Delicious Vegan Ube Cookies: Easy Purple Yam Dessert Recipe

There's something magical about the vibrant purple hue of ube that makes any dessert instantly Instagram-worthy. These vegan ube cookies aren't just a feast for the eyes—they're a delightful treat that brings the unique, subtly sweet flavor of purple yam to your kitchen in an accessible way. Whether you're a seasoned vegan baker or just curious about exploring Filipino-inspired flavors, these cookies offer a perfect entry point into the wonderful world of ube.

As someone with a sensitive digestive system, I've adapted this recipe to be gentle on the stomach while still capturing the essence of traditional ube treats. The natural purple color and vanilla-like flavor of ube create cookies that are as delicious as they are beautiful—no artificial colors needed!

What is Ube and Why It's Becoming a Global Sensation

Ube (pronounced "ooh-beh") is a purple yam native to the Philippines and has been a staple in Filipino desserts for generations. Unlike purple sweet potatoes or taro, ube has a distinct flavor profile that's mildly sweet with subtle vanilla and coconut notes. Its naturally vibrant purple color has made it a hit in our social media age, where food aesthetics reign supreme.

In recent years, ube has transcended its traditional roots to become a global culinary trend, appearing in everything from ice cream and cheesecakes to lattes and, yes, cookies. Its rising popularity isn't just about looks—many people appreciate ube as a natural alternative to artificial food coloring, offering that stunning purple hue straight from nature.

Nutritional Benefits of Ube

Beyond its striking appearance and delicious taste, ube packs impressive nutritional benefits. Rich in antioxidants (thanks to those purple pigments called anthocyanins), ube also provides a good dose of vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. For those monitoring their digestive health, ube can be a friendlier alternative to some other starchy vegetables when consumed in moderation.

If you're particularly concerned about digestive comfort, pairing these treats with a digestive enzyme supplement like those from Casa de Sante can help ensure optimal digestion. Their low FODMAP certified digestive enzymes are specifically formulated to support the breakdown of complex carbohydrates, which can be especially helpful when enjoying starchy treats like these ube cookies.

Finding and Preparing Ube for Baking

While fresh ube would be ideal, it can be challenging to find outside of Asian markets. Fortunately, there are several convenient alternatives that work perfectly for these cookies. The most accessible option is ube powder or ube extract, both of which can be found in Asian grocery stores, specialty food shops, or online retailers.

For this recipe, we'll be using ube powder combined with a small amount of ube extract for an enhanced flavor profile. If you can only find one or the other, don't worry—the recipe can be adjusted accordingly, though the intensity of the purple color may vary.

Substitutions and Alternatives

If you're unable to source ube products, you can experiment with purple sweet potato powder as a substitute, though the flavor profile will be slightly different. Some bakers also use a combination of vanilla extract and a touch of coconut extract to mimic ube's unique taste, along with natural purple food coloring derived from sources like butterfly pea flower or purple carrot juice.

For those with specific dietary concerns, this recipe is already vegan and can be adapted to be gluten-free by substituting a quality gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure your blend contains xanthan gum, or add 1/4 teaspoon per cup of flour to maintain the proper texture.

The Perfect Vegan Ube Cookie Recipe

Understanding the Key Ingredients

Creating vegan cookies that maintain the perfect texture requires thoughtful ingredient selection. Instead of eggs, this recipe uses a combination of applesauce and a flax egg (ground flaxseed mixed with water) to provide binding and moisture. Coconut oil stands in for butter, complementing the subtle coconut notes naturally present in ube.

The sugar combination of organic cane sugar and brown sugar creates the ideal balance of sweetness and chewiness. For those monitoring sugar intake, you could experiment with coconut sugar as a lower-glycemic alternative, though it will slightly alter the flavor and color of the final product.

Low FODMAP Adaptations

For those following a low FODMAP diet for digestive health, this recipe can be adapted by ensuring your plant-based milk is low FODMAP (such as almond or rice milk) and using a measured amount of applesauce that stays within low FODMAP guidelines. Additionally, incorporating a scoop of Casa de Sante's low FODMAP certified protein powder can add nutritional value while keeping the recipe gut-friendly. Their vanilla protein powder works particularly well with the ube flavor profile.

If you're unsure about specific ingredients, Casa de Sante offers personalized meal plans that can help you navigate which adaptations might work best for your particular digestive needs while still enjoying treats like these ube cookies.

Low FODMAP Vegan Ube Cookies Recipe

Ingredients and Preparation

Here's my tried-and-tested recipe for these beautiful purple treats that won't upset sensitive stomachs:

Vegan Purple Yam Cookies

Delightfully chewy cookies with the unique flavor of Filipino ube, made completely plant-based and gentle on sensitive digestive systems.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons ube powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup refined coconut oil, softened (not melted)
• 3/4 cup organic cane sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ube extract (optional, for stronger flavor and color)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 cup vegan white chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the flax egg by mixing ground flaxseed with water in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes gel-like.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ube powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened coconut oil, cane sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the flax egg, applesauce, vanilla extract, and ube extract (if using) to the sugar mixture. Beat until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
6. Add almond milk and mix until the dough comes together. If the dough seems too dry, add an additional tablespoon of milk.
7. Fold in white chocolate chips if using.
8. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
10. Scoop dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, placing cookies about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
11. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone.
12. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Cuisine: Filipino-inspired, Vegan

Tips for Perfect Ube Cookies Every Time

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cookies spread too much during baking, your coconut oil might have been too warm. The dough should be chilled thoroughly before baking. Conversely, if your cookies don't spread enough, try flattening the dough balls slightly before baking.

For the most vibrant purple color, use both ube powder and extract if possible. The color will deepen slightly during baking, so don't worry if the dough doesn't look as purple as you expected before it goes into the oven.

Storage and Shelf Life

These vegan ube cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months—just thaw at room temperature when you're ready to enjoy them.

You can also freeze the cookie dough for future baking. Form the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you're ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on your baking sheet and add 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These cookies are delicious on their own, but they can be elevated in several ways. Try sandwiching coconut cream or vegan cream cheese frosting between two cookies for an indulgent treat. For a special occasion, dip half of each cookie in melted vegan white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed pistachios for a beautiful color contrast.

For a more substantial snack that supports digestive health, serve these cookies alongside a probiotic-rich beverage. You might consider a small glass of coconut kefir or kombucha, or even a smoothie made with Casa de Sante's prebiotic and probiotic blend, which can help maintain a balanced gut microbiome while enjoying your sweet treat.

Creating Cookie Variations

Once you've mastered the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with variations. Add macadamia nuts for crunch, fold in dried coconut flakes for texture, or incorporate a teaspoon of matcha powder for a unique flavor combination that plays beautifully with the ube.

For holiday celebrations, press a thumbprint into each cookie before baking and fill with coconut jam (kaya) or ube jam (ube halaya) for an extra touch of Filipino-inspired flavor that will make these cookies truly unforgettable.

With their stunning color and unique flavor, these vegan ube cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Not only do they offer a delicious introduction to Filipino flavors, but with the right adaptations, they can be enjoyed even by those with sensitive digestive systems. Happy baking!