As the sun dipped below the horizon on a crisp afternoon, I found myself yearning for a sweet treat that could warm my soul—something with a twist. That’s when I stumbled upon the enchanting world of ube, the vibrant purple yam that adds a touch of magic to any recipe. Enter these Ube Iced Oatmeal Cookies—a delightful fusion of chewy oatmeal, aromatic spices, and the unique flavor of ube that dances on your taste buds.
These cookies bring a playful spin to traditional oatmeal treats, transforming them into something truly special. With each bite, you’ll experience the comforting texture of oats combined with the soft sweetness of ube—a combination that’s perfect for a cozy evening or when you need to impress at your next gathering. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up, making them a go-to for both novice and seasoned bakers alike. Let’s dive into this delicious journey together and create a batch that will surely become a cherished favorite in your kitchen!
Why are Ube Iced Oatmeal Cookies a Must-Try?
Unique Flavor: The ube gives these cookies a distinctive twist that sets them apart from traditional oatmeal cookies.
Chewy Delight: With old-fashioned oats, each bite offers a satisfying chew that’s simply irresistible.
Aromatic Spices: The warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg complements the ube, creating a delightful aromatic experience.
Easy to Make: You only need basic baking skills to enjoy this culinary adventure, making it accessible for everyone.
Perfect for Sharing: Bring these cookies to gatherings, and watch them disappear—they’re sure to impress friends and family!
For another delightful treat, check out my Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies that are equally irresistible!
Ube Iced Oatmeal Cookies Ingredients
• Discover the magic of these Ube Iced Oatmeal Cookies with a simple ingredient list!
For the Cookies
- Old-fashioned whole rolled oats – adds texture and a hearty bite to each cookie.
- All-purpose flour – helps provide the structure needed for a perfect cookie.
- Baking soda – ensures these cookies rise beautifully, creating a soft center.
- Kosher salt – enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness wonderfully.
- Ground cinnamon – infuses a warm, comforting aroma that’s hard to resist.
- Ground nutmeg – adds a hint of warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
- Unsalted butter – contributes to a rich, buttery flavor; bring it to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Light brown sugar – provides moisture and a gentle caramel flavor that complements the ube.
- White granulated sugar – adds the perfect sweetness to balance the rich flavors.
- Large egg – binds everything together for a chewy texture.
- Ube extract – this magical ingredient is what gives the cookies their unique purple hue and flavor.
- Ube halaya – adds a deliciously creamy texture and enhances the ube taste in every bite.
For the Icing
- Sifted powdered sugar – creates a velvety icing that coats the cookies beautifully.
- Ube extract – a splash of this will enhance the color and flavor of your icing.
- Milk – adjust the consistency of the icing, but keep it thick for the best dip.
Dive into the fun of baking these cookies and let the vibrant ube flavor bring joy to your kitchen!
How to Make Ube Iced Oatmeal Cookies
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Pulse the Oats: In a food processor, pulse the old-fashioned oats about 10 to 12 times. Aim for a mix of textures: whole oats, chopped oats, and a bit of oat flour for that perfect cookie consistency.
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Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pulsed oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until fully combined. This mix lays the flavorful foundation for your cookies.
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Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the room-temperature unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and white granulated sugar on medium-high speed for approximately 2 minutes until the mixture is creamy and lightened in color.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the large egg, ube extract, and ube halaya into the butter mixture. Beat on high speed until everything is beautifully combined, creating a luscious mixture.
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Combine Wet and Dry: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps will give the cookies their charm!
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Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes. This step is key to achieving that chewy texture and helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring easy cleanup and preventing the cookies from sticking.
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Scoop and Shape: Once the dough has chilled, scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough for each cookie. Space them at least 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet; they’ll spread out during baking.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies for 8 to 9 minutes, or until they are lightly darker purple around the edges. The centers should look soft—this means they’ll be chewy and delightful!
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Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing their perfect texture to develop.
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Make the Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, ube extract, and half of the milk until somewhat smooth. Gradually add enough extra milk to achieve a thick and smooth icing consistency.
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Dip for Delight: Lightly dip the tops of the completely cooled cookies into the icing. The icing will set in no time, giving your Ube Iced Oatmeal Cookies their delectable finish.
Optional: Drizzle some extra ube halaya on top for a delightful touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Ube Iced Oatmeal Cookies
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Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough for at least 45 minutes helps solidify the butter and ensures chewy Ube Iced Oatmeal Cookies.
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Proper Mixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; removing them when they’re still soft in the center is key to achieving that perfect chew.
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Customize the Icing: Adjust the milk in your icing to your desired thickness, but remember, a thicker icing creates a beautiful dip for the best presentation!
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Storage Savvy: Store your cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy for days—if they make it that long!
