is something you can all be proud of. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, making Pastillas is an adventure worth taking. It's a taste of Filipino culture that you can create in your own home, bringing a little sweetness to your day and sharing it with those you love. So, are you ready to give it a try? Let's get started and create some delicious Pastillas!

Ingredients You'll Need

Alright, let's gather our ingredients! The beauty of this Pastillas recipe is that it only requires a few simple ingredients. You probably have most of them in your pantry already! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup powdered milk: This is the star of our Pastillas. Make sure you’re using good quality powdered milk for the best flavor and texture. Full cream powdered milk is typically preferred, as it gives the Pastillas a richer, creamier taste. However, you can also use non-fat powdered milk if you prefer a lighter version. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Sugar is what gives our Pastillas that sweet kick. Granulated sugar works best because it dissolves easily and blends well with the powdered milk. You can adjust the amount of sugar slightly depending on your preference, but this ratio usually provides a perfect balance of sweetness. If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with other types of sugar, like caster sugar, which is finer and might result in an even smoother texture. However, for a classic Pastillas recipe, granulated sugar is the way to go.
• ¼ cup condensed milk: This is the secret ingredient that gives our Pastillas that soft, chewy texture. Condensed milk adds moisture and helps bind the powdered milk and sugar together. It also contributes to the creamy flavor of the Pastillas. Make sure to use sweetened condensed milk, as this recipe relies on the sweetness from the condensed milk. You can also find different variations of condensed milk, such as low-fat or flavored versions, but for the traditional taste, regular sweetened condensed milk is your best bet.
• Optional: Lemon or Calamansi zest: If you want to add a little zing to your Pastillas, a pinch of lemon or calamansi zest can do wonders. Calamansi is a small, citrus fruit that's commonly used in Filipino cuisine, and its zest adds a unique, tangy flavor to the Pastillas. Lemon zest is a great alternative if you can’t find calamansi. Just remember to use a light hand when adding zest, as too much can overpower the other flavors. A little goes a long way in adding a refreshing twist to your Pastillas.

These simple ingredients, when combined, create the magic of Pastillas. It’s amazing how such a humble list of ingredients can transform into a delightful treat that’s loved by many. Make sure you have everything measured out and ready to go before you start mixing. This will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. So, let’s move on to the next step and see how we can turn these ingredients into delicious Pastillas!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get to the fun part – making the Pastillas! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of homemade Filipino soft milk candy in no time. Don't worry, guys, it's super easy!

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the 1 cup of powdered milk and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Make sure your bowl is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients and give you room to mix. Use a whisk to blend the powdered milk and sugar together thoroughly. This will ensure that the sugar is evenly distributed throughout the milk, resulting in a consistent sweetness in your Pastillas. If you're adding lemon or calamansi zest, now is the time to mix it in. A pinch of zest will add a lovely aroma and a subtle citrus flavor to your Pastillas. The key here is to make sure everything is well combined before we add the wet ingredient. This will help prevent lumps from forming later on.

Step 2: Add Condensed Milk

Next, pour in the ¼ cup of condensed milk. Start by adding it gradually, mixing as you go. This will help you control the consistency of the mixture. Use a spoon or spatula to stir the ingredients together. The mixture will start to come together and form a soft dough. Keep mixing until everything is well combined and you have a smooth, pliable dough. The dough should be moist but not sticky. If it seems too dry, you can add a little more condensed milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If it's too wet, add a bit more powdered milk. Remember, the key to perfect Pastillas is in the texture of the dough, so take your time and make sure it’s just right.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

Once the mixture has formed a dough, turn it out onto a clean, lightly floured surface. This will prevent the dough from sticking. Gently knead the dough for about 2-3 minutes. Kneading helps to further combine the ingredients and develop a smooth texture. Use your hands to press and fold the dough, working it until it becomes soft and pliable. Be careful not to over-knead, as this can make the Pastillas tough. The goal is to create a dough that holds its shape and is easy to mold. If you don't have a floured surface, you can also use a piece of parchment paper to knead the dough on. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 4: Shape the Pastillas

Now comes the fun part – shaping the Pastillas! Take a small amount of dough, about a tablespoon, and roll it between your palms to form a log or any shape you like. Traditional Pastillas are often shaped into small logs, but you can get creative and make balls, stars, or even use cookie cutters for fun shapes. If you find the dough is sticking to your hands, you can lightly dust your palms with powdered milk. Place the shaped Pastillas on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking to the surface. Continue shaping the remaining dough until it’s all used up. Try to make the Pastillas uniform in size so they look consistent and cook evenly.

