Stew Leonard’s Christmas Cookie Milk is a seasonal sensation that perfectly captures the flavor of dunking sugar cookies in rich, creamy milk. If you’ve tried it, you know how addictive this sweet, velvety drink can be.
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How to make Stew Leonard’s Cookie Milk
Stew Leonard’s Cookie Milk is a seasonal, sweet flavored milk sold by Stew Leonard’s during the holidays. It’s regular milk that’s blended with sugar-cookie flavor, giving it a sweet, buttery, creamy taste similar to dipping a fresh cookie into milk.
Ingredients
To mimic the rich, sweet, and slightly buttery flavor of Stew Leonard’s Cookie Milk, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 cups whole milk (or substitute with oat milk for a dairy-free option)
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (adds a hint of molasses for a cookie vibe)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for a festive sugar cookie taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for a warm holiday touch)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or 1 teaspoon gelatin (optional, for a thicker texture similar to store-bought flavored milk)
- Crushed sugar cookies, sprinkles, or whipped cream.
Instructions
1. Prep the Milk Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream (if using). Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until it’s warm but not boiling. This step helps blend the flavors smoothly and creates a creamy texture.
2. Add Sweetness & Flavor: Whisk in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and cinnamon until all the sugar is dissolved. Be sure to taste as you go—if you like it sweeter, feel free to add an extra tablespoon of sugar.
3. Thicken It Up: If you’re using cornstarch, mix it with 2 tablespoons of cold milk to make a slurry and stir it into the saucepan. Let the mixture simmer for about 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly. Avoid boiling the milk, as that may scorch it. If using gelatin, dissolve it in warm water and stir it into the milk mixture, allowing it to thicken as it cools.
4. Cool & Infuse: Once the milk is flavored to your liking, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool completely. Some people like to leave the mixture in the fridge overnight to enhance the flavors. Pour the cooled mixture into a bottle or pitcher for serving.
5. Add Cookie Garnishes: For extra pizzazz, crush sugar cookies into small crumbs and sprinkle them on top of individual servings. You can also rim your glasses with cookie crumbs or add a dollop of whipped cream with festive sprinkles!
Tips for Nailing the Recipe
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar amounts slightly. Stew Leonard’s is known for its sweet and indulgent milk, but you can balance it to fit your taste.
- Cookie Inspiration: Want to go all out? Add crushed sugar cookies directly to the milk while simmering for an intense cookie flavor. Just be sure to strain out any large pieces before serving.
- Presentation Matters: Pour the milk into a glass bottle or mason jar for that classic Stew Leonard’s vibe. Bonus points if you decorate the bottle with holiday ribbons or labels!
- Make It Vegan: Substitute the milk with almond milk or oat milk and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream. The sugar cookie flavor will shine through, regardless of the base you choose.
- Experiment with Other Flavors: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of peppermint extract for a unique holiday twist.
What to serve with
Stew Leonard’s Cookie Milk is like dessert in a glass—rich, creamy, and packed with sugar cookie-inspired sweetness.
- Sugar Cookies: The most obvious and perfect pairing! Freshly baked sugar cookies mirror the flavor of the drink, creating a harmonious dessert vibe. For a festive spin, decorate the cookies with holiday-themed icing or sprinkles.
- Snickerdoodles: Soft, buttery snickerdoodles dusted with cinnamon add an extra layer of warmth to your cookie milk experience. The slight spice complements the sweetness of the Stew Leonard’s Cookie Milk perfectly.
- Shortbread Cookies: The buttery richness of classic shortbread goes hand-in-hand with the creamy milk, making for a delightful pairing. Try dipping the cookies directly into the drink for a true holiday indulgence.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: If you want to break away from “classic,” pair the cookie milk with warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies. The chocolate in the cookies provides a deeper flavor contrast against the vanilla and sugar tones of the milk.
- Gingerbread Cookies: The slightly spicy and bold flavor of gingerbread makes a festive (and slightly sophisticated) pairing. Decorate them with royal icing for extra holiday charm!
Ingredients Substitutes
No matter your dietary needs or flavor inspirations, these substitutes will help you whip up a milk that’s every bit as magical as the original!
