Ube Cookies Recipe

Ube cookies, where do I even begin? From the moment the vibrant purple hue peeks through the oven door, you know you’re in for something special. My family, always eager taste testers, devoured these cookies faster than I could bake them. The subtle sweetness of ube, that wonderfully unique Filipino purple yam, combined with the familiar comfort of a soft, chewy cookie… it’s a match made in dessert heaven. These aren’t just cookies; they’re little bites of joy, perfect for brightening any day. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is surprisingly easy to follow and guarantees a batch of ube cookies that will impress everyone. Get ready to fall in love with the enchanting flavor and color of these truly special treats.

Ingredients: Your Palette for Purple Perfection

Crafting the perfect batch of Ube Cookies starts with gathering the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the desired texture, flavor, and vibrant color. Let’s delve into each ingredient, understanding its purpose and ensuring you have everything ready before you begin your baking journey.

• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our cookies, all-purpose flour provides structure and chewiness. It’s crucial to measure it correctly; spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid using too much, which can lead to dry cookies. For those seeking a slightly softer cookie, you can substitute a tablespoon or two of all-purpose flour with cornstarch.
• Baking Soda: This chemical leavening agent is essential for creating lift and a slightly airy texture in your cookies. Baking soda reacts with the acidic components in the recipe, releasing carbon dioxide and causing the cookies to rise and spread slightly. Ensure your baking soda is fresh for optimal results.
• Salt: A seemingly simple ingredient, salt plays a critical role in enhancing the flavors of all the other ingredients in your cookies. It balances the sweetness and prevents the cookies from tasting flat. Use fine sea salt or table salt for baking.
• Unsalted Butter: Butter is the key to rich flavor and tender texture in cookies. Unsalted butter is preferred in baking as it allows you to control the total salt content of the recipe. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature, which means it should be pliable but still cool to the touch. Softened butter creams together smoothly with sugar, creating air pockets that contribute to a light and fluffy cookie.
• Granulated Sugar: Granulated sugar not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the crisp edges of the cookies. It caramelizes during baking, creating those delightful golden-brown edges we all love.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar, with its molasses content, adds moisture, chewiness, and a subtle caramel flavor to the cookies. Light or dark brown sugar can be used; dark brown sugar will impart a slightly richer, more intense molasses flavor. Make sure to pack the brown sugar firmly when measuring.
• Egg: The egg acts as a binder, holding the ingredients together. It also adds richness, moisture, and structure to the cookies. Use a large egg at room temperature for best results.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies, adding a warm, aromatic note that complements the ube beautifully. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
• Ube Extract: The star of the show! Ube extract is what gives these cookies their signature vibrant purple color and distinctive ube flavor. It’s important to use a good quality ube extract for the most authentic taste and color. You can find ube extract at Asian grocery stores or online. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to your preference for color and flavor intensity in future batches.
• White Chocolate Chips (Optional): While optional, white chocolate chips add a delightful creamy sweetness that complements the ube flavor wonderfully. They melt beautifully during baking, creating pockets of melty goodness in each bite. You can substitute with other types of chips or omit them altogether if desired.

By carefully selecting and measuring each of these ingredients, you are setting the stage for baking truly exceptional Ube Cookies that are bursting with flavor and vibrant color. Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions to bring these purple delights to life.

Instructions: Baking Your Way to Ube Cookie Perfection

Now that you have all your ingredients prepped and ready, it’s time to embark on the exciting process of baking your own homemade Ube Cookies. Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to ensure cookie success.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets

• Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensuring your oven is at the correct temperature is crucial for even baking.
• Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and makes for easy cleanup. Alternatively, you can use silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

• In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisking ensures that these dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing clumps of baking soda in your cookies.
• Set the bowl of dry ingredients aside for later use.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

• In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment), place the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
• Cream together the butter and sugars on medium speed until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which is essential for creating light and airy cookies. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Egg and Extracts

• Add the egg to the creamed butter and sugar mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
• Pour in the vanilla extract and ube extract. Mix again until well combined and the batter turns a beautiful, vibrant purple color. At this stage, you can adjust the amount of ube extract to achieve your desired color intensity. Add a little more if you want a deeper purple hue.

