Ube Cookies (Purple yam Filipino cookies)

Short Description

Ube cookies are soft, chewy, and vibrantly purple treats made with ube halaya and ube extract. These Filipino-inspired cookies offer a unique, nutty sweetness that sets them apart from traditional cookie recipes. They’re perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a colorful twist on a classic dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique flavor: The nutty, vanilla-like taste of ube is both familiar and exciting.
• Visually stunning: The natural purple color of ube makes these cookies stand out.
• Soft and chewy texture: Ideal for those who prefer tender, bakery-style cookies.
• Simple to make: Requires basic baking techniques and ingredients.
• Perfect for all occasions: Great for holidays, birthdays, or just because.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Egg
• Ube halaya (purple yam jam)
• Ube extract
• Vanilla extract
• White chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg, followed by ube halaya, ube extract, and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until combined.
6. Fold in white chocolate chips if using.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 25–27 minutes

Variations

• Ube crinkle cookies: Roll dough balls in powdered sugar before baking.
• Ube coconut cookies: Add shredded coconut for extra texture.
• Ube macadamia cookies: Mix in chopped macadamia nuts.
• Ube chocolate chip cookies: Substitute white chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

What is ube?

Ube is a purple yam from the Philippines known for its sweet, nutty flavor and vibrant color.

Can I use fresh ube instead of ube halaya?

Yes, but make sure it’s cooked and mashed smoothly. Ube halaya offers a more consistent texture and added sweetness.

What does ube extract do in this recipe?

Ube extract enhances the flavor and deepens the purple color of the cookies.

Where can I find ube halaya?

Ube halaya is typically available in Asian supermarkets or can be made at home from cooked purple yam.

Can I skip the white chocolate chips?

Yes, the cookies will still taste great without them. They simply add a creamy sweetness.

Do I need to chill the dough?

It’s not required, but chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help prevent excessive spreading.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, by using vegan butter, a flax egg, and ensuring all other ingredients are plant-based.

Why are my cookies too flat?

This could be due to overly soft butter or not enough flour. Chilling the dough helps maintain shape.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just ensure your mixing bowl is large enough to handle the increased volume.

Are these cookies good for gifting?

Yes, they store well and have an eye-catching appearance, making them perfect for gift boxes.

Conclusion

Ube cookies offer a unique fusion of traditional Filipino ingredients with a beloved cookie format. Their stunning color, delightful texture, and distinctive flavor make them a memorable treat for any dessert lover. Whether enjoyed fresh or gifted to others, these cookies are a sure way to impress.

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