Why This Ube Brownie Cookies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Ube Brownie Cookies
Growing up, my grandma’s ube brownies were always the star of the family gatherings. The rich, fudgy texture combined with the vibrant purple hue of the ube made them simply irresistible. I’ve spent years perfecting her recipe, and I’m excited to share the secret behind these irresistible Ube Brownie Cookies.
The key is in the ube itself. Ube, or purple sweet potato, adds a unique sweetness and vibrant color that you just can’t replicate with regular potatoes or even regular sweet potatoes. When combined with the deep cocoa flavor and the soft, chewy brownie-like texture, the result is a cookie that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these perfect Ube Brownie Cookies, you’ll need a few special ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: The butter provides the rich, indulgent mouthfeel that makes these cookies so addictive.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: The sugar balances the natural sweetness of the ube and gives the cookies their signature chewiness.
- 2 large eggs: The eggs act as the binder, holding everything together and contributing to the fudgy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla is a classic pairing with chocolate, and it helps to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- 1 cup mashed ube (purple sweet potato): This is the star ingredient that gives these cookies their unique color and flavor. Make sure to use fresh, high-quality ube for the best results.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The flour provides the structure and helps to create the perfect cookie texture.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: The cocoa powder infuses the cookies with rich, chocolatey goodness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This ingredient helps the cookies rise and achieve that delightful, soft, and chewy interior.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A touch of salt helps to balance the sweetness and bring out the other flavors.
Step-by-Step Ube Brownie Cookies Instructions
Preparing Your Ube Brownie Cookies
With a total time of just 30 minutes, these Ube Brownie Cookies come together quickly. You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a hand mixer or stand mixer, a baking sheet, and a cooling rack to get started.
1- In the mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This crucial step helps to incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a delightfully chewy texture.
2- Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and the mashed ube until the mixture is well combined.
3- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
4- The dough should be thick and fudgy, with a rich, purple hue. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion the dough onto the baking sheet, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.
5- Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6- Once cooled, the Ube Brownie Cookies are ready to enjoy. Their soft, chewy texture and intense ube and chocolate flavors make them an irresistible treat. Serve them with a cold glass of milk or alongside your favorite cup of coffee or tea.
Pro Tips for Success
- Make sure to use fresh, high-quality ube (purple sweet potato) for the best flavor and color. Avoid using canned or frozen ube, as the texture and taste may not be as vibrant.
- Don’t overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough, dry cookies. Gently incorporate the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion the dough onto the baking sheet for uniform, evenly baked cookies.
- Adjust the baking time as needed, depending on your oven. The cookies should be set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
- Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them maintain their soft, chewy texture.
- For an extra indulgent touch, try drizzling the cooled cookies with melted white chocolate or sprinkling them with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Serving and Storing Your Ube Brownie Cookies
Perfect Pairings for Ube Brownie Cookies
These Ube Brownie Cookies are the perfect treat to enjoy on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of drinks and accompaniments. Serve them with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic and comforting combination. For a grown-up twist, they’re delicious alongside a cup of strong coffee or a glass of bold red wine.
If you’re looking to serve them at a gathering, consider pairing the cookies with fresh tropical fruits like pineapple or mango to complement the ube’s natural sweetness. They also make a lovely addition to a dessert platter, where they can shine alongside other sweet treats.
Remember, this recipe makes 18 cookies, so it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Ube Brownie Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later if needed. To keep them fresh, store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer-term storage, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften them up.
You can also make the dough in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, simply scoop and bake the cookies as directed. This is a great option if you want to have freshly baked cookies on hand without the full prep time.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Ube Brownie Cookies
Creative Ube Brownie Cookies Variations
While the original Ube Brownie Cookies are hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this recipe. For a festive touch, try adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough. You can also swirl in a layer of cream cheese or a dollop of ube jam for a filling surprise.
During the holiday season, add a touch of peppermint extract and crushed candy canes for a festive ube-chocolate-mint flavor combination. For a summery twist, stir in some chopped fresh pineapple or coconut flakes.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with different types of chocolate, like white chocolate or dark chocolate chunks, to create unique flavor profiles.
Making Ube Brownie Cookies Diet-Friendly
For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this Ube Brownie Cookies recipe to be gluten-free, vegan, or low-carb.
To make a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake.
For a vegan option, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, like coconut oil or vegan butter. Substitute the eggs with flax or chia “eggs” (1 tablespoon ground flax or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water). You can also use a dairy-free milk in place of regular milk when making the dough.
To lower the carb count, use a sugar substitute, like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, in place of the granulated sugar. You may also want to reduce the amount of ube puree and increase the cocoa powder for a more intense chocolate flavor.
No matter which dietary modifications you choose, these Ube Brownie Cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while catering to your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use regular sweet potatoes instead of ube?
A: While you can substitute regular sweet potatoes, the flavor and color won’t be the same as with authentic ube (purple sweet potato). The ube provides a unique sweetness and vibrant purple hue that is essential to this recipe.
Q: How long do the cookies take to bake?
A: According to the recipe, the Ube Brownie Cookies should be baked for 12-15 minutes in a preheated 350°F oven. This ensures the cookies are set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center for the perfect chewy texture.
Q: Can I make the dough in advance?
A: Yes, you can make the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This is a great way to have freshly baked cookies on hand whenever the craving strikes.
Q: How many cookies does this recipe make?
A: This Ube Brownie Cookies recipe yields 18 servings. The recipe card specifies that the total yield is 18 cookies.
Q: What can I do if my cookies turn out too dry or crumbly?
A: If your cookies come out too dry or crumbly, it’s likely due to overbaking or over-mixing the dough. Make sure to follow the baking time and technique closely, and be gentle when incorporating the dry ingredients. You can also try adding a tablespoon or two of milk or ube puree to the dough to help keep the cookies moist and chewy.
Ube Brownie Cookies
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 18 cookies
Description
Indulge in the rich, fudgy goodness of these Ube Brownie Cookies! Bursting with the vibrant purple hue and sweet, earthy flavors of ube, they make a perfect anytime treat.
Ingredients
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup mashed ube (purple sweet potato)
– 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. 3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and mashed ube until well combined.
4. 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
5. 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
6. 6. Scoop the dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. 7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.
8. 8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For an extra ube flavor, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of ube extract to the batter. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Filipino, American
Conclusion
These Ube Brownie Cookies are a true delight, combining the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the unique and vibrant flavor of ube. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is a game-changer for satisfying your sweet tooth.
The secret lies in the perfect balance of ingredients – the creamy butter, the sweet ube, the deep cocoa powder, and just the right amount of sugar and spice. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these Ube Brownie Cookies are sure to become a new family favorite.
So what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven and get ready to indulge in the ultimate ube-chocolate experience. Don’t forget to share your creation with us and let us know how it turned out. Happy baking!