Name: Ube Cookies: Chewy Purple Yam Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 1½ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 egg; ½ cup ube halaya jam; 1 teaspoon ube extract; Assorted sprinkles (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 76 reviews

If you’ve ever fallen in love with the vibrant, sweet essence of purple yam, then you’re in for a real treat with this Ube Cookies: Chewy Purple Yam Dessert Recipe. These cookies are the perfect combination of soft, chewy texture and that unmistakable ube flavor that instantly brightens your day. Each bite delivers a delightful pop of the yam’s natural sweetness mingled with a buttery base, making this dessert as visually stunning as it is delicious. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a unique, comforting snack, these ube cookies will quickly become your new favorite go-to recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ube Cookies: Chewy Purple Yam Dessert Recipe

Getting started on these incredible ube cookies couldn’t be simpler. The ingredients are straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best flavor, texture, and that gorgeous purple hue that makes this dessert so eye-catching.

1½ cups all-purpose flour: This forms the classic base, giving the cookies their structure and gentle crumb.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for that soft, chewy texture.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and tenderness—make sure it’s room temperature for best results.
1/2 cup brown sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the ube beautifully.
1 egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture for a soft bite.
1/2 cup ube halaya jam: The star ingredient! This sweet purple yam jam infuses the cookies with authentic flavor and that elegant color.
1 teaspoon ube extract: Boosts the ube taste, giving the cookies an extra punch of yam goodness.
Assorted sprinkles (for garnish): A fun, festive touch that makes these cookies pop visually and adds a playful crunch.

How to Make Ube Cookies: Chewy Purple Yam Dessert Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. This simple blend sets the stage for the chewy texture you’re aiming for and ensures even rising. Set this bowl aside while you prepare the luscious wet ingredients.

Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the unsalted butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add the egg, ube halaya jam, and ube extract, continuing to mix on medium speed. This step is key to achieving that perfect, tender crumb and infusing every bite with the creamy, vibrant ube flavor.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Don’t rush this process—scraping down the bowl helps everything combine evenly. If the dough feels sticky, chilling it for 15 to 30 minutes can make it easier to handle, but it is perfectly fine to work with straight away if you prefer.

Step 4: Shape the Dough Balls

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grab a cookie scoop to portion out tablespoon-sized dough balls. Gently press assorted sprinkles onto each ball to make them even more irresistible. Place the dough balls two inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet—this spacing helps them spread just right without merging together.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes until they’ve spread slightly but remain soft and chewy. It’s important not to overbake because that’s the secret to achieving the melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this Ube Cookies: Chewy Purple Yam Dessert Recipe so special.

Step 6: Cool Before Serving

Once baked, transfer your ube cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set up nicely so every bite holds the tender chewiness you’re craving. Then, get ready to enjoy cookies bursting with the rich, sweet flavor and vibrant purple hue of ube!

How to Serve Ube Cookies: Chewy Purple Yam Dessert Recipe

This image shows eight round purple cookies placed close together on a cooling rack with a black grid. Each cookie is thick with a rough, soft-looking texture and is topped with many small, round colorful sprinkles including white, yellow, red, blue, green, and pink. The cookies appear fresh and soft, and the cooling rack rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkles aren’t just for kids’ cookies—they add a whimsical, colorful crunch that pairs perfectly with the smooth texture of these ube treats. For a more indulgent finish, try topping cookies with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of white chocolate glaze to celebrate those luscious purple tones.

Side Dishes

These chewy ube cookies shine brightest when paired with a simple cup of milk or a warm mug of tea or coffee. Their subtly sweet flavor complements rich beverages perfectly and makes for an afternoon treat or dessert that feels extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests? Arrange your ube cookies on a beautiful platter lined with edible flowers or purple edible glitter to highlight their unique color. You can also sandwich two cookies together with ube halaya or buttercream for a decadent twist that doubles the fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover ube cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain their chewy texture and rich flavor. Proper storage is key to preserving that delightful softness that defines this dessert.

Freezing

If you want to save these cookies for longer, they freeze beautifully. Place the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months, ready whenever you need a burst of purple yam magic.

Reheating

To enjoy your ube cookies after freezing, simply let them thaw at room temperature or gently warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This will revive their softness, making them feel freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I substitute the ube halaya jam with fresh ube?

Fresh ube can be used, but it requires cooking and mashing to get the same creamy consistency as ube halaya jam. The jam is more convenient and provides a consistent sweet flavor that’s perfect for these chewy cookies.

What if I don’t have ube extract?

While ube extract enhances the yam’s flavor and color, you can still make these cookies without it by simply using extra ube halaya jam. The cookies may be slightly less vibrant but will remain delicious.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

To veganize this recipe, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flaxseed or chia egg in place of the regular egg. The texture might be a bit different, but they’ll still capture the beloved ube flavor.

Why are my ube cookies not chewy?

Overbaking is the most common culprit. Bake just until the edges are set and the cookies have spread slightly. Also, chilling the dough can help maintain chewiness by preventing excessive spreading.

Can I add mix-ins to these cookies?

Absolutely! Chopped white chocolate, macadamia nuts, or even toasted coconut pair beautifully with ube. Just fold them into the dough after combining wet and dry ingredients for a fun texture twist.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Ube Cookies: Chewy Purple Yam Dessert Recipe is one of those magical treats that somehow turns baking into an experience full of color, flavor, and warmth. Whether it’s your first time experimenting with ube or you’re a longtime fan, these cookies are an inviting way to brighten your afternoon and sweeten your day. So, grab your ingredients and start baking—you’re going to love every chewy, purple bite!