It was my daughter’s 8th birthday, and I knew I had to make something extra special for her. She’s always loved the rich, creamy flavor of ube, and I wanted to surprise her with a treat she’d never forget. That’s when I decided to bake a batch of Ube Brownie Cookies – a decadent fusion of her two favorite desserts.
As I mixed the batter, the intoxicating aroma of ube and chocolate filled the kitchen. I couldn’t wait to see the look on her face when she took that first bite. When the cookies finally came out of the oven, they were perfectly fudgy and dotted with vibrant purple ube. I almost couldn’t bear to let them cool before sneaking one for myself. But I resisted the temptation, wanting the moment to be just right.
Finally, it was time for the big reveal. I placed the Ube Brownie Cookies on a platter and brought them out to the party. My daughter’s eyes lit up, and she let out the most delighted squeal. “Ube brownies?! Mom, you’re the best!” She eagerly took a cookie and sank her teeth into the soft, chewy goodness. The look of pure joy on her face was everything. She devoured that first cookie in seconds, immediately going back for seconds (and thirds!).
That day, Ube Brownie Cookies became our new family favorite. They were an absolute hit with all the kids – and the adults too! I’ve been making batches of them ever since, for every birthday, holiday, and celebratory occasion. There’s just something so special about the way the earthy sweetness of ube pairs with rich, fudgy chocolate. It’s a flavor combination that never fails to delight.
Why This Ube Brownie Cookies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Ube Brownie Cookies
These Ube Brownie Cookies are truly a cut above the rest. The secret lies in the precise balance of ingredients and techniques I’ve perfected over the years. By using a combination of melted chocolate, cocoa powder, and ube, I’m able to achieve the perfect fudgy texture and deep, complex flavor. Plus, a touch of espresso powder enhances the chocolate notes without making the cookies taste overtly coffee-flavored.
What really sets these cookies apart, though, is the technique of chilling the dough before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and the gluten to relax, resulting in cookies that are wonderfully chewy on the inside with crisp, crackly edges. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in the final outcome.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ube (purple yam): The star of the show! Ube provides the signature purple hue and a naturally sweet, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- Unsweetened chocolate: Rich, intense chocolate is the perfect complement to the ube.
- Cocoa powder: For an extra dose of chocolatey goodness.
- Espresso powder: Enhances the chocolate notes without making the cookies taste like coffee.
- Butter: Gives the cookies their soft, fudgy texture.
- Sugar: Both granulated and brown sugar are used for the right balance of sweetness.
- Eggs: Provide structure and chewiness.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is the base for these cookies.
- Baking soda and salt: Help balance the flavors and provide the right rise.
Step-by-Step Ube Brownie Cookies Instructions
Preparing Your Ube Brownie Cookies
These Ube Brownie Cookies are remarkably easy to make, with a total prep and baking time of just 30 minutes. You’ll need a few basic baking tools – a mixing bowl, a hand mixer or stand mixer, a cookie scoop, and a baking sheet. Once you have everything ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions.
1- Melt the chocolate and butter together in a double boiler or the microwave, stirring until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.
2- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugars until light and fluffy. Then, mix in the melted chocolate mixture and ube until well combined.
3- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
4- Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 3 days). This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
5- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop the chilled dough into balls, spacing them a few inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
6- Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft. Allow the Ube Brownie Cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Success
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes – this helps the cookies hold their shape and develop that signature crackly top.
- Don’t overbake the cookies. They may seem underdone in the center, but they’ll continue to set as they cool.
- For extra fudgy cookies, use dark chocolate instead of unsweetened.
- Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for a delightful sweet-and-salty contrast.
- Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough, dry cookies.
Serving and Storing Your Ube Brownie Cookies
Perfect Pairings for Ube Brownie Cookies
These Ube Brownie Cookies are incredibly versatile and pair well with all sorts of beverages and accompaniments. Serve them with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic combo, or try them with a steaming mug of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat. They also make a lovely addition to any dessert spread, complementing flavors like vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Ube Brownie Cookies will stay fresh for up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer-term storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature before serving.
The cookie dough can also be made ahead and chilled for up to 3 days before baking. This makes it a breeze to whip up a fresh batch anytime the craving strikes. Just scoop and bake as needed!
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Ube Brownie Cookies
Creative Ube Brownie Cookies Variations
While the classic Ube Brownie Cookies are hard to beat, you can get creative with all sorts of fun variations. Try adding chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or swirls of ube jam for extra texture and flavor. You could also experiment with different mix-ins like white chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Making Ube Brownie Cookies Diet-Friendly
For gluten-free Ube Brownie Cookies, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. To make them vegan, use dairy-free chocolate, plant-based butter, and flax or chia eggs in place of the regular eggs. And for a lower-carb version, try using a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned ube puree instead of fresh ube?
A: Absolutely! Canned ube puree works great in this recipe. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid before adding it to the batter.
Q: How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
A: The cookies are ready when the edges are set and slightly crisp, but the centers are still a bit soft and fudgy. They may look slightly underbaked, but they’ll continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Q: Can I freeze the baked Ube Brownie Cookies?
A: Yes, the baked cookies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: How much should I adjust the recipe if I want to make a smaller or larger batch?
A: This recipe makes about 18-20 cookies. To scale it up or down, simply adjust the ingredient quantities proportionally. For example, if you want to make half the batch, use half the amounts of each ingredient.
Q: Why did my cookies come out cakey instead of fudgy?
A: If your Ube Brownie Cookies turned out cakey instead of fudgy, it’s likely due to overbaking or using too much flour. Be sure to chill the dough as directed and don’t overbake the cookies. You can also try reducing the flour by a tablespoon or two.
Ube Brownie Cookies
- Total Time: 27
- Yield: 18
Description
Indulge in the irresistible fusion of ube and brownie in these quick and easy Ube Brownie Cookies. A delectable 30-minute sweet treat that’s perfect for satisfying your cravings.
Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup ube puree or mashed ube
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. 3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. 4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the ube puree or mashed ube.
6. 6. Scoop the dough by the tablespoonful onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. 7. Bake for 10-12 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 them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For an even richer flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or a teaspoon of instant coffee powder 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: 12
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Ube Brownie Cookies are an absolute must-try for any ube and chocolate lover. With their perfectly balanced flavors, fudgy texture, and stunning purple hue, they’re sure to become a new family favorite.
I hope you’ll give this recipe a try – your loved ones are going to be absolutely delighted. And be sure to let me know how they turn out! I’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations. Happy baking!