Polvoron - Filipino Powdered Candy

Polvoron is a powdered candy that is a Filipino favorite dessert or snack. It has a shortbread-like texture. This is one of the easiest sweets to make any time. Often I make these for gifts to friends. I can whip this up quickly the same day I'm gifting them or ahead of time. Wrap these in colored tissue paper or cellophane. The polvoron candy mold used to make the circular or oval shaped treats can be purchased from Filipino groceries here in the States. I’ve seen them sold on Amazon or eBay, too if you live abroad. But if you have family or friends in the Philippines, ask them to send you some. This recipe is an AsianInAmericamag recipe by Elizabeth Ann Quirino. Makes 18 to 20 of 2-inch pieces.

Prep Time1

Total Time1

Course: Dessert, Merienda, Snack

Cuisine: American, Asian, Filipino

Keyword: Filipino Polvoron Powdered Candy

Servings: people

Calories: 523kcal

Author: Asian in America - Elizabeth Ann Quirino

Equipment

Polvoron candy mold

Ingredients

3/4 cup melted unsalted butter ( use good, premium butter for best results)
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup powdered milk use Nido powdered milk; or non-fat powdered milk
1 cup granulated sugar
18 to 20 pieces colored tissue or cellophane paper cut individually in 6 x 6 inch squares; for wrapping candies

Instructions

Prepare the colored tissue paper or cellophane for the wrappers. Cut them in 6 x 6 inches individual pieces. Put these aside till ready to wrap.
Melt the butter in a small sauce pan over medium heat for about 8 minutes. Or microwave on high for one minute. Set the melted butter aside to cool.
In a large skillet or wok, with a clean, dry surface, add the flour. Over medium high heat, using a wooden spoon, mix the flour around to toast. In about 8 to 10 minutes, the flour’s color turns from white to a light brown. There will be a nutty aroma coming from the skillet. This is a sign the flour is now toasted. (Note: do not leave the flour unattended. Stir it continuously or it can burn and will affect the outcome).
Remove toasted flour from the stove top and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Let it cool on the counter for 5 minutes.
Add the powdered milk and sugar to the flour. Mix well.
Gradually add the melted butter to the dry ingredients, mixing well till it is incorporated.
How to shape a polvoron: Using a polvoron mold, press down firmly on the flour mixture inside the bowl. Make sure the flour mix is packed well into the bottom of the mold. Hold the mold firmly and rotate it from side to side to make sure it is filled with the powdered mixture. Gently transfer the mold, with the powder still in it, on the center of an individual tissue (or cellophane) paper. Release the polvoron candy by pressing down the spring lever from the top. Wrap the individual polvoron by folding the top and twisting the left and right sides of the paper. Use different colors of paper for a festive look.
Where to buy this kitchen gadget, the polvoron mold : I bought these in the Philippines during my annual trips. They are available in the kitchen section of supermarkets or department stores, in big cities. If relatives are coming from the Philippines, ask them to bring you some. These are inexpensive, lightweight and easy to tuck into one’s luggage. Or else these Polvoron molds can be found in Filipino groceries in the USA, or online go to Amazon or eBay, search for ‘Philippine polvoron molds’.
Substitute : In place of a polvoron mold, use a pastry or cookie cutter, or even a small tart pan (inverted), measuring about 2-inches wide, to shape these treats.
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Nutrition