Step 5: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients

• With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Add the dry ingredients in two or three additions, mixing until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in tough cookies. Mix until just no streaks of flour remain.

Step 6: Fold in White Chocolate Chips (Optional)

• If using white chocolate chips, gently fold them into the cookie dough using a spatula or wooden spoon. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough.

Step 7: Scoop and Arrange Cookie Dough

• Using a cookie scoop or two spoons, scoop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.
• For a more uniform look, you can gently flatten the tops of the cookie dough balls slightly with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

• Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them.
• Don’t overbake the cookies if you want them to be soft and chewy. They will continue to bake slightly as they cool on the baking sheet.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

• Once baked, remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cookies to firm up a bit and prevents them from breaking when you move them.
• Enjoy your freshly baked Ube Cookies warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own or paired with a glass of milk, coffee, or tea.

Following these detailed instructions will guide you to creating a batch of Ube Cookies that are not only visually stunning with their vibrant purple color but also incredibly delicious with their unique ube flavor and perfect chewy texture. Now let’s look at the nutritional profile of these delightful treats.

Nutrition Facts: A Treat to Savor in Moderation

Understanding the nutritional content of your Ube Cookies can help you enjoy them as part of a balanced diet. Please note that these are estimated values and can vary based on specific ingredient brands, portion sizes, and baking variations.

Serving Size: 1 Cookie (approximately 2 inches in diameter)
Servings Per Recipe: Approximately 24 cookies (depending on cookie size)

Estimated Nutritional Information Per Serving (1 Cookie):

• Calories: 150-180 kcal
• Total Fat: 8-10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5-6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2-4g
• Cholesterol: 20-30mg
• Sodium: 80-100mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 18-22g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0-1g
  • Sugars: 12-15g
• Protein: 1-2g

Key Nutritional Highlights (per cookie):

• Moderate Calorie Count: Each cookie provides a moderate amount of calories, making them a satisfying treat without being excessively high in calories.
• Source of Carbohydrates: Cookies are primarily a source of carbohydrates, mainly from sugar and flour, providing energy.
• Contains Fat: The fat content comes mainly from butter and white chocolate chips (if used), contributing to the rich flavor and texture.
• Low in Fiber and Protein: Ube Cookies are not a significant source of fiber or protein.

Important Considerations:

• Sugar Content: Ube Cookies are relatively high in sugar due to the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and white chocolate chips. Enjoy them as an occasional treat as part of a balanced diet.
• Fat Content: The fat content, primarily from butter, contributes to the delicious taste and texture but should be considered in overall dietary fat intake.
• Portion Control: Being mindful of portion sizes is key to enjoying cookies in moderation. Sticking to one or two cookies per serving is a good way to manage calorie and sugar intake.

While Ube Cookies are a delightful indulgence, it’s important to be aware of their nutritional content. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced eating plan, savoring each bite of their unique flavor and vibrant color. Now, let’s consider the preparation time involved in making these delicious cookies.

Preparation Time: From Pantry to Purple Perfection

Planning your baking time is essential for a smooth and enjoyable baking experience. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated preparation time for making Ube Cookies:

• Prep Time: 20-25 minutes
  • This includes gathering ingredients, measuring them out, softening butter, and preparing baking sheets.
  • Whisking dry ingredients and creaming butter and sugars also fall under prep time.
  • If you are a seasoned baker, you might be able to complete prep in closer to 20 minutes. For beginners, allowing 25 minutes is a comfortable estimate.
• Cook Time: 9-11 minutes per batch
  • The actual baking time in the oven is relatively short, typically ranging from 9 to 11 minutes per batch.
  • This time can vary slightly depending on your oven and desired cookie texture. Keep an eye on the cookies towards the end of the baking time to prevent overbaking.
  • If you are baking multiple batches, factor in the oven preheating time at the beginning, but subsequent batches will bake quicker as the oven is already at temperature.
• Cooling Time: 15-20 minutes (on baking sheet and wire rack)
  • Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes after baking is crucial for them to firm up and prevent breakage when transferring.
  • Cooling completely on a wire rack takes an additional 10-15 minutes. This ensures the cookies reach their optimal texture and are ready to be enjoyed or stored.
• Total Time (Approximate): 45-55 minutes
  • From start to finish, including prep, baking, and cooling, the total time to make a batch of Ube Cookies is approximately 45 to 55 minutes.
  • This makes them a relatively quick and rewarding baking project, perfect for when you crave a homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen.

Time Management Tips:

• Read the Recipe First: Before you begin, read through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with all the steps and ensure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
• Mise en Place: Practice “mise en place,” which means “everything in its place.” Measure out all your ingredients before you start mixing. This streamlines the baking process and prevents you from pausing mid-recipe to measure something.
• Soften Butter Ahead of Time: Remember to take your butter out of the refrigerator at least 30-60 minutes before you start baking to allow it to soften properly.
• Bake in Batches: If you have multiple baking sheets, you can bake multiple batches of cookies consecutively to save time. Just ensure your oven temperature remains consistent.

With efficient preparation and a clear understanding of the baking timeline, you can whip up a batch of delightful Ube Cookies in under an hour. Now, let’s explore some creative ways to serve and enjoy these purple gems.

How to Serve: Elevating Your Ube Cookie Experience

Ube Cookies are delicious on their own, but there are numerous ways to elevate your serving experience and enjoy them in different contexts. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Classic and Simple:
  • Freshly Baked and Warm: Enjoy them straight from the oven while they are still warm and gooey. The melty white chocolate chips (if used) and soft centers are simply irresistible.
  • Paired with Milk: A timeless combination! Serve Ube Cookies with a cold glass of milk (dairy or non-dairy) for a comforting and classic treat.
  • Coffee or Tea Companion: Ube Cookies make a perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee, afternoon tea, or evening dessert. Their subtle sweetness and unique flavor enhance your beverage break.
• Dessert Platter Star:
  • Colorful Cookie Assortment: Include Ube Cookies in a colorful cookie platter alongside other varieties like chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and peanut butter cookies for a visually appealing and diverse dessert selection.
  • Dessert Board Highlight: Feature Ube Cookies on a dessert board with fresh fruits (berries, grapes, sliced oranges), cheeses (cream cheese, brie), and other sweet treats for a sophisticated and shareable dessert spread.
• Elevated Presentations:
  • Ube Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches: Take two cooled Ube Cookies and sandwich a scoop of vanilla, ube, or coconut ice cream between them for a decadent and refreshing treat.
  • Crumbled Topping: Crumble Ube Cookies and use them as a topping for ice cream, yogurt parfaits, or smoothie bowls to add a touch of flavor and texture.
  • Cookie Crumble Pie Crust: Get creative and use crushed Ube Cookies as a unique and flavorful pie crust for cream pies or cheesecakes.
• Festive and Special Occasions:
  • Holiday Cookie Exchange: Ube Cookies are a unique and eye-catching addition to holiday cookie exchanges. Their vibrant purple color is perfect for festive celebrations.
  • Filipino Fiesta: Serve Ube Cookies as part of a Filipino feast or “Fiesta” to celebrate Filipino culture and cuisine. They are a wonderful representation of Filipino flavors.
  • Party Favors: Package a few Ube Cookies in cellophane bags tied with ribbon as delightful and personalized party favors for birthdays, baby showers, or other celebrations.
• Creative Pairings:
  • Coconut Flavors: Pair Ube Cookies with coconut-flavored beverages like coconut water, coconut milk, or coconut-flavored coffee for a complementary tropical flavor combination.
  • Citrus Accents: A hint of citrus can brighten the sweetness of ube. Serve Ube Cookies with a side of orange slices or a lemon-infused beverage.
  • Savory Contrast: Surprisingly, a slight savory element can enhance the sweetness of ube. Try serving Ube Cookies with a small dish of salted caramel or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top.

By exploring these serving suggestions, you can transform your homemade Ube Cookies from a simple treat into a versatile and memorable dessert experience. Now, let’s delve into some additional tips to help you bake the best Ube Cookies possible.

