Matcha ube cookies have become my obsession lately, these vibrant marbled cookies are an irresistible fusion of Japanese matcha and Filipino ube that’s taking over my kitchen. As someone who thrives on discovering playful new bakes, matcha ube cookies are a personal favorite that blend nostalgia and modern dessert trends in every bite. If you’re looking for something unique, chewy, and totally delicious, you’ll want to bookmark this matcha ube cookies recipe.
Table of Contents
What Is Matcha Ube Cookies?
Matcha ube cookies are soft, chewy cookies made with finely ground Japanese matcha and real ube, a sweet purple yam beloved in Filipino cuisine. The result? Beautiful green and purple swirls with an irresistible earthy, sweet, and slightly nutty flavor. Matcha gives the cookies a grassy note and vivid color, while ube brings a subtle sweetness and striking hue. Together, they create a one-of-a-kind cookie that will spark joy and satisfy dessert cravings with every bite. These cookies have become a sensation for good reason, and they’re perfect for anyone who loves colorful treats or fusion baking.
Why You’ll Love This Matcha Ube Cookies Recipe
There are so many reasons to love matcha ube cookies. First, the combination of creamy ube and fresh matcha gives these cookies layers of flavor you won’t find anywhere else. Their vibrant colors make every batch look like edible art, while the easy, approachable recipe means bakers of all levels can whip up a batch with confidence. The ingredients are simple, but the flavors are truly surprising. Matcha ube cookies offer a fun way to share Asian-inspired desserts with friends or impress at any gathering. If you enjoy creative, photogenic, and delicious bakes, you’ll fall in love with every bite.
How to Make Matcha Ube Cookies
Quick Overview
Matcha ube cookies are made by preparing a basic cookie dough, splitting and flavoring it with matcha and ube, swirling together for a gorgeous marble effect, then baking to soft, chewy perfection. You’ll love how simple the steps are, and how fun it is to watch those colors come together.
Ingredients Overview
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure. Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for gluten-free cookies.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture. Use plant-based butter for vegan options.
- Granulated Sugar: Gives sweetness and chewy edges. Coconut sugar can also work.
- Brown Sugar: For a touch of caramel flavor. Use extra granulated sugar if preferred.
- Egg: Binds the dough. Swap for a flax egg for a vegan version.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth.
- Ube Halaya (Ube Jam): Key for that signature purple color and sweet, nutty flavor. Roasted, mashed purple sweet potato can be used as a substitute.
- Matcha Powder: Culinary grade recommended for the brightest color and cleanest taste.
- Baking Soda: For a gentle rise and soft texture.
- Salt: Balances and boosts all the other flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Measure everything and let the butter soften. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugars: Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add Egg & Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet & Dry: Add the dry mixture to the wet and mix just until combined.
- Divide Dough: Split dough evenly into two bowls.
- Flavor the Dough: Stir ube halaya into one half until purple and sift matcha powder into the other half, mixing well.
- Marble the Dough: Swirl the two doughs together gently, avoid overmixing to keep distinct green and purple swirls.
- Scoop & Bake: Drop cookie dough onto prepared sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, until the edges set but centers look slightly soft.
- Cool: Let cookies cool for 5 minutes on the tray, then transfer to a rack. Enjoy warm, or let cool completely for a chewier bite.
Helpful Tips & Customizations
- Chill for Thickness: Chill the dough 30 minutes for extra chewy cookies with puff.
- Mix-Ins: White or dark chocolate chips are a wonderful addition.
- Make It Vegan: Swap the egg for a flax egg and use vegan butter.
- Ube Substitute: Can’t find ube halaya? Use roasted, mashed purple sweet potato with a little sweetener.
- Sweetness Adjust: Taste and adjust sugar, ube jams vary in sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve matcha ube cookies at dessert tables or tea parties for a vibrant, fun display. Their marbled colors look fantastic stacked high or arranged on a platter. Pair with a homemade matcha latte or a cup of coconut milk tea for an exciting flavor match. For an indulgent treat, sandwich a scoop of vanilla or ube ice cream between two cookies! They also make great gifts, package matcha ube cookies in parchment-lined boxes or bags tied with ribbon for a show-stopping homemade surprise. Find other inspiring bakes like chickpea brownies or homemade cosmic brownies to add even more fun to your dessert table.
FAQs About Matcha Ube Cookies
Do ube and matcha go together?
Absolutely! Ube’s nutty sweetness balances perfectly with matcha’s earthy flavor, making matcha ube cookies a fantastic pairing for dessert lovers.
How does matcha affect baking?
Matcha brings color, subtle grassy notes, and extra tenderness to your baked treats. In matcha ube cookies, it helps create that soft, chewy crumb.
Are ube cookies healthy?
While they’re a treat, matcha ube cookies use plant-based ingredients like ube and matcha, both of which offer antioxidants and vitamins. You can tweak the recipe to make it a bit lighter, too.
Can I add matcha to any cookie dough?
Yes, you can sift matcha into most cookie recipes. It works best when paired with sweet, nutty, or vanilla flavors, just like in this matcha ube cookies recipe!
Conclusion
Matcha ube cookies are a thrilling way to bring color, joy, and delicious multicultural flavor to your kitchen. Whether you’re a new baker or a seasoned pro, you’ll love making (and sharing) these playful cookies. For more creative desserts, browse recipes like black bean brownies or ube brownies on MyRecipeCast, and be sure to follow along for daily inspiration on Pinterest. For further tips and baking science, check out this expert guide to matcha for even more insight. Happy baking!
Matcha Ube Cookies
Equipment
- Baking sheet Lined with parchment
- 2 Mixing bowls For wet and dry ingredients
- Electric mixer Hand or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Cookie scoop For even cookies
- Wire rack For cooling
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Use 1:1 gluten-free blend if needed
- 1 cup unsalted butter Room temperature; plant-based for vegan
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar Or coconut sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar Light or dark
- 1 large egg Flax egg for vegan
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup ube halaya (ube jam) Or mashed purple sweet potato
- 1 tbsp matcha powder Culinary grade
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prep all ingredients and let butter soften. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to wet mixture; stir just until combined.
- Divide dough evenly between two bowls.
- Mix ube halaya into one bowl until purple. Sift matcha powder into the other; mix until green.
- Gently swirl the two doughs together—do not overmix.
- Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 min, until edges set but centers are just underbaked.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
