Easy Soft Ube Cheesecake Cookies Recipe & More!
This particular type of baked good represents a fusion of culinary traditions, blending the creamy richness of a classic dessert with the distinct flavor profile of a root vegetable integral to Southeast Asian cuisine. The resulting confection offers a visually appealing and palatable experience that deviates from conventional baked desserts.
Equipment
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions.
- a mixing bowl for combining wet and dry components,
- an electric mixer (stand or hand-held) to cream butter, sugar, and cream cheese,
- a rubber spatula for folding ingredients,
- baking sheets lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and
- a wire rack for cooling the finished cookies.
- An optional, but highly recommended, cookie scoop ensures uniform size and even baking.
Ingredients
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cups granulated sugar
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ube extract or ube flavoring
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- teaspoon salt
- cup ube halaya ube jam, optional, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and cream cheese until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and ube extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the ube halaya pieces, if using.
- Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are still soft.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Tips: For a more intense ube flavor, use ube powder in addition to the extract. Adjust the amount of ube extract to your liking. If ube halaya is unavailable, it can be omitted without significantly altering the recipe. For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them. For cookies that hold their shape better, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Notes
Variations
The recipe for these baked goods allows for considerable adaptation. Possible variations include:
- Ingredient Swaps: Alternatives to all-purpose flour, such as gluten-free blends, can cater to specific dietary needs. Brown sugar can replace granulated sugar for a richer, molasses-like flavor. Different extracts, such as almond or coconut, can complement the ube.
- Regional Twists: Ube powder can be added to amplify the ube flavor and color. In regions where ube halaya is readily available, a swirl of it can be added to the top of each cookie before baking.
- Dietary Adjustments: For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative. Eggs can be replaced with flax eggs or other egg replacers to make the recipe vegan-friendly. Sugar-free sweeteners can be used to reduce the overall sugar content.