Growing up in the Philippines, I have always had a deep love for ube, the vibrant purple yam that’s a staple in so many of our beloved desserts. The rich, creamy texture and subtle sweetness of ube has a way of transporting me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where she would whip up fragrant ube halaya, a decadent jam-like treat. But today, I’m excited to share with you a recipe that takes ube to a whole new level – Ube Brownie Cookies.
These cookies are the perfect fusion of two of my all-time favorite desserts. The dense, fudgy texture of a classic brownie, combined with the unmistakable flavor of fresh ube, creates a truly irresistible treat that’s sure to become a new family favorite. I can still remember the first time I baked a batch of these Ube Brownie Cookies – the aroma that filled my kitchen was simply heavenly, and the moment I sank my teeth into that first warm, gooey cookie, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special.
Why This Ube Brownie Cookies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Ube Brownie Cookies
What sets this Ube Brownie Cookies recipe apart is the perfect balance of ingredients and techniques that result in a cookie that’s both decadent and delightful. The key lies in the use of high-quality ube (purple yam) and the incorporation of sweetened condensed milk, which lends an unparalleled creaminess and richness to the final product.
By mashing the ube to a smooth puree, you create a vibrant purple base that infuses each cookie with a unique and unforgettable flavor. The semi-sweet chocolate chips provide the perfect contrast, melting into gooey pockets of chocolatey goodness that complement the sweetness of the ube beautifully. And the best part? This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a quick and easy treat to whip up anytime the craving strikes.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To craft these Ube Brownie Cookies, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 1 (15 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk: This rich, creamy ingredient is the secret to the cookie’s decadent texture and flavor. The sweetness helps to balance the ube’s natural earthy notes.
- 1 cup mashed ube (purple yam): Ube is the star of the show here, providing the iconic purple hue and a wonderfully unique taste that sets these cookies apart from any ordinary brownie.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: The chocolate chips melt into pockets of chocolatey bliss, creating a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the ube.
Step-by-Step Ube Brownie Cookies Instructions
Preparing Your Ube Brownie Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 15 minutes, you’ll have a batch of 18 delectable Ube Brownie Cookies ready in a matter of minutes.
1- Start by mashing the ube (purple yam) until it’s smooth and creamy. You can use a fork, potato masher, or even a food processor to achieve the perfect consistency.
2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed ube with the sweetened condensed milk. Stir until the ingredients are fully incorporated and you have a rich, fudgy batter.
3- Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
4- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into 18 equal-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
5- Bake the Ube Brownie Cookies for 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still slightly soft.
6- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful fusion of ube and chocolate in every bite.
Pro Tips for Success
- Make sure to use fresh, high-quality ube (purple yam) for the best flavor and texture. Avoid using frozen or canned ube, as it may have a different consistency.
- Don’t overmix the dough once the chocolate chips are added, as this can result in tough, dense cookies. Fold the chips in gently to maintain the fudgy texture.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to ensure even-sized cookies for uniform baking.
- Be careful not to overbake the cookies, as the centers should remain slightly soft and fudgy. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.
- Let the cookies cool completely before serving, as this will allow the centers to set and the flavors to meld together.
Serving and Storing Your Ube Brownie Cookies
Perfect Pairings for Ube Brownie Cookies
These Ube Brownie Cookies make for a delightful treat on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages and side dishes. Serve them alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a classic pairing, or enjoy them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of dulce de leche for an extra-indulgent dessert.
If you’re hosting a gathering, these cookies would be a fantastic addition to a dessert spread, complementing other Filipino favorites like halo-halo or ube halaya. They’re also perfect for sharing with family and friends, as this recipe yields 18 cookies – just the right amount for a small party or a cozy night in.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Ube Brownie Cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be stored for later. To keep them fresh, store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
If you’d like to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Simply place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or resealable bag. When ready to serve, thaw the cookies at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Ube Brownie Cookies
Creative Ube Brownie Cookies Variations
While the original Ube Brownie Cookies are a true delight, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this recipe. Try adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts, like macadamia or cashews, for a delightful crunch. You can also experiment with different mix-ins, such as white chocolate chips, chopped dried fruit, or a swirl of ube halaya (ube jam) for an extra-indulgent twist.
For a festive touch, roll the dough balls in toasted coconut or decorative sprinkles before baking. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating other tropical flavors, like coconut, mango, or pineapple, to create a truly unique and flavorful ube experience.
Making Ube Brownie Cookies Diet-Friendly
For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this Ube Brownie Cookies recipe to suit your needs. To make a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan option, replace the sweetened condensed milk with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut condensed milk or a homemade nut-based condensed milk. You can also swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dairy-free chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate.
If you’re looking to reduce the carb content, you can experiment with using a sugar-free sweetened condensed milk and opt for low-carb chocolate chips or cacao nibs instead of the traditional chocolate chips. With a little creativity and a keen eye for dietary-friendly ingredients, you can enjoy these Ube Brownie Cookies no matter your dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen ube instead of fresh?
A: While frozen ube can be used, it’s best to use fresh ube for the most vibrant flavor and optimal texture in the cookies. Frozen ube may have a different consistency that could affect the final result.
Q: How long do the cookies take to bake?
A: The Ube Brownie Cookies bake for 15 minutes in a 350°F (175°C) oven, for a total cooking time of 25 minutes (including 10 minutes of prep time).
Q: Can I store the baked cookies in the refrigerator?
A: Yes, you can store the cooled Ube Brownie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d like to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week.
Q: How many cookies does this recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 18 Ube Brownie Cookies, making it the perfect amount for sharing with family and friends.
Q: What if my cookies spread too much during baking?
A: If the cookies spread excessively, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking, or use a bit less sweetened condensed milk in the recipe. This will help the cookies maintain their shape and texture.
Ube Brownie Cookies
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 18 cookies
Description
Indulge in the rich, fudgy goodness of these easy-to-make Ube Brownie Cookies. With just 3 simple ingredients, you can create a unique and delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
– 1 (15 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
– 1 cup mashed ube (purple yam)
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2. In a medium bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and mashed ube. Mix well until fully incorporated.
3. 3. Fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
4. 4. Scoop the batter by the tablespoonful onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.
5. 5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still slightly soft.
6. 6. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a chunkier texture, you can leave some larger pieces of ube in the batter. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Filipino
Conclusion
These Ube Brownie Cookies are truly a testament to the magic that happens when you combine two beloved desserts. The rich, fudgy texture and the unmistakable flavor of ube create a cookie that’s unlike anything you’ve ever tasted. Whether you’re a longtime ube enthusiast or you’re new to the world of this vibrant purple yam, I can guarantee that these Ube Brownie Cookies will quickly become a new family favorite.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the ultimate fusion of ube and chocolate in every bite. I can’t wait to hear all about your delicious Ube Brownie Cookie creations – be sure to share your photos and thoughts with me in the comments below!
