As soon as the vibrant hues of purple waft through the air, I can’t help but feel a sense of joy wash over me. There’s something about the sweet, nutty aroma of ube—also known as purple yam—that instantly elevates the mood of my kitchen. On a whim, I decided to experiment and whip up these delightful Ube Sugar Cookies. What started as a quest for a comforting treat turned into a celebration of flavor and creativity.

These cookies aren’t just visually captivating; they are incredibly simple to make, a perfect antidote to the monotony of fast food or store-bought snacks. The blend of plant-based butter and ube extract gives each cookie a soft, pillowy texture that melts in your mouth. And let’s not forget the optional frosting that adds the perfect finishing touch—an invitation for you to get creative!

Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just satisfy a craving, these Ube Sugar Cookies will quickly become a favorite. Get ready to brighten your day with a batch that’s as delightful to eat as it is to bake!

Why Are Ube Sugar Cookies So Irresistible?

Vibrant Color: The stunning purple hue brings a cheerful pop to your dessert table, instantly making any occasion feel special.
Easy to Make: This recipe is designed for bakers of all levels, promising fluffy cookies with minimal effort.
Unique Flavor: The sweet and nutty notes of ube will tantalize your taste buds, leaving you longing for more.
Customizable Delight: With optional frosting, you can make them your own—experiment with flavors and designs for every celebration!
Fast & Fresh: Ready in just a few minutes, these cookies offer the homemade warmth that fast food simply can’t match.

Let’s bring joy to your baking routine with these Ube Sugar Cookies!

Ube Sugar Cookies Ingredients

• Let’s gather the colorful ingredients for our delightful Ube Sugar Cookies!

For the Cookies

Salted plant-based butter – at room temperature for easier mixing and a creamy texture.
Cane sugar – adds sweetness and a touch of caramel flavor that complements the ube.
Unsweetened plant milk – helps to hydrate the dough, keeping the cookies soft and chewy.
Ube extract – infuses those beautiful purple hues and a sweet, nutty flavor into your cookies.
All-purpose flour – the backbone of your cookies, providing structure to make them perfectly pillowy.
Baking powder – ensures your cookies rise beautifully, keeping them light and airy.

For the Frosting (Optional)

Powdered sugar – sweetens the frosting while giving it a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Unsweetened plant-based milk – thins out the frosting just right for a silky texture.
Ube extract (for frosting) – adds an extra touch of ube flavor and that stunning purple color to the icing.

Get ready to mix up your ingredients and create some magic with these Ube Sugar Cookies!

How to Make Ube Sugar Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure a perfectly baked cookie. This temperature will help them cook evenly, giving that lovely golden edge we all adore!
Cream together the salted plant-based butter and cane sugar in a mixing bowl. Do this until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a soft cookie texture!
Combine in the unsweetened plant milk and ube extract. Mix until everything is well blended—it’s time to embrace that colorful flavor and aroma!
Add the all-purpose flour and baking powder gradually. Keep stirring until a soft dough forms, making sure all ingredients are integrated well. The end result should be smooth and slightly sticky.
Dust a clean surface with flour, then roll out the dough to your desired thickness, typically around 1/4 inch. This will help create cookies that are perfectly chewy!
Cut out cookies using your favorite cookie cutters and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure they’re spaced out a little to give them room to spread.
Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. Your kitchen will smell divine as they bake!
Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps keep them fluffy and soft!
Whisk together the powdered sugar, unsweetened plant-based milk, and ube extract until smooth to make the frosting. This should take just a couple of minutes.
Spread the frosting on cooled cookies if you wish to elevate them further! Feel free to get creative with your designs for a personal touch.

Optional: Garnish with colorful sprinkles for an extra festive look!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These delightful Ube Sugar Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeks! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours ahead; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain its freshness. When you’re ready to bake, roll out the dough and cut your cookies as directed. The optional frosting can also be made ahead; store it in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Just give it a quick whisk to restore its smooth consistency before spreading. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll have delicious cookies ready to enjoy with minimal effort on your busy days!

How to Store and Freeze Ube Sugar Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep your Ube Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness and flavor.

