Ube Levain-Style Cookies

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ube Levain-Style Cookies are a unique twist on the classic Levain Bakery cookie, infusing it with the vibrant and earthy flavor of ube, a Filipino staple. Their thick, chewy texture combined with pockets of creamy white chocolate makes each bite a perfect balance of sweetness and richness. These cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, thanks to their striking purple color. If you’re a fan of big, gooey cookies or want to try something new, these are perfect for you.

Ingredients

• 230 g cold butter (2 sticks), cubed
• 160 g brown sugar
• 160 g white sugar
• 475 g all-purpose flour
• 3 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 25 g ube powder
• 1 tsp ube extract
• 2 eggs
• 1 egg yolk
• 300 g white chocolate chips

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine flour, ube powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs with ube extract and set aside.
3. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat cold butter for 30-35 seconds until broken into pieces (do not cream).
4. Add both sugars to the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles pebbles (40-45 seconds).
5. Mix in the white chocolate chips until combined.
6. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix lightly until sandy.
7. Add the egg mixture and yolk, mixing only until combined—do not overmix.
8. Portion the dough into large 165 g balls, shaping them roughly for jagged edges. Place them on a tray close together and freeze for at least 2 hours or overnight.
9. Preheat the oven to 365°F (185°C). Arrange 6 dough balls on a lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
10. Bake for 15-17 minutes on the middle rack. Cool on the sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 large cookies
• Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including freezing time)

Variations

• Chocolate chips: Use dark or milk chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
• Nuts: Add macadamia nuts or cashews for a crunchy contrast.
• Swirls: Incorporate a cream cheese swirl into the dough for an ube cheesecake-inspired flavor.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Create an ube ice cream sandwich by placing a scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream between two cooled cookies.

Storage/Reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To enjoy them warm again, gently reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes or until the edges are crispy and the center is gooey. These cookies also freeze well and can be stored for up to 3 months. Simply let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies without ube powder?

Yes, but the flavor and color will be different. Ube powder is key to achieving the vibrant purple color and unique flavor. You can try using ube extract alone for flavor, but the result will be less intense.

2. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

The key to keeping the cookies thick is using cold butter and freezing the dough balls before baking. These steps prevent excessive spreading in the oven.

3. Can I use softened butter instead of cold butter?

It’s best to use cold butter for this recipe to achieve the thick, chunky texture. Softened butter will result in a flatter cookie.

4. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Ube Levain-Style Cookies, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.

5. Can I use other types of chocolate instead of white chocolate chips?

Yes, dark or milk chocolate chips are great alternatives, though they will create a different flavor balance.

6. How large should I make the dough balls?

For the signature Levain-Style cookies, aim for large dough balls weighing about 165 grams each. This ensures the thick, chunky texture.

7. Can I refrigerate the dough overnight instead of freezing it?

Yes, refrigerating the dough overnight works too. Just ensure it’s thoroughly chilled to prevent spreading during baking.

8. What if I don’t have a stand mixer?

You can use a hand mixer or even mix by hand, though it may take a bit longer to combine the ingredients.

9. Why do I need to mix the ingredients lightly?

Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mixing just until combined ensures a soft, tender texture.

10. Can I make these cookies smaller?

Yes, but keep in mind that smaller cookies will bake faster and may lose some of the gooey, chewy texture that makes Levain-style cookies so special.

Conclusion

Ube Levain-Style Cookies are a delightful blend of rich, earthy ube and the indulgent texture of Levain Bakery-style cookies. Their thick, chunky exterior and gooey interior make them the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re a fan of unique flavors or simply love a good cookie, this recipe is sure to impress. With their striking appearance and irresistible taste, these cookies are a perfect addition to any dessert table or as a gift to share.

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