Ube Cookies and Cream Cookies offer a unique and delicious twist on the classic cookies and cream flavor. The combination of ube's subtle sweetness, the crunch of Oreo pieces, and the creamy addition of white chocolate chips creates a cookie that’s both visually stunning and irresistibly tasty. The use of browned butter adds a deep, rich flavor, while ube extract and ube halaya bring out the vibrant purple hue and signature ube flavor. These cookies are a delightful fusion of Filipino and American desserts, making them perfect for sharing with family and friends.
INGREDIENTS
- Baking soda: ½ tsp, to help the cookies rise slightly and create a chewy texture.
- Salt: ¼ tsp, to balance the sweetness of the cookies.
- All-purpose flour: 1 ¼ cups, for the base of the cookie dough.
- Unsalted butter (browned): ½ cup, to add rich, caramelized flavor to the dough.
- Light brown sugar: ¼ cup, for sweetness and moisture in the cookies.
- Dark brown sugar: ¼ cup, for a deeper molasses flavor and chewiness.
- Granulated sugar: ¼ cup, to balance the brown sugars and give structure to the cookies.
- Egg: 1 large, room temperature, to bind the dough and add richness.
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, to enhance the flavor of the dough.
- Ube extract: 1 tsp, to give the cookies their signature ube flavor and color.
- Ube halaya: ¼ cup, for extra ube flavor and moisture.
- Oreos: 8 cookies, cut into chunks, for a crunchy texture and cookies-and-cream flavor.
- White chocolate chips: ¼ cup, to add a creamy sweetness to the cookies.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set the dry ingredients aside.
- Step 2:
- In another bowl, whisk together the browned butter, light brown sugar, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fully combined.
- Step 3:
- Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, ube extract, and ube halaya to the sugar-butter mixture, blending until smooth.
- Step 4:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Step 5:
- Gently fold in the Oreo chunks and white chocolate chips.
- Step 6:
- Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes to help firm up the dough and reduce spreading during baking.
- Step 7:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Scoop the dough onto the tray, spacing the cookies apart.
- Step 8:
- Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft.
- Step 9:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking tray for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve these cookies warm for the best chewy texture, or allow them to cool completely for a more structured bite.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze the dough for future baking.
Helpful Notes
- Brown the butter for added flavor—this step enhances the nutty taste of the ube.
- Chilling the dough helps reduce cookie spread and intensifies the flavor.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Alex suggests sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt over the cookies right after baking for a sweet-salty finish.
Ube Delight
Ube Cookies and Cream Cookies combine the flavors of ube with classic cookies-and-cream elements. The Oreo chunks provide a satisfying crunch, while the ube halaya and extract give the cookies their signature flavor and color. Each bite is packed with flavor, making these cookies a perfect treat for both ube lovers and fans of cookies and cream.
A Fun, Colorful Treat
The beautiful purple hue of these cookies adds a fun and vibrant element to any dessert table. Perfect for sharing, these cookies bring together the best of both worlds—creamy white chocolate and crunchy Oreos with the unique flavor of ube. Serve them at parties, holiday gatherings, or whenever you’re craving something sweet and different.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chocolate chips?
Yes, feel free to substitute dark or milk chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
What is ube halaya?
Ube halaya is a sweet jam made from purple yams (ube), often used in Filipino desserts. It adds flavor and moisture to the cookies.
Do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is highly recommended as it helps reduce spreading during baking and enhances the flavor of the cookies.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw the dough before baking.