Step 5: Wrap the Pastillas (Optional)

Traditionally, Pastillas are wrapped in colorful cellophane or paper wrappers. This not only makes them look festive but also helps to keep them fresh. You can find cellophane wrappers at most craft stores or online. Cut the wrappers into small squares or rectangles, and wrap each Pastillas individually. Twist the ends of the wrappers to secure them. If you don’t have wrappers, you can also store the Pastillas in an airtight container, placing a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Wrapping the Pastillas is a great way to add a personal touch, especially if you’re giving them as gifts. It also helps to preserve their texture and flavor, so they stay soft and delicious for longer.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Once you’ve shaped and wrapped your Pastillas, place them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This will help them hold their shape and make them easier to handle. Chilling also enhances their texture and flavor. After chilling, your Pastillas are ready to serve! They’re perfect as a sweet treat any time of the day, or as a delightful addition to a dessert platter. You can store the Pastillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure they’re well sealed to prevent them from drying out. Serving homemade Pastillas is a wonderful way to share a taste of Filipino culture with your friends and family. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Pastillas

Making Pastillas is pretty straightforward, but here are a few tips to help you achieve that perfect soft, milky candy every time:

• Use good quality powdered milk: The quality of your powdered milk will significantly impact the taste and texture of your Pastillas. Opt for full cream powdered milk for a richer, creamier flavor. Cheaper brands might not dissolve as well or have the same creamy texture, so it’s worth investing in a good quality brand.
• Add condensed milk gradually: Adding the condensed milk slowly helps you control the consistency of the dough. This is crucial for achieving the right texture. If you add too much condensed milk at once, the dough might become too sticky. By adding it gradually, you can ensure that the dough is moist but not overly wet.
• Don't over-knead the dough: Over-kneading can make the Pastillas tough. Knead the dough just until it comes together and is smooth and pliable. Overworking the dough can develop the gluten, resulting in a chewier texture, which is not what we want for Pastillas.
• Adjust sweetness to your liking: If you prefer your Pastillas less sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar slightly. Taste the dough as you’re mixing it and adjust the sweetness accordingly. Remember that the condensed milk also contributes to the sweetness, so keep that in mind when making adjustments. You can also experiment with using different types of sugar, like caster sugar, which is finer and might result in a smoother texture.
• Get creative with flavors: While the classic Pastillas recipe is delicious on its own, you can get creative and add different flavors. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon, vanilla extract, or even some finely chopped nuts. Calamansi or lemon zest adds a refreshing citrus twist. You can also experiment with different types of extracts, like almond or pandan, to create unique flavor profiles. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to try something new and personalize your Pastillas.
• Wrap them nicely: Wrapping your Pastillas in colorful cellophane or paper wrappers not only makes them look festive but also helps to keep them fresh. You can find cellophane wrappers at most craft stores or online. Wrapping each Pastillas individually also makes them perfect for gifting. If you don’t have wrappers, you can store the Pastillas in an airtight container, placing a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Nice packaging can elevate the presentation of your Pastillas, making them even more appealing.
• Chill before serving: Chilling the Pastillas in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle. It also enhances their texture and flavor. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and the Pastillas to achieve that perfect soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Serve them cold for the best experience.

Variations on the Classic Recipe

One of the great things about Pastillas is that they're so versatile! While the classic recipe is amazing, there are tons of ways you can tweak it to create new and exciting flavors. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Ube Pastillas: Ube, or purple yam, is a popular ingredient in Filipino desserts. Adding ube powder or ube extract to your Pastillas dough will give them a beautiful purple color and a unique, slightly sweet, and earthy flavor. Ube Pastillas are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them a great option for special occasions. You can find ube powder or extract at most Asian grocery stores or online. Just add a teaspoon or two to your dough and mix well until the color is evenly distributed.
• Chocolate Pastillas: For all the chocolate lovers out there, chocolate Pastillas are a must-try! Simply add a tablespoon or two of cocoa powder to your dry ingredients and mix well. You can also add some chocolate chips to the dough for an extra chocolatey kick. Chocolate Pastillas have a rich, decadent flavor that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. You can even drizzle some melted chocolate over the finished Pastillas for a beautiful presentation.
• Coffee Pastillas: If you’re a coffee enthusiast, why not try making coffee Pastillas? Add a teaspoon or two of instant coffee powder to your dry ingredients and mix well. The coffee will add a subtle bitterness and a wonderful aroma to your Pastillas. Coffee Pastillas are a great option for an afternoon pick-me-up or as a dessert for coffee lovers. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor.
• Pandan Pastillas: Pandan is a fragrant leaf that’s commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine. Adding pandan extract to your Pastillas will give them a unique, floral aroma and a slightly sweet flavor. Pandan Pastillas are a refreshing and exotic twist on the classic recipe. You can find pandan extract at most Asian grocery stores. Start with a few drops and add more to taste until you reach your desired level of pandan flavor.
• Pastillas with Nuts: For added texture and flavor, try adding some finely chopped nuts to your Pastillas dough. Almonds, cashews, and pistachios all work well. The nuts will add a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the Pastillas. Make sure to chop the nuts finely so they distribute evenly throughout the dough. You can also toast the nuts before adding them to enhance their flavor.

Enjoy Your Homemade Pastillas!

And there you have it, guys! A simple yet delicious recipe for homemade Pastillas, the classic Filipino soft milk candy. We hope you enjoyed this sweet adventure. Making Pastillas is a wonderful way to experience Filipino culture and create a treat that’s loved by many. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, we’re sure your homemade Pastillas will be a hit! So, go ahead, give it a try, and share the sweetness with your friends and family. Happy cooking, and enjoy your Pastillas! They’re perfect for snacking, gifting, or just satisfying your sweet tooth. Until next time, happy baking!