If you love matcha, this Matcha Pastillas de Leche recipe is a must-try. It transforms the classic Filipino milk candy into a green tea–infused treat that’s creamy, slightly earthy, and delightfully addictive.
Matcha Pastillas de Leche are a twist on the traditional Filipino milk candy. Made with milk, cream, powdered milk, and culinary-grade matcha, they’re shaped into small cylinders, rolled in sugar, and individually wrapped for a nostalgic bite-sized treat.
These sweets bring back memories for many Filipinos. I remember getting excited whenever family visiting from the Philippines would bring pastillas and other confections wrapped in white or colorful paper. Each piece felt special—simple, sweet, and full of comfort.
Our version adds the mellow, grassy notes of matcha to that familiar milky sweetness. The interior is soft and creamy, while the sugar coating gives a light crunch that balances the flavor. They melt on the tongue and linger with a pleasant aftertaste that keeps you reaching for another.
Table of Contents
- Check out our Original Post with Aiya Matcha
- What are Pastillas De Leche?
- What do Matcha Pastillas De Leche Taste Like?
- How to Store Matcha Pastillas De Leche
- Ingredients
- Recipe
- Final Thoughts
- More Recipes You’ll Love
- References & Further Reading
Check out our Original Post with Aiya Matcha
This recipe was developed in collaboration with Aiya Matcha. We used their culinary-grade matcha for the best balance of flavor and color. If you enjoy matcha in confections, a good culinary matcha will give you an authentic taste without overpowering the milk base.
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What are Pastillas De Leche?
Pastillas de leche are traditional Filipino milk candies made from milk and sugar. The name literally means “milk pills,” referencing their small, cylindrical shape. Often sold in Filipino bakeries and markets, pastillas originally used carabao milk in the Philippines; elsewhere, cow’s milk is commonly substituted.
There are several styles—soft, hard, or toasted—and modern versions come in many flavors, from fruit to chocolate and now matcha.
What do Matcha Pastillas De Leche Taste Like?
These matcha pastillas are rich and milky, with the signature vegetal, lightly bitter notes of matcha. The sugar coating adds a pleasant crunch and sweet counterpoint, while the interior remains tender and melts as you chew. The combination leaves a clean, sweet finish and a subtle green-tea aroma.
How to Store Matcha Pastillas De Leche
Store the pastillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Remove them from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving so they soften and regain their creamy texture.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups 2% milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp white sugar
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup whole milk powder, sifted
- 1 tsp culinary-grade matcha, sifted
- Sugar for coating
Recipe
- Combine milk and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Keep the mixture at a low simmer and stir continuously for 15 minutes so it reduces slightly and doesn’t scorch.
- Add the sugar, lower the heat to almost no bubbling, and stir continuously for 30–45 minutes. Be patient: you’re aiming for a thick, condensed-milk–like texture.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a mixing bowl. Stir in the butter until fully incorporated.
- Add the sifted powdered milk and sifted matcha. Mix thoroughly until the mixture forms a pliable, dough-like consistency.
- Let the dough cool to room temperature. Divide and roll into 20–30 small cylinders or bite-sized pieces.
- To coat: place the pastillas and coating sugar in a lidded container or bowl, close, and gently shake back and forth until evenly coated.
- Wrap each pastilla in a piece of regular paper, then in decorative paper if desired, and twist the ends to close. See note below for wrapping tips.
Note: Wax paper or candy wrappers work best for wrapping. Decorative papers like origami paper look beautiful but can tear more easily—use them as an outer layer over wax paper for durability.
Final Thoughts
Matcha Pastillas de Leche take a beloved Filipino candy and give it a modern, flavorful update. The result is a creamy, slightly earthy confection with a satisfying sugar crunch. They’re perfect for gifting, sharing at gatherings, or keeping as a special treat at home.
Thanks for reading. If you make these pastillas, share your photos and tag the creator on Instagram to show off your results!
Matcha Pastillas De Leche
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowl(s)
- Sifter
- Wrapping paper (wax paper and decorative paper)
Ingredients
- 1½ cups 2% milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp white sugar
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup whole milk powder, sifted
- 1 tsp culinary-grade matcha, sifted
- Sugar for coating
Instructions
- Heat milk and heavy cream over medium-low, keeping a gentle simmer and stirring for 15 minutes.
- Add sugar, reduce heat to nearly no bubbles, and stir for 30–45 minutes until thickened to a condensed-milk texture.
- Remove from heat, stir in butter until incorporated.
- Add sifted powdered milk and matcha. Mix to form a dough-like consistency.
- Cool to room temperature, then divide and roll into 20–30 small cylinders.
- Coat by shaking the pastillas with sugar in a container until evenly covered.
- Wrap each piece in regular paper, then decorative paper if desired, twisting the ends to seal.
Notes
Wrapping tip: Wax paper or candy wrappers are easiest. Decorative paper looks pretty but can tear—use it over wax paper if needed.
More Recipes You’ll Love
You’ll love the creamy silken tofu and housemade syrup in this comforting Filipino snack.
An easy sauce made with just a few ingredients—sweet, salty, and deeply satisfying.
Sweet and slightly savory rice cakes with matcha—great for breakfast or merienda.
References & Further Reading
Original Instagram post referenced for the collaboration and inspiration.