Additional Tips for Baking Perfect Ube Cookies

To ensure your Ube Cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are five additional tips to keep in mind:

1. Measure Flour Accurately: Proper flour measurement is crucial for cookie texture. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this can compact the flour and result in using too much, leading to dry cookies. For even more accuracy, use a kitchen scale to weigh your flour.
2. Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): While not strictly necessary, chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes (or even up to a few hours) in the refrigerator can improve the texture of your Ube Cookies. Chilling helps to solidify the butter, which in turn reduces spreading during baking and results in thicker, chewier cookies. If you chill the dough, you might need to add a minute or two to the baking time.
3. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing cookie dough can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough cookies. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined, and stop mixing as soon as no streaks of flour remain. A few lumps in the dough are perfectly fine.
4. Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats is highly recommended. This prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, ensures easy removal, and makes cleanup a breeze. Parchment paper also helps to promote even baking.
5. Bake in the Center Rack and Rotate Baking Sheets: Position your baking sheets on the center rack of your oven for even heat distribution. If you are baking multiple sheets at once, rotate the baking sheets halfway through the baking time (front to back and top to bottom if baking on two racks) to ensure the cookies bake uniformly. This helps to prevent hot spots and ensures all cookies bake evenly.

By following these additional tips, you can further refine your Ube Cookie baking skills and consistently create batches of cookies that are not only delicious but also have the perfect texture and appearance. Finally, let’s address some frequently asked questions about baking Ube Cookies.

FAQ Section: Your Ube Cookie Questions Answered

Baking can sometimes raise questions, especially when trying a new recipe. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making Ube Cookies:

Q1: Can I use ube halaya (ube jam) instead of ube extract?

A: While ube halaya can add flavor, it’s not a direct substitute for ube extract in this cookie recipe. Ube halaya is much thicker and contains sugar and other ingredients that will alter the cookie dough consistency and sweetness. Using ube extract is recommended for achieving the desired texture and flavor balance in these cookies. If you want to incorporate ube halaya, you could try adding a small amount (perhaps a tablespoon or two) in addition to the ube extract, but you may need to adjust the liquid and sugar content of the recipe accordingly.

Q2: My cookies spread too thin. What did I do wrong?

A: Several factors can contribute to cookies spreading too thin:

• Butter Too Soft: If your butter was too warm or melted, it can cause excessive spreading. Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature, but still cool to the touch.
• Oven Temperature Too Low: A lower oven temperature can cause cookies to spread before setting. Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature (375°F/190°C) and that your oven thermometer is accurate.
• Too Much Sugar: While sugar is essential, too much sugar can also contribute to spreading. Ensure you are measuring your sugars accurately.
• Not Enough Flour: Inaccurate flour measurement (using too little) can also lead to spreading. Measure flour correctly using the spoon and level method.
• Try Chilling the Dough: As mentioned in the tips, chilling the dough can significantly reduce spreading.

Q3: Can I freeze Ube Cookie dough or baked cookies?

A: Yes, both Ube Cookie dough and baked cookies freeze well.

• Freezing Cookie Dough: Scoop cookie dough balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cookie dough can be baked directly from frozen; you may need to add a minute or two to the baking time.
• Freezing Baked Cookies: Allow baked cookies to cool completely. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Q4: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can make gluten-free Ube Cookies by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Choose a blend that is designed for baking and contains xanthan gum or guar gum for structure. Follow the recipe as written, using the gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Baking times may be slightly different, so keep an eye on the cookies while baking.

Q5: What if I can’t find ube extract? Are there any substitutes?

A: Ube extract is essential for the authentic ube flavor and vibrant purple color of these cookies. While there isn’t a direct substitute for ube extract, you could try using purple sweet potato puree (cooked and mashed) for a subtle ube-like flavor and color. However, this will significantly alter the texture and may require adjustments to the liquid content of the recipe. It’s best to try and find ube extract at Asian grocery stores or online for the most authentic Ube Cookie experience.

We hope this FAQ section has addressed any questions you might have had about baking Ube Cookies. Now you are fully equipped to bake a batch of these delightful purple treats and share the joy of Ube Cookies with your family and friends! Enjoy your baking journey!

Print