Doodh peda, also known simply as milk peda, is a classic Indian sweet that holds a special place during festivals and celebrations. Traditionally, pedas are made using khoya or mawa, which is essentially milk that has been slow-cooked and reduced until thick and grainy. Although the traditional approach yields a rich and indulgent texture, it often demands considerable time and effort in preparation.
This instant version offers a quicker, hassle-free alternative without compromising on taste or texture. Skip the long hours of simmering milk—this recipe cleverly swaps in two time-saving ingredients: sweetened condensed milk and milk powder, delivering rich flavor and creamy texture in a fraction of the time. Together, they replicate the creamy richness of khoya while cutting down on preparation time dramatically.
In less than 30 minutes and with just a handful of basic ingredients, you can whip up irresistibly soft, creamy pedas that simply melt in your mouth—no long hours or complex steps required. This shortcut recipe is ideal for beginners, last-minute festive prep, or whenever you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Garnished with a touch of cardamom and a sliver of pistachio or almond, these instant doodh pedas are not just quick to make, but also irresistibly delicious.
Whether it’s Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, or any joyous occasion, this instant milk peda recipe is a perfect homemade treat that brings the taste of tradition with the ease of modern cooking.
❤️Why I Love This Peda Recipe
You’ll need just five simple ingredients to make these delicious milk pedas — three essential base ingredients and two for flavor enhancement. It’s a quick and fuss-free recipe that delivers rich, authentic taste in a fraction of the time.
For the step-by-step process shown in the pictures, I’ve used the microwave method — perfect for when you’re short on time but still want to whip up a festive treat. However, if you prefer the traditional stovetop technique, don’t worry — I’ve included detailed instructions for that below as well.
The cooking process itself takes only 3 to 4 minutes in the microwave. After that, you just need to let the mixture cool down slightly until it’s comfortable to touch — which takes a few more minutes — and then shape the pedas into smooth, round discs. From start to finish, the entire process is done in about 10 minutes, making it an excellent last-minute sweet option for festivals, celebrations, or sudden sweet cravings.
Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook looking for a quick mithai fix, this instant milk peda recipe will surely become a go-to favorite.
🧾Ingredients
Here’s a photo of all the ingredients you’ll need for this easy and quick doodh peda recipe. The recipe is built around just three essential ingredients — sweetened condensed milk, milk powder, and butter. These ingredients create the luscious, creamy foundation of the peda, giving it that classic soft, melt-in-the-mouth experience. In addition to these, cardamom powder and a few strands of saffron are added to infuse the pedas with traditional Indian flavors and a beautiful aroma — both of which elevate this simple sweet to festive-worthy status.
🔸 Important Note on Milk Powder: It is absolutely crucial to use full-fat milk powder for this recipe. The fat content adds richness and a smooth texture to the pedas that simply cannot be achieved with low-fat or non-fat alternatives. In the United States, most regular grocery stores typically carry only nonfat dry milk powder, which unfortunately won’t give you the desired result in Indian sweets. For the best outcome, visit an Indian or South Asian grocery store — you’ll find full-fat milk powder there, often labeled as “Mawa powder” or “Khoya powder.” This version is specifically meant for making traditional Indian sweets like peda, barfi, and gulab jamun.
👩🍳How To Make Peda In Microwave? (Stepwise Pics)
For reference, my microwave operates at 1400 watts of power, which significantly influences the cooking time of recipes. If your microwave operates at a different wattage—either lower or higher—you’ll need to tweak the cooking time to ensure the dish is neither undercooked nor overdone. Adjust accordingly to match your appliance’s power for the best results. Always keep an eye on the mixture and modify the duration based on how your appliance performs, as microwave power can vary from one model to another.
1) Begin by melting the butter in a large microwave-safe bowl — just a few seconds is enough to soften it.
2) Stir in the milk powder and gently fold it into the melted butter until each bit is well coated and starts to form a smooth, buttery blend.
3) Add the sweetened condensed milk and mix it in thoroughly, ensuring it blends seamlessly with the butter and milk powder to create a rich, lump-free mixture.
4) In a separate small bowl, combine a spoonful of warm milk with a few saffron strands. Microwave this for a few seconds until the milk is warm and the saffron begins to release its color and aroma. Set aside for later use.
5) Place the main mixture into the microwave and heat for 1 minute. Take it out and stir vigorously to break up any lumps and ensure a smooth, even texture.
6) Microwave again for another minute, then take it out and stir once more.
7) Pour in the warm saffron-infused milk and lightly sprinkle the cardamom powder, then stir well to infuse the mixture with rich aroma and flavor.
8) Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure the saffron and cardamom are evenly blended, infusing every bite with their aromatic essence.
9) Microwave for one last minute to bring the mixture together.
10) Stir thoroughly, then allow the mixture to cool slightly until it’s warm but comfortable to touch.
11) Once cool enough to handle, grease your palms with a bit of ghee and begin shaping the pedas into small discs.
12) If desired, press a design using a peda stamp, or simply decorate the tops with finely chopped almonds or pistachios for a festive touch.
🥣 Storage Instructions
To keep these pedas fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. They will retain their flavor and texture for up to 3 to 4 days. For optimal results, lay them out in a single layer—this helps preserve their delicate shape and prevents them from sticking together. If you need to stack them, be sure to place a piece of parchment paper or butter paper between each layer.
This helps prevent the pedas from sticking together or becoming squished. Also, avoid using cling film directly on the pedas as it may cause condensation and affect the texture. When ready to serve, take them out of the fridge a few minutes in advance to let them soften slightly at room temperature for the best taste and mouthfeel.
🍽 Serving Ideas
- Pedas hold a timeless place in Indian culture, deeply woven into the fabric of celebration and devotion. These soft, melt-in-the-mouth sweets are not just treats—they symbolize joy, blessings, and the spirit of togetherness.
- They are most commonly prepared or purchased during major Indian festivals such as Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, Holi, Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Navratri. Their rich taste and festive appearance make them a must-have on every sweet platter during these occasions. During religious ceremonies and poojas, pedas are often offered to deities as prasad and later distributed among devotees, signifying purity and divine blessings.
- Beyond festivals, pedas are also associated with moments of personal happiness and achievement. Whether it’s the birth of a child, success in exams, getting a promotion, or any other joyful milestone, it’s customary to share a box of pedas with family, friends, and neighbors as a token of good news. This sweet exchange is seen as a gesture of love, warmth, and celebration.
- From weddings and housewarmings to spiritual gatherings and cultural rituals, pedas remain one of the most beloved and widely consumed sweets in India. Their versatility, simplicity, and symbolic value ensure that they continue to be a cherished part of our traditions—turning every occasion, big or small, into a memorable one.
Stove Top Method:
- In a thick-bottomed pan, combine all the ingredients—except the cardamom powder—making sure everything is well incorporated. Mix the blend vigorously to break up any lumps and achieve a consistently smooth texture throughout.
- Place the pan on medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly to prevent it from sticking or burning at the bottom. Continue to cook for around 10 to 12 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and starts pulling away from the sides of the pan. The mixture will transform into a soft, dough-like consistency, releasing a delightful fragrance as it cooks.
- When the mixture thickens to the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and spread it onto a greased or buttered plate. Let it cool for a few minutes until it’s warm enough to touch comfortably. When it is warm but not hot, sprinkle the cardamom powder and mix gently. Then, take small portions and roll them into smooth, round pedas. You may lightly flatten them and garnish with a saffron strand or chopped pistachios if desired. Let them set for a while before serving or storing.