Make Ahead Options
These Ube Iced Oatmeal Cookies are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy homemade treats without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days in advance—just tightly wrap it in plastic wrap to keep it fresh and prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoot the dough onto a baking sheet and follow the baking instructions. Additionally, you can make the icing ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week; just give it a quick stir before dipping your cookies. This way, you’ll have freshly baked cookies, just as delightful as if they were made on the spot!
How to Store and Freeze Ube Iced Oatmeal Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your Ube Iced Oatmeal Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness and chewiness.
Fridge: For slightly extended freshness, these cookies can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezer: To enjoy these delectable cookies later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 2 hours. Once solid, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, allow frozen cookies to thaw at room temperature. For a warm treat, microwave them for 10-15 seconds; they’ll taste freshly baked!
Ube Iced Oatmeal Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and customize your Ube Iced Oatmeal Cookies for an even more delightful experience!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to cater to gluten sensitivities while keeping the texture amazing.
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Nutty Boost: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and an added layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the ube.
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Vegan Option: Replace the egg with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use vegan butter for a delightful vegan twist.
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Dairy-Free Icing: Make the icing dairy-free by using almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk—perfect for lactose intolerant friends!
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Add Chocolate: Incorporate chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white) into the cookie dough for a sweet chocolatey surprise peeking through those vibrant purple hues.
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Coconut Twist: Mix in some shredded coconut for a tropical twist that complements the flavor of ube and adds a lovely chewiness.
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Spicy Kick: For a fun twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger to the dough to bring a subtle warmth that contrasts nicely with the sweet ube flavor.
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Zesty Surprise: Add the zest of a lemon or orange to the dough for a refreshing citrus note that brightens up the overall flavor of the cookies.
Your baking adventure awaits, allowing you to explore countless flavour profiles and textures!
What to Serve with Ube Iced Oatmeal Cookies?
Looking to create a delightful spread to enjoy alongside these sweet treats? Let your taste buds explore tempting flavor combinations that enhance each bite!
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream perfectly contrasts the chewy, warm cookies for an indulgent dessert experience.
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Fresh Berries: A medley of raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries adds a burst of freshness, balancing the richness of the cookies with a juicy tang.
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Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai tea echo the cinnamon and nutmeg in the cookies, making for a cozy pairing that warms the soul.
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Chocolate Milk: For the young and young at heart, the rich sweetness of chocolate milk brings a nostalgic vibe that complements the ube flavor beautifully.
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Lemonade: The bright citrus notes of lemonade cut through the sweetness of the cookies, offering a refreshing contrast that’s perfect for sunny afternoons.
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Caramel Sauce Drizzle: A drizzle of caramel adds a luscious touch, enhancing the flavors of the cookies and making them utterly irresistible.
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Nutty Granola Parfait: Layer your cookies with yogurt and granola for a delightful parfait; the crunchy texture pairs beautifully with the soft cookies.
Embrace these pairings, and turn a simple batch of Ube Iced Oatmeal Cookies into a charming feast!
Ube Iced Oatmeal Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe ube?
Absolutely! When choosing ube, look for firm tubers without dark spots or soft spots. Ideally, they should have a vibrant purple color and feel heavy for their size. If you find them at your local market or store, make sure they are free of blemishes and have a smooth texture for the best flavor.
How should I store my Ube Iced Oatmeal Cookies?
To ensure optimal freshness, store your Ube Iced Oatmeal Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them even longer, you can refrigerate them, where they’ll last for up to a week. Just be sure to layer them with parchment paper if stacking, to avoid them sticking together.
Can I freeze Ube Iced Oatmeal Cookies?
Very! To freeze your cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours until solid. Then, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag, removing as much air as possible, and they can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked taste!
What should I do if my cookies turn out too dry?
If your Ube Iced Oatmeal Cookies are dry, it might be due to over-baking or not measuring the flour correctly. To fix this, make sure to take them out of the oven while they still look slightly soft in the center, as they will continue to firm up while cooling. Check your measurements by spooning the flour into your measuring cup and leveling it off for accuracy.
Are these cookies safe for pets or people with allergies?
While these cookies are a delightful treat for people, they should be kept away from pets, especially due to the presence of ingredients like butter and sugar. Additionally, if you’re baking for someone with allergies, check the specific ingredients used (like flour or other additives) since cross-contamination can happen in kitchens. Always have alternatives ready to suit dietary restrictions!
Decadent Ube Iced Oatmeal Cookies for Sweet Cravings
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pulse the oats in a food processor about 10 to 12 times until you achieve a mix of textures.
- Whisk together the pulsed oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg in a medium bowl.
- Beat the room-temperature unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and white granulated sugar until creamy and lightened in color.
- Incorporate the large egg, ube extract, and ube halaya into the butter mixture and beat until combined.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough for each cookie, spacing them at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 8 to 9 minutes or until they are lightly darker purple around the edges and the centers look soft.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, ube extract, and milk until smooth, adjusting for thickness.
- Dip the tops of the completely cooled cookies into the icing and let it set.
- Optional: Drizzle some extra ube halaya on top for added flair!