Name: Ube Brownie Cookies with Chewy Centers and Crackly Tops
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 4 oz white chocolate (Provides creaminess and color.); ½ cup unsalted butter (Should be browned for best flavor.); 2 large eggs (Whipped for structure and moisture.); ¾ cup granulated sugar (Enhances sweetness and texture.); ½ cup light brown sugar (Can substitute with regular brown sugar.); ½ tsp vanilla extract (Enhances flavor.); 1½ tsp ube extract (Essential for ube flavor.); ¼ cup ube halaya (Additional flavor; can substitute with more ube extract.); ½ tsp salt (Balances sweetness.); 1 tsp baking powder (Leavening agent.); 1½ cup all-purpose flour (Provides structure.); nuts or chocolate chips (For added texture.); dark or milk chocolate (Can replace white chocolate.)

As I stood in my kitchen, a vibrant purple hue caught my eye—my latest batch of Ube Brownie Cookies was coming together beautifully. This delightful fusion captures the rich, nutty flavor of ube, marrying the soft, chewy texture of a traditional cookie with that irresistible brownie decadence. In just 30 minutes, you can impress friends and family with a stunning treat that not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also adds a splash of color to any table. Plus, they’re perfect for those who want to indulge without spending hours in the kitchen. Are you ready to create a chewy, crackly masterpiece that will leave everyone asking for seconds?

Why Make Ube Brownie Cookies?

Uniquely Delicious: The nutty flavor of ube blends perfectly with brownie indulgence, offering a unique twist on classic cookies.
Quick and Easy: In just 30 minutes, you can create a delightful treat that’s sure to impress, making it ideal for busy bakers.
Visually Stunning: The vibrant purple hue draws attention, making these cookies a showstopper at any gathering.
Chewy and Crackly: With a perfect balance of textures—crispy edges and a gooey, chewy center—every bite is a delightful experience.
Versatile Options: Feel free to experiment! Swap white chocolate for dark or milk chocolate, or even explore flavors like matcha in your cookies. For more sweet inspirations, check out these Soft Pumpkin Cookies or Sea Salt Cookies.
Crowd-Pleasing: Great for any occasion, these cookies will have friends and family asking for your secret recipe!

Ube Brownie Cookies Ingredients

For the Batter
• 4 oz white chocolate – Provides creaminess and lets the ube’s vibrant color shine; can substitute with white chocolate chips.
• ½ cup unsalted butter – Adds richness and moisture; ensure it’s browned for enhanced flavor.
• 2 eggs – Contributes structure and moisture; whipping them is crucial for achieving the crackly top.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetness and texture; enhances moisture when combined with light brown sugar.
• ½ cup light brown sugar – Adds depth of flavor and moisture; can be replaced with regular brown sugar for similar sweetness.
• ½ tsp vanilla extract – Supplements flavor; can be omitted but enhances the overall taste.
• 1½ tsp ube extract – Essential for the primary ube flavor; increase it for a stronger taste.
• ¼ cup ube halaya – Adds additional flavor and moisture; can substitute with more ube extract if necessary.
• ½ tsp salt – Balances sweetness; essential for enhancing flavors.
• 1 tsp baking powder – Leavening agent; helps cookies rise and become tender.
• 1½ cup all-purpose flour – Provides structure; adjust for desired cookie thickness.

Optional Additions
• Nuts or chocolate chips – Add texture and flavor contrasts to your ube brownie cookies; create your customized treat!
• Dark or milk chocolate – Swap for white chocolate for a different flavor profile.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Ube Brownie Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). This ensures that your Ube Brownie Cookies bake evenly from the start. While the oven heats up, gather all your ingredients and prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Butter
In a medium saucepan, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Keep an eye on it as you let it cook, reducing the heat when you see brown bits forming at the bottom, indicating it’s ready. Once browned, remove it from heat, and mix in 4 oz of white chocolate until fully melted and combined, creating a luscious, creamy mixture.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a stand mixer, combine 2 eggs, ¾ cup granulated sugar, and ½ cup light brown sugar. Whip this mixture on medium speed for about 6-8 minutes until it becomes frothy, light, and increases in volume. This whipping process is crucial for achieving the signature crackly top of the Ube Brownie Cookies.

Step 4: Incorporate Flavorings
With the mixer on low, gently stir in the vanilla extract, ube extract, ube halaya, and your melted chocolate mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; you want those delightful flavors to blend harmoniously without losing the airy texture you’ve built.

Step 5: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, ½ tsp salt, and 1 tsp baking powder until well combined. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour, ensuring your Ube Brownie Cookies rise perfectly for that chewy, gooey center.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, mixing until just combined. This step is important—overmixing can lead to tough cookies. You want to maintain the tender, chewy texture that makes these ube brownie cookies irresistible.

Step 7: Portion the Dough
Using a #16 cookie scoop, portion out the dough and place it onto your prepared baking sheets, ensuring you leave at least 3 inches of space between each cookie. This spacing will allow the Ube Brownie Cookies to spread while baking, giving them room to develop that lovely crackly surface.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Slide your baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. When the time is up, carefully remove them from the oven and gently slam the sheets onto the counter to help create that beautifully crackled top. Return them to the oven for an additional 2 minutes to finish baking.

Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 10 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly while keeping that gooey center. Afterward, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely, where the magic of chewy Ube Brownie Cookies comes together.

Ube Brownie Cookies Variations

Customize these delightful Ube Brownie Cookies to match your personal taste preferences and dietary needs!

Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative for a vegan-friendly twist.
Nutty Delight: Stir in a handful of toasted walnuts or pecans to add a crunchy texture and earthy flavor to your cookies.
Extra Chocolate: Swap the white chocolate for dark or milk chocolate chunks to elevate the richness of the cookies.
Flavor Twist: Experiment by replacing ube extract with matcha powder for a vibrant green option that complements the chewy texture beautifully.
Sweet and Salty: Drizzle a touch of sea salt caramel over the cookies after baking for an indulgent, sweet-salty flavor boost.
Fruit Fusion: Add dried fruit like cranberries or cherries for a burst of flavor and chewy goodness in every bite.
Chewy with Chips: Incorporate semi-sweet chocolate chips for an added layer of chocolate flavor while maintaining that chewy center.
Spice It Up: Introduce a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a warm, aromatic touch that compliments the ube.

Whether you choose to share with friends or keep them for yourself, these variations will ensure your Ube Brownie Cookies are always a hit! If you’re looking for even more cookie inspiration, check out my tasty Banana Bread Brownies for a unique treat!

What to Serve with 30-Minute Ube Brownie Cookies?

Bring your dessert experience to the next level by pairing these colorful cookies with delightful sides that complement their unique ube flavor.

Fresh Fruit Salad: Vibrant, juicy fruits like mango and pineapple balance the sweetness of the cookies, adding a refreshing contrast. Simply toss them together for a palate-cleansing bite between cookie nibbles.
Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and airy, this cream lifts the rich flavor of the ube, creating a perfect dollop to spread on top of each cookie or enjoy on the side.
Green Tea or Matcha Latte: The earthiness of matcha contrasts beautifully with the sweet, nutty taste of ube, making this drink pairing both soothing and invigorating.
Chocolate Drizzle: A simple melt of dark chocolate drizzled on top enhances the decadence of each cookie while providing a burst of flavor that harmonizes with ube.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy, cool vanilla ice cream serves as a delightful accompaniment, offering a comforting contrast to the warm, chewy cookies.
Almond Milk: Nutty and slightly sweet, chilled almond milk makes an excellent beverage choice to cleanse the palate, allowing the flavors of the ube brownie cookies to shine.

Make Ahead Options

These Ube Brownie Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the wet and dry ingredients, and then refrigerate the combined dough in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to deepen while maintaining the chewy texture. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled dough onto baking sheets and bake for the usual time. For an even quicker option, you can freeze the cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. When you’re craving a sweet treat, just bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time for perfect Ube Brownie Cookies that taste just as delicious as fresh!

Expert Tips for Ube Brownie Cookies

Perfect Whipping: Whip the eggs and sugars for the full 6-8 minutes. This is key to achieving the light, airy texture and that coveted crackly top on your ube brownie cookies.
Flour Precision: Adjust the flour quantity based on your preference. More flour yields chunkier cookies, while using less can result in flatter ones.
Space Matters: Ensure proper spacing on the baking sheets; at least 3 inches apart. These cookies will spread significantly, and space is vital for achieving their signature look.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ube extract and halaya make a notable difference in flavor. If you can, opt for the highest quality to maximize the nuttiness of your ube brownie cookies.
Cooling Time: Don’t rush the cooling process. Letting the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them allows them to set and maintain that delicious chewy center.

How to Store and Freeze Ube Brownie Cookies

Room Temperature: Store Ube Brownie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their chewiness and flavor.

Fridge: For an extended freshness period, keep the cookies in the fridge for up to a week. Make sure they are well wrapped to prevent them from drying out.

Freezer: Freeze Ube Brownie Cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.

Reheating: To enjoy them warm, simply reheat in a microwave for 10-15 seconds, or use the oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes, restoring their delightful crackly tops.

Ube Brownie Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of ube should I use?
I recommend using high-quality ube extract for a strong flavor. If you can find it, fresh ube or ready-made ube halaya adds fantastic depth and vibrancy. Look for smooth, purple flesh without dark spots for the best results!

How should I store Ube Brownie Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them chewy and delicious. Alternatively, for longer storage, place them in the fridge where they can last up to a week. Ensure they are wrapped well to prevent drying out!

Can I freeze Ube Brownie Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze, arrange the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Afterward, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave or oven!

What if my cookies don’t have a crackly top?
If the crackly top isn’t as pronounced, it might be due to insufficient whipping of the eggs and sugars. Make sure to whip them for the full 6-8 minutes for optimal volume and texture. Also, ensure that you’re not overmixing when combining wet and dry ingredients!

Are Ube Brownie Cookies safe for pets?
While ube is not toxic to dogs, it’s best to avoid giving cookies with sugar and chocolate to pets. These ingredients can be harmful. Stick to dog-safe treats to keep your furry friends happy and healthy!

What if I have a gluten allergy?
For gluten-free Ube Brownie Cookies, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which often works wonderfully as a substitute. Additionally, check your baking powder to ensure it’s also gluten-free!