Ube Lofthouse Cookies for kids

These ube Lofthouse cookies are a vibrant and fun twist on the classic soft sugar cookies kids love. Made with purple yam (ube) for natural color and flavor, they’re topped with fluffy ube frosting and colorful sprinkles—perfect for birthdays or lunchbox treats.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are ultra-soft, cake-like, and have a gentle sweetness. The ube flavor adds a nutty, vanilla-like profile and the fun color makes them appealing to children. The recipe is easy to make, freezes well, and is great for decorating with kids.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Egg
Sour cream
Ube extract
Purple food coloring (optional)
Powdered sugar (for frosting)
Milk
Sprinkles

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, soda, and salt.
In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
Add egg, ube extract, food coloring, and sour cream; mix well.
Gradually add dry ingredients to form a soft dough.
Scoop onto baking sheet, flatten slightly, and bake for 8–10 minutes.
Cool completely before frosting.
For frosting, beat butter and powdered sugar, then add milk and ube extract.
Frost cookies and top with sprinkles.

Servings and timing

Servings: 20 cookies
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 10 minutes
Total time: About 45 minutes

Variations

Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and yogurt.
Ube Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap frosting for a tangy version.
Color Fun: Add rainbow food coloring swirls to the dough.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Cookies can be frozen (frosted or unfrosted) for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature.

FAQs

What is ube?

Ube is a purple yam from the Philippines with a sweet, nutty flavor.

Where do I find ube extract?

Look in Asian markets or online.

Can I skip the food coloring?

Yes, but ube extract alone may produce a paler color.

Are these cookies soft or crunchy?

They’re very soft and fluffy, like Lofthouse originals.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, portion it out and freeze raw dough balls.

Is sour cream necessary?

It helps with softness and flavor. You can substitute yogurt.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, reduce slightly in both dough and frosting.

Are they safe for toddlers?

Yes, just avoid hard sprinkles for very young children.

Can kids help with decorating?

Absolutely, it’s a fun, family-friendly activity.

Can I use ube halaya?

Not for this recipe—ube extract is better for even color and flavor.

Conclusion

Ube Lofthouse cookies are a soft, colorful treat that’s perfect for children and ube lovers alike. Easy to bake and fun to decorate, they bring playful joy to any occasion.