1. Milk Base Substitutes
The milk base is a key component in achieving the creamy texture of cookie milk. While whole milk is traditionally used, there are plenty of substitutes to accommodate different diets or flavor preferences.
Dairy-Free Alternatives:
- Oat Milk: The top choice for replicating richness without dairy. Oat milk has a naturally creamy texture and neutral sweetness. Brands like Oatly make excellent substitutes.
- Almond Milk: Slightly nutty and smooth, almond milk pairs beautifully with the sugar-cookie flavors (especially when you add almond extract).
- Coconut Milk: Canned coconut milk adds a thick, velvety texture and a hint of coconut flavor, which works well in holiday creations.
- Soy Milk: A reliable, neutral option, soy milk can replicate the consistency of dairy milk while keeping things plant-based.
Low-Fat Options:
- Skim Milk: For a lighter calorie count, skim milk works well. However, you may lose some creaminess, so consider adding a bit of cream or cornstarch to thicken the texture.
- 2% Milk: A great middle ground—it’s lower in fat than whole milk but still has decent creaminess.
2. Heavy Cream Substitutes
Heavy cream is commonly added to boost the richness and luxurious texture of cookie milk, but there are alternatives.
Dairy-Free Substitutes:
- Coconut Cream: The thick layer of cream at the top of canned coconut milk provides a dreamily rich substitute. It’s perfect for creating a creamy, non-dairy version.
- Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with water until smooth to create a nut-based substitute. This adds mild sweetness and creaminess.
- Silken Tofu: Believe it or not, blended silken tofu can achieve the luxurious feel of heavy cream in a non-dairy recipe.
Lower-Calorie Substitutes:
- Evaporated Milk: For a lighter version, evaporated milk adds richness without the heaviness of cream.
- Greek Yogurt: Whisk plain Greek yogurt into the milk for a tangy, creamy finish. Add sugar and vanilla to balance the flavor.
Thickening Alternatives:
- Cornstarch Slurry: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir into the milk base for added thickness.
- Gelatin or Agar-Agar: These natural thickeners can give the milk a richer mouthfeel without adding extra fat.
3. Sweetener Substitutes
The original recipe calls for granulated sugar and light brown sugar to replicate the sweetness and molasses-like undertones of Stew Leonard’s Cookie Milk. Here’s how you can mix it up:
Healthier Sweeteners:
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness with floral undertones. Use 3/4 of the amount of sugar for substitution.
- Maple Syrup: Substituting maple syrup creates a slightly earthy flavor that complements holiday spices beautifully.
- Coconut Sugar: With a lower-glycemic index, coconut sugar provides a caramel-like sweetness, making it an ideal alternative to brown sugar.
Sugar-Free Substitutes:
- Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: These sugar-free options are perfect for cutting back on calories while maintaining sweetness. Adjust quantities based on your taste preferences.
- Erythritol: Works well as a granulated sugar substitute and is ideal for low-carb recipes.
Final Thoughts
Stew Leonard’s Cookie Milk is a holiday tradition that deserves to be completely indulged in, and pairing it with the right snacks and treats makes the experience even better.
More Drink Recipes:
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Crushed sugar cookies
Instructions
1. Prep the Milk Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream (if using). Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until it’s warm but not boiling. This step helps blend the flavors smoothly and creates a creamy texture.
2. Add Sweetness & Flavor: Whisk in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and cinnamon until all the sugar is dissolved. Be sure to taste as you go—if you like it sweeter, feel free to add an extra tablespoon of sugar.
3. Thicken It Up: If you’re using cornstarch, mix it with 2 tablespoons of cold milk to make a slurry and stir it into the saucepan. Let the mixture simmer for about 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly. Avoid boiling the milk, as that may scorch it. If using gelatin, dissolve it in warm water and stir it into the milk mixture, allowing it to thicken as it cools.
4. Cool & Infuse: Once the milk is flavored to your liking, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool completely. Some people like to leave the mixture in the fridge overnight to enhance the flavors. Pour the cooled mixture into a bottle or pitcher for serving.
5. Add Cookie Garnishes: For extra pizzazz, crush sugar cookies into small crumbs and sprinkle them on top of individual servings. You can also rim your glasses with cookie crumbs or add a dollop of whipped cream with festive sprinkles!
