Coconut Ube Besito Cookies

The first time I brought these purple cookies to a potluck, someone asked if they were dyed for a party. When I explained they were ube, a Filipino purple yam, the room went quiet for exactly one second before everyone reached for one. Now theyre the most requested treat at every gathering.

Last Christmas, my niece helped me roll the dough balls in coconut. She ended up with more coconut on her nose than on the cookies, but that messy afternoon became our new holiday tradition. The purple dough against her flour-dusted hands made the cutest pictures.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation that holds everything together without being too dense
• Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough lift to make them tender without spreading too much
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and lets the ube shine through
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Room temperature butter creams better and creates that melt in your mouth texture
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens without overpowering the delicate ube flavor
• Ube halaya (1/4 cup): This purple yam jam is what makes the cookies absolutely magical
• Large egg: Binds the dough and adds richness
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Always use pure vanilla for the best flavor
• Sweetened shredded coconut (1/2 cup): Adds texture and sweetness throughout the cookie
• Desiccated coconut (1/4 cup): Creates that beautiful snowy coating on the outside
• Ube extract (2 tablespoons): Optional but worth it for that vibrant purple color

Instructions

Preheat your oven:

Set it to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so nothing sticks.

Whisk the dry ingredients:

Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.

Cream the butter and sugar:

Beat them together for 2 to 3 minutes until they look fluffy and pale.

Add the wet ingredients:

Mix in the egg, ube halaya, and vanilla until everything is incorporated.

Combine the mixtures:

Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until you no longer see flour.

Fold in the coconut:

Gently stir in the shredded coconut until its evenly distributed.

Shape the cookies:

Scoop tablespoon portions, roll into balls, and coat them in desiccated coconut.

Bake to perfection:

Arrange them 2 inches apart and bake for 13 to 15 minutes until set and golden on the bottoms.

Cool completely:

Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.

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My grandmother tried these and immediately asked for the recipe. She wrote it down on the back of an old envelope, which I still have tucked in my recipe box. Every time I bake them, I think of her purple stained fingers and smile.

Making Them Ahead

The dough balls freeze beautifully for up to a month. Just roll them in coconut right before baking and add an extra minute to the baking time. I always keep a batch in the freezer for unexpected guests or midnight cravings.

Perfecting the Purple

Natural ube halaya gives a lovely lavender color, but ube extract creates that Instagram worthy deep purple. I use both for the best of both worlds. Remember that the color fades slightly during baking, so start with a slightly deeper shade than you want in the final cookie.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies shine alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee. The subtle sweetness pairs beautifully with anything from Earl Grey to bold espresso. They also make incredible ice cream sandwiches when paired with vanilla bean or coconut ice cream.

• Try them with a drizzle of white chocolate for extra indulgence
• Package them in clear bags tied with purple ribbon for gifts
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days

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These little purple bites have become my go to for bringing people together. Theres something about them that makes strangers into friends.

Common Questions

→ What makes ube cookies unique?

Ube, a purple yam from the Philippines, imparts a striking violet color and subtle earthy sweetness unlike typical vanilla or chocolate treats. The natural purple hue creates visual appeal while the flavor profile offers delicate floral notes that complement coconut beautifully.

→ Can I substitute ube halaya?

If ube halaya is unavailable, reconstituted ube powder works as an alternative. Follow package instructions to create a paste similar in consistency to the jam. The flavor will be slightly less intense but still delivers the characteristic ube essence and vibrant color.

→ Why are they called besito cookies?

Besito means 'little kiss' in Spanish, referring to the small, bite-sized nature of these treats. The name reflects the Latin influence in this fusion creation, where the cookie size makes them perfect for popping whole into your mouth or serving alongside afternoon beverages.

→ How do I achieve the chewiest texture?

Slightly underbaking by 1-2 minutes yields a softer, chewier cookie. Look for set edges but slightly soft centers. The cookies continue cooking on the hot baking sheet during the 5-minute cooling period, so removing them while centers appear slightly underdone ensures perfect chewiness once cooled.

→ What beverages pair well with these cookies?

Hot tea, particularly black or jasmine varieties, complements the subtle sweetness and coconut notes. Coffee also balances the earthy ube flavor. For a traditional Filipino experience, serve with pandan tea, or enjoy with Spanish-style hot chocolate for a Latin-inspired pairing.

→ How should I store these cookies?

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The coconut coating may soften over time but flavors remain vibrant. For longer storage, freeze unbaked dough balls and bake fresh, extending enjoyment up to 3 months. Thaw frozen dough overnight before rolling in coconut and baking.