I’ll never forget the first time I made Poor Man’s Treats. It was a particularly tight month, finances were squeezed, but the kids were craving something sweet. You know what? I rummaged through the cupboards and, with a bit of this and a dash of that, the most unassuming ingredients came together to create something absolutely magical. The kids devoured them, and just like that, a new family favorite was born.
These treats are a testament to the ingenuity that comes from a little bit of scarcity, a whole lot of love, and the joy of making something out of seemingly nothing. And honestly, isn’t that what cooking is all about? Now, I make these whenever we need a little comfort, and trust me, they never disappoint.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Oh, the beauty of simplicity! Here’s what you’ll need, and don’t worry, it’s all probably already sitting in your kitchen.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Now, about those ingredients… Here’s how to transform them into the treats that will have your neighbors knocking on your door, wondering what that heavenly smell is.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined – don’t overdo it (learned this the hard way).
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. They don’t have to be perfect; these treats are all about rustic charm.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until they are just starting to turn a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on them; oven temperatures can vary!
- Remove from oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Tricks
Here are some little nuggets of wisdom I’ve picked up along the way. I mean, who doesn’t love a good insider secret?
- Butter matters: Use real butter here, folks. It gives a richness that just can’t be matched. (Trust me on this.)
- Milk substitutes: No milk? No problem! I’ve used almond milk, and it turned out just as divine.
- Sugar options: While white sugar is the classic choice, I’ve thrown in brown sugar for a deeper flavor, and it’s been a game changer!
FAQ
Q: Can I add chocolate chips to the recipe?
A: Absolutely! Toss in a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts to add a bit of texture and flavor.
Q: How do I store these treats?
A: Once they’re completely cool, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep for a few days, if they last that long!
Q: Are these treats suitable for freezing?
A: Yes, they freeze well. Just wrap them tightly and they can be enjoyed at a later date. Perfect for those unexpected sweet cravings!
Let me take you back for a moment, to when I shared these treats at a community potluck. The pride I felt as I watched people go back for seconds, thirds – it was a humbling reminder that the simplest things often bring the most joy. Our family’s Poor Man’s Treats became a neighborhood hit, and honestly, that means more to me than any fancy dessert ever could.
In a world that often feels too complex, it’s comforting to know that some of the best things in life are simple and sweet, just like these treats. So, from my kitchen to yours, enjoy making and sharing these Poor Man’s Treats. May they bring a little bit of sweetness to your day, no matter what life throws your way.
Poor Man's Treats
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
-
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
-
Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
-
Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
-
Bake for 10-15 minutes or until they turn a lovely golden brown.
-
Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.