Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Ube Cookies are soft in the center with lightly crisp edges and a deliciously rich flavor. The ube adds natural sweetness and a beautiful purple color that makes the cookies stand out. They are easy to make and perfect for parties, holidays, or everyday snacking.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup ube halaya or ube jam
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
Optional toppings:
- Extra white chocolate drizzle
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Crushed nuts
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
Add the ube jam and stir until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
Fold in the white chocolate chips.
Scoop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly set.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Servings and timing
Servings: 18 cookies
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 27 minutes
Variations
Add macadamia nuts for extra crunch.
Use dark chocolate chips for a less sweet version.
Sprinkle toasted coconut on top before baking.
Stuff the cookies with cream cheese filling for extra richness.
Make sandwich cookies with ube frosting in the middle.
Storage/Reheating
Store Ube Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate for up to 1 week for longer freshness.
Freeze baked cookies or cookie dough for up to 2 months.
Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for a softer texture before serving.
FAQs
What is ube?
Ube is a purple yam commonly used in Filipino desserts with a sweet and slightly nutty vanilla-like flavor.
Can I use fresh ube instead of ube jam?
Yes. Cooked and mashed ube can be used, though ube jam adds sweetness and stronger flavor.
Why are my cookies dry?
Too much flour or overbaking can cause dry cookies.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes. Portion the dough and freeze it for easy future baking.
What chocolate pairs best with ube?
White chocolate pairs especially well because it complements the sweet earthy flavor of ube.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour substitute.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
The butter may have been too warm, or the dough needed chilling before baking.
Can I make the cookies more purple?
Yes. A small amount of purple food coloring or ube extract can deepen the color.
What toppings work well with Ube Cookies?
Toasted coconut, white chocolate drizzle, nuts, or sprinkles all pair nicely.
Can I use store-bought ube jam?
Yes. Store-bought ube halaya works perfectly for this recipe.
Conclusion
Ube Cookies are soft, chewy, and beautifully vibrant with their sweet purple yam flavor and rich buttery texture. Fun, colorful, and easy to make, these cookies are perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying as a unique homemade treat.
PrintUbe Cookies
Ube Cookies are soft and chewy treats flavored with sweet purple yam for a unique vanilla-like taste and vibrant purple color. These rich buttery cookies are fun, colorful, and perfect for parties, holidays, or everyday snacking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Filipino
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup ube halaya or ube jam
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- Extra white chocolate drizzle (optional)
- Toasted coconut flakes (optional)
- Crushed nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Add the ube jam and stir until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips.
- Scoop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly set.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Add macadamia nuts or toasted coconut for extra texture and flavor.
- Chill the dough briefly if the cookies spread too much during baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze baked cookies or dough portions for up to 2 months.
- White chocolate pairs especially well with the sweet earthy flavor of ube.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg