Coconut Ube Besito Cookies (Printable)

Delightful bite-sized treats combining sweet coconut with vibrant purple yam for a tender texture.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1/4 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
07 - 1 large egg
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Add-Ins & Coating

09 - 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
10 - 1/4 cup desiccated coconut (for rolling)
11 - 2 tablespoons ube extract (optional, for color and flavor)

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well blended.
03 - In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
04 - Beat in the egg, ube halaya, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Add ube extract now if using for deeper color.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
06 - Gently fold in the sweetened shredded coconut until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
07 - Scoop tablespoon portions of dough and roll into balls. Roll each ball in desiccated coconut to coat completely.
08 - Place the coconut-coated balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
09 - Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until cookies are set and lightly golden on the bottoms while still slightly soft on top.
10 - Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of ube and coconut creates this impossible to describe flavor that somehow tastes like a warm hug
  • These cookies stay tender for days, making them perfect for unexpected guests or midnight cravings
02 -
  • Underbaking by 1 to 2 minutes creates the most gloriously chewy centers while keeping edges crisp
  • The dough can sit at room temperature while the oven preheats without any negative effects
03 -
  • Room temperature ube halaya incorporates much more smoothly than cold—just give it a quick stir to soften
  • If your coconut coating isn't sticking, lightly dampen your hands before rolling the dough balls

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