Fridge: For added freshness, store cookies in the fridge for up to a week, ensuring they are well-wrapped to prevent drying out.

Freezer: Freeze cookies in a single layer, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating: When you’re ready to indulge, warm cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds to refresh their delightful texture.

Ube Sugar Cookies Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these delightful cookies with your favorite twists and substitutions!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free treat without skimping on flavor.
Nutty Surprise: Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped nuts, like walnuts or almonds, to the dough for a delightful crunch and additional flavor depth.
White Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dairy-free white chocolate and drizzle it over the frosted cookies for an indulgent, sweet contrast to the ube flavor.
Colorful Sprinkles: Mix in or top with colorful sprinkles for a festive, fun texture that’s perfect for parties or celebrations. They’ll add a joyful pop of color!
Matcha Swirl: Incorporate 1 tablespoon of matcha powder into half the dough and swirl it with the ube dough for a beautiful two-tone cookie that offers both flavors.
Spicy Kick: Blend in a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the dough for a subtle spicy warmth that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Coconut Bliss: Replace half the cane sugar with shredded coconut for a tropical twist, adding chewiness and a hint of coconut flavor.
Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest into the dough for a bright, zesty flavor that complements the ube beautifully—this unexpected twist is refreshing!

What to Serve with Ube Sugar Cookies?

As you indulge in the vibrant flavors of these cookies, consider a few delightful companions to elevate your dessert experience.

Coconut Milk Ice Cream: A creamy and refreshing treat that adds a tropical twist, beautifully complementing the nutty flavors of ube.
Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or blueberries add a burst of tartness, balancing the sweetness of your cookies with a refreshing crunch.
Coffee or Tea: A steaming cup of coffee or herbal tea makes for the perfect warm pairing that enhances the fragrant aroma of the ube cookies.
Chocolate Drizzle: A rich drizzle of melted chocolate over your cookies provides a decadent finish, creating an exquisite flavor combination.
Whipped Coconut Cream: Light and fluffy, it adds a luxurious creaminess that pairs perfectly with the unique flavor of your ube cookies.
Nutty Granola: Sprinkle crunchy granola on top of the frosting for added texture, bringing an earthy element to every sweet bite.
Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad brings a refreshing contrast and a natural sweetness that perfectly accents your homemade cookies.

Let your imagination guide you as you mix and match these delightful pairings!

Expert Tips for Ube Sugar Cookies

Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your plant-based butter is at room temperature for easy creaming. This helps achieve that light and fluffy texture essential for perfect Ube Sugar Cookies.
Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to prevent tough cookies. A delicate dough leads to softer cookies!
Chill the Dough: If your dough feels sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before rolling. This helps with shaping and keeps your cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Ovens vary, and a couple of minutes can make the difference between perfectly golden and overbaked.
Frosting Fun: If frosting, let the cookies cool completely before applying to avoid melting. Get creative with colors and designs for a festive touch!
Storage Tips: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze them for later enjoyment. Homemade Ube Sugar Cookies are always a treat!

Ube Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe ube?
When selecting fresh ube, look for firm, evenly shaped tubers without any dark spots or blemishes. The skin should be tight and unwrinkled, indicating freshness. If you’re using ube extract, opt for a high-quality brand for the best flavor.

How should I store my Ube Sugar Cookies?
Store your Ube Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and flavorful. If you’d like them to last longer, refrigerate them wrapped in plastic for about a week.

Can I freeze Ube Sugar Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze, first place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm them in the microwave for about 10 seconds to restore their delightful texture.

What should I do if my cookie dough is sticky?
Not to worry! If the dough feels sticky, it’s a good idea to chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This makes the dough easier to roll out and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. A little chill goes a long way!

Are these cookies suitable for people with allergies?
The Ube Sugar Cookies contain plant-based butter and milk, which are typically suitable for vegan diets; however, always check labels for cross-contamination if you have severe allergies. If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Can I modify the frosting for allergies?
Of course! If you’re looking to avoid sugar or dairy, consider using powdered monk fruit sweetener instead of powdered sugar and almond or oat milk in place of plant-based milk for frosting. You can also skip the frosting altogether for a simpler treat!