If you’re looking to brighten up your cookie jar, ube sugar cookies are the way to go. Ube, a purple yam popular in the Philippines, has a naturally vibrant hue and a sweet, nutty flavor. Combined with a buttery sugar cookie base, you get a treat that’s both eye-catching and delicious. These cookies are perfect for family baking nights, kids’ parties, or simply when you want to try something new and fun in your kitchen.
What Is Ube?
Ube (pronounced oo-beh) is a purple yam that has been a staple in Filipino desserts for generations. It has a mild vanilla-like flavor with subtle nutty notes. Unlike food coloring, which just changes appearance, ube brings both color and taste. Ube is commonly found in cakes, ice creams, and pastries, and now it’s making its way into cookies for a colorful twist on a classic recipe.
Why Ube Works in Cookies
- Colorful appeal: Its natural purple shade makes cookies exciting and festive.
- Unique flavor: Ube adds depth that pairs well with butter, sugar, and vanilla.
- Kid-friendly fun: Children love helping with bright doughs that feel magical.
Ingredients for Ube Sugar Cookies
These cookies are easy to make, and most ingredients are pantry staples. Ube extract or powder can be purchased at Asian grocery stores or online.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup butter or plant-based butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for egg-free version)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp ube extract or 2 tbsp ube powder mixed with 1 tbsp water
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dough
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg (or flax egg), vanilla, and ube extract. Mix until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until a dough forms.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
For best results, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps cookies hold their shape and makes the color more vibrant.
Step 3: Shape and Roll
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions, roll into balls, and coat in sugar. This adds sparkle and a sweet crunch to the finished cookies.
Step 4: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes until edges are set but centers are still soft.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Let cookies cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This step keeps them soft in the middle but firm enough to handle. Once cooled, enjoy your purple buttery treats!
Kid-Friendly Variations
Rainbow Sprinkle Ube Cookies
Roll dough balls in rainbow sprinkles instead of sugar for a festive look. Great for birthdays or class parties.
Ube Coconut Sugar Cookies
Add shredded coconut to the dough or sprinkle on top for extra texture and flavor.
Marbled Ube Cookies
Swirl a little plain dough into ube dough before baking to create a marbled purple-and-white cookie design.
Baking Tips for the Best Ube Sugar Cookies
- Use real ube extract: It gives stronger color and flavor than purple food dye alone.
- Chill the dough: Prevents overspreading and keeps cookies chewy.
- Don’t overbake: Ube cookies can lose their bright purple color if baked too long.
- Experiment with frosting: A drizzle of vanilla glaze or white chocolate makes these extra special.
Serving and Storage Ideas
These cookies are as versatile as they are fun. Serve them as a lunchbox surprise, a holiday dessert, or part of a cookie platter at parties. They also make thoughtful homemade gifts — wrap them in clear bags tied with ribbon to showcase their color.
Storage tips:
- Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze dough balls for up to 2 months and bake straight from frozen (adding 1–2 minutes to baking time).
- Stack baked cookies between parchment sheets before freezing to prevent sticking.
FAQs About Ube Sugar Cookies
Do I need fresh ube to make these?
No. While fresh ube is traditional in Filipino desserts, ube extract and powder are more accessible and work perfectly for cookies.
What does ube taste like?
Ube has a subtle, nutty vanilla flavor with a mild sweetness. It’s less starchy than sweet potato and pairs beautifully with butter and sugar.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute plant-based butter and non-dairy milk for a fully dairy-free recipe.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version. Expect a slightly different texture.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
Want to explore more colorful and creative cookies? Try our Best Sugar Cookie Recipe for Cut-Outs for decorating fun, or bake with kids using our Mommy and Me Cookie Recipes.
For more inspiration, check out TasteAtlas on Ube to learn more about this beloved Filipino ingredient.
Final Thoughts
Ube sugar cookies combine flavor, color, and creativity into one irresistible treat. They’re proof that baking can be fun, eye-catching, and delicious all at once. Whether you’re baking with kids, preparing for a party, or simply experimenting with new flavors, these cookies are sure to impress. With their vibrant purple hue and buttery twist, ube sugar cookies are a delightful way to add something unique to your cookie collection.