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Vibrant Ube Purple Cookies — Made with Natural Purple Food Coloring (Water-Soluble Extract)
Dolce Flav
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Natural Purple Food Coloring - Water Soluble
Author:
Dolce Flav
Servings
24
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
12 minutes
These soft, chewy purple cookies combine a buttery cookie base with natural purple food coloring and optional ube for authentic flavor; the dough is mixed until just combined, studded with white chocolate, chilled briefly (optional) for thicker cookies, then scooped and baked until the edges set and centers remain soft — finish by pressing a few extra chips on top for a bakery look. Using a water-soluble natural purple extract gives vivid, stable color while preserving texture when added sparingly and balanced with dry ingredients.
Ingredients
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1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
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¾ cup (150 g) packed light brown sugar
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
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1 tsp baking soda
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½ tsp fine sea salt
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2 tbsp ube powder or 3 tbsp ube jam (ube halaya) — optional for authentic ube flavor
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1–2 tsp Natural Purple Food Coloring — Water-Soluble Extract
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1½ cups white chocolate chips or chunks (or mix milk/white chips)
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Optional: 1 tbsp cornstarch (for a softer, thicker cookie)
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl whisk flour, baking soda, salt (and cornstarch if using). Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream butter and both sugars until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, beating briefly after each; add vanilla and mix until combined.
Add ube powder or 1–2 tbsp ube jam (if using) and mix to combine. Then add 1 teaspoon Natural Purple Food Coloring extract; mix and evaluate color — add up to 1 more teaspoon for a deeper hue.
Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined; do not overmix. Fold in white chocolate chips.
For thicker cookies, chill dough 15–30 minutes; otherwise scoop immediately. Use a 1.5 Tbsp cookie scoop and place dough 2 inches apart on prepared sheets.
Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and centers look slightly underbaked — centers will firm as they cool. For crinkly tops or extra shine, bake 9–10 minutes.
Remove to a cooling rack after 2 minutes on the sheet and press a few extra chips into the warm tops for presentation. Cool completely before storing.
Store airtight at room temperature up to 4 days, or freeze dough balls for up to 3 months.
Recipe Note
10 Common FAQs
Can I use Natural Purple Food Coloring in place of ube?
Yes — the natural purple extract gives vivid color, but ube (powder or halaya) adds authentic nutty-vanilla flavor; you can use either or both.
How much extract do I need for deep purple cookies?
Start with 1 teaspoon per batch, then add up to 1 more tsp — extracts vary, so add incrementally to control color and moisture.
Will natural purple dye change cookie texture?
If the extract is water-based and added in very small amounts, it shouldn’t; avoid adding concentrated juices or unreduced liquids without compensating dry ingredients.
Can I substitute blueberries or purple cabbage for the extract?
Yes, but you must reduce juices to concentrate pigment and minimize extra moisture; color may be less stable.
Are these cookies vegan or gluten-free?
The recipe above is not, but you can adapt: use vegan butter and egg replacer, or swap to a gluten-free flour blend and adjust as needed; several successful ube cookie variations online show good results.
Can I make the dough ahead?
Yes — chill dough in the fridge up to 48 hours for deeper flavor, or freeze scooped dough balls up to 3 months. Bake from frozen adding ~2 extra minutes.
Why did my purple fade after baking?
Natural pigments can fade with heat, sunlight, or pH changes — adding a small amount more extract, using ube powder, or baking slightly less can help maintain color.
What pairs well with these purple cookies?
Milk, ube latte, coconut ice cream, or a simple cream cheese glaze complement the flavor and look.
Can I use gel or paste natural purple colors?
Yes — gel is concentrated and won’t add water; follow brand guidance (usually less is more). King Arthur and other baking authorities recommend natural color options for decorating.
Kid-Safe Natural Purple Food Coloring for Cookies & Drinks
Kid-safe Natural Purple Food Coloring – Water Soluble Extract is perfect for cookies and drinks, as it’s made from plant-based ingredients without artificial additives, providing vibrant color while being safe, gentle, and fun for kids to enjoy in homemade treats and beverages.