The invention relates to a process for soft white milk-based coating of hard, soft, chewy or chocolate centres for the production of confectionery products characterised in that the coating mixture is a mixture comprising milk or milk derivative, a syrup of one or more carbohydrates selected from the group consisting of glucose, fructose-glucose and sorbitol and in that the said mixture is held at between 50 and 64.degree. C. for a time of less than approximately 40 minutes. The invention also relates to a coating for hard, soft and chewy sweets containing at least 200 of milk or milk derivative.