28
I’ll show you how to create your own version of Target Sugar Cookie Milk, complete with that creamy, comforting sweetness that makes your taste buds rejoice.
Advertisements
Table of Contents
How to make Target Sugar Cookie Milk
Target Sugar Cookie Milk is a seasonal flavored milk sold at Target, made to taste like a classic sugar cookie. It’s sweet, creamy milk (usually 1% or whole) blended with sugar and vanilla-style flavoring to give it a dessert-like, cookie-inspired taste.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk (use 1% milk for the closest texture to Target’s version, or substitute almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk for a dairy-free option)
- 1 cup heavy cream (this gives your drink that rich, indulgent flavor—optional if you’re going for an even lighter version)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (this adds a classic sugar-cookie aroma)
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (important for recreating that sweet, nutty cookie essence)
- 1/4 teaspoon butter extract (optional, but it helps mimic the “buttery” cookie flavor)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt (helps balance the sweetness)
- 1–2 tablespoons white chocolate chips, melted (optional, for added sweetness and creaminess—helps mimic the original)
Instructions:
- Heat the milk base: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream (if using), and sugar. Warm the mixture over medium-low heat until it’s hot, but not boiling. Stir frequently to dissolve the sugar completely.
- Melt the chocolate (optional): If you’re adding white chocolate for more depth of flavor, melt it in a microwave-safe bowl in 15-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth. Set it aside to cool slightly.
- Incorporate the flavors: Once the milk mixture is warm, lower the heat to its lowest setting. Stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract, butter extract (if using), and the melted white chocolate. Whisk everything together until smooth and well-blended.
- Add a pinch of salt: Stir in the salt, which will subtly enhance the sweetness and give the drink balance—just like real sugar cookies.
- Cool and serve: If you’d like to enjoy this drink hot, you can pour it into mugs and serve it immediately. For the classic chilled version, transfer the mixture to a heat-proof container, cover, and refrigerate until fully chilled (about 2–3 hours).
- Shake before serving: Once the milk is chilled, give it a good shake or stir before serving to make sure all the flavors are evenly combined.
- Optional garnish: Go all out on the sugar cookie theme by adding a dollop of whipped cream on top and a sprinkling of colorful holiday sprinkles—or even a little crumbled sugar cookie for extra indulgence!
Tips for Success:
- Customize your sweetness: If you prefer your Target Sugar Cookie Milk less sweet, start with 2 tablespoons of sugar and adjust to taste.
- Make it dairy-free: Use plant-based milk (like almond, oat, or coconut milk) and skip the heavy cream—or replace it with a non-dairy creamer for a similar richness. Dairy-free white chocolate chips are also available if needed.
- Use quality extracts: The almond and vanilla extracts are key players in this recipe. Make sure to use high-quality ones for the best flavor. If you’re out of almond extract, you can double the vanilla extract, though it won’t replicate the sugar cookie flavor quite as well.
- Experiment with serving ideas: This milk tastes amazing on its own, but it’s also great in coffee, as a base for hot chocolate, or mixed into a milkshake!
Ingredients Substitutes
One of the best things about making homemade Target-inspired Sugar Cookie Milk is its flexibility.
1. Milk Substitutes
The base of this recipe is milk, and the type of milk you use can affect both texture and flavor.
Advertisements
Dairy-Free Alternatives:
- Almond Milk: A neutral option with a mildly nutty flavor, making it a great stand-in for regular milk.
- Oat Milk: Naturally creamy, oat milk works wonderfully for a rich, silky texture.
- Coconut Milk: Use unsweetened coconut milk for a tropical twist. For a thicker option, full-fat canned coconut milk can be used, although it has a stronger coconut flavor that may dominate.
- Soy Milk: A classic dairy-free choice with enough creaminess to mimic whole milk.
Other Dairy-Based Options:
- Skim Milk: If you want a lighter version, skim milk works perfectly but won’t be as creamy as whole milk.
- Half-and-Half: For extra richness, substitute milk with part half-and-half, or use it in place of the heavy cream in the recipe.
2. Heavy Cream Substitutes
Heavy cream gives Target Sugar Cookie Milk its velvety, decadent texture. However, there are excellent alternatives for a lighter or plant-based version.
- Coconut Cream: For a creamy, dairy-free option, coconut cream (the thick part of canned coconut milk) is a fantastic choice. Whisk it well before adding to your mixture.
- Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with water to create your own rich, creamy base. This works wonderfully in dairy-free recipes.
- Evaporated Milk: For a less heavy texture, evaporated milk can replace heavy cream.
- Whole Milk or Plant-Based Creamer: If you don’t have heavy cream, using full-fat milk or a non-dairy creamer like oat or almond creamer will also work well.
3. Sugar Substitutes
Granulated sugar is used for a perfectly sweet base, but there are healthier or alternative sweeteners you can use:
- Maple Syrup: Adds a natural sweetness with slightly caramel undertones. Use about 1 ½ tablespoons for every 2 tablespoons of sugar.
- Honey: A warm, floral sweetness makes honey a good replacement. Use the same quantity as sugar, but note that it will slightly alter the flavor.
- Brown Sugar: For a deeper, caramel-like sweetness, replace white sugar with light brown sugar. This can add flavor complexity to your drink.
- Coconut Sugar: A natural, unrefined option that adds a subtle nutty flavor. Replace granulated sugar 1:1.
- Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: These calorie-free sweeteners work well for sugar-free versions. The conversion ratio will depend on the product, so check the label.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—your own customizable take on Target Sugar Cookie Milk. This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy nights in, or even as a festive treat for Santa.
More Cookie Recipes:
- Copycat Trader Joe’s Gingerbread Cookies Recipe
- Pillsbury Ready-to-Bake Cookies Recipe
- Copycat Pillsbury Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon butter extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1–2 tablespoons white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Heat the milk base: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream (if using), and sugar. Warm the mixture over medium-low heat until it's hot, but not boiling. Stir frequently to dissolve the sugar completely.
- Melt the chocolate (optional): If you're adding white chocolate for more depth of flavor, melt it in a microwave-safe bowl in 15-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth. Set it aside to cool slightly.
- Incorporate the flavors: Once the milk mixture is warm, lower the heat to its lowest setting. Stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract, butter extract (if using), and the melted white chocolate. Whisk everything together until smooth and well-blended.
- Add a pinch of salt: Stir in the salt, which will subtly enhance the sweetness and give the drink balance—just like real sugar cookies.
- Cool and serve: If you'd like to enjoy this drink hot, you can pour it into mugs and serve it immediately. For the classic chilled version, transfer the mixture to a heat-proof container, cover, and refrigerate until fully chilled (about 2–3 hours).
- Shake before serving: Once the milk is chilled, give it a good shake or stir before serving to make sure all the flavors are evenly combined.
- Optional garnish: Go all out on the sugar cookie theme by adding a dollop of whipped cream on top and a sprinkling of colorful holiday sprinkles—or even a little crumbled sugar cookie for extra indulgence!
previous post