Uraro (Arrowroot) Cookie Recipe and Gluten Free! (2024)

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These Uraro (Arrowroot) Cookies are made with 100% arrowroot flour, which makes them gluten free. Using a cookie press you can make these cookies in under 30 minutes!

Uraro (Arrowroot) Cookie Recipe and Gluten Free! (1)

What are Uraro Cookies?

Uraro or Arrowroot cookies were the cookies of my child hood. I remember taking one from the canister and I would just let them sit in my mouth and melt. Then my mouth would get all sticky and I would do it all over again.

I started thinking about them after reading a short story about them in "Savor The Word". The book is an anthology of award winning short essays from the Doreen Gamboa Fernandez Food Writing Awards over a span of 10 years.

From my research recent recipes online all of them had regular flour mixed in. I wanted to try and get as close as possible to the real recipe and I think I did! This recipe uses 100% arrowroot flour.

You do have two options on the kind of sugar to use. One is to use superfine caster sugar. This will give you more of a crispy bite. The second option is to use powdered sugar. The cookie is more crumbly and melty to the mouth in texture. Let's get to baking.

What Ingredients Do You Need for Uraro Cookies?

You actually don't need much to make Uraro Cookies, just these key ingredients.

Uraro (Arrowroot) Cookie Recipe and Gluten Free! (2)

Arrowroot Powder - This is what makes the cookies nice and melty. Arrowroot is a tuber and to make the powder they are first shredded and then the liquid is squeezed out several times and the remaining fibers are dried and pounded to flour. It's widely used in gluten free baking and can also be used as a replacement for corn flour. In this recipe I ask you to not replace it or cut it with regular flour.

Sugar - As I mentioned above you have two options for sugar. I have made them both ways and I have to say I like the version with superfine caster sugar. The cookies are crispier, but you still have that melty moment at the end.

The second option, which I photographed here is to use powdered sugar. This is good to use if you just want the cookies to melt in your mouth.

Duck Egg - When I was reading the essay the author Viol A De Gusman said that duck eggs were used in the original recipe and I highly recommend trying to source them. Duck eggs have richer egg yolkes that give that smooth mouth feel. If you can't find duck eggs you can use 1 whole regular egg plus one egg yolk instead.

Melted Butter - The butter gives the cookies a depth of flavor and moisture. You can use regular real butter or vegan butter. Another alternative to use is pork lard if you are so inclined. That is also what they used in the traditional recipe.

Vanilla Essence - Good for another addition of flavor.

Salt - Helps balance out the sugar.

Milk - A touch of milk softens the cookie dough if it's a little to tight. I recommend using a cookie press to make these cookies. It makes the process faster and they will also give you pretty uniform cookies. When using a cookie press the dough needs to be the right soft, yet not runny consistency. Think mashed potatoes.

How to Make Uraro Cookies

The dough actually comes together quite fast. In a bowl mix together the arrowroot flour, sugar and salt. Then in a separate small bowl mix together the cooled melted butter, eggs and vanilla essence. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well.

Uraro (Arrowroot) Cookie Recipe and Gluten Free! (3)

If the dough feels a little tight and hard to mix add in 1 teaspoon of milk at a time, mixing in between each addition. You don't want to go to far. As I said earlier aim for soft mash potato consistency.

Following the instructions from your cookie press manufacturer pick your design and fill the press with your dough.

Uraro (Arrowroot) Cookie Recipe and Gluten Free! (4)

From lessons learned I find it best to press the cookies on an unlined cookie sheet that has just been pulled from the fridge. The dough sticks to the sheet better when the sheet is cold.

Uraro (Arrowroot) Cookie Recipe and Gluten Free! (5)

Press the cookies evenly on the cookie sheet. They don't rise or expand much, but do keep some space in between.

Uraro (Arrowroot) Cookie Recipe and Gluten Free! (6)

Then bake for 15 minutes at 300F. These are quite delicate cookies, so I like to keep the temperature low. I don't like any color on them, but that is my personal preference. However if you do like them more golden, add additional cooking time at 2 minute intervals.

Once they are out of the oven, they actually slide off the cookie sheet easily. Leave them to cool on the sheet for 10 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack.

Uraro (Arrowroot) Cookie Recipe and Gluten Free! (7)

Presentation Matters

Once they are cool you can store them in a cookie jar or tin for up to a week. They hold up great in cookie boxes. Hint, hint.

Uraro (Arrowroot) Cookie Recipe and Gluten Free! (8)
Uraro (Arrowroot) Cookie Recipe and Gluten Free! (9)

Other Cookies To Include In The Cookie Box

Filipino Neapolitan Sugar Cookies Filled with Yema

Filipino Flavored Polish Kolaczki Cookies

Christmas Spice Polvoron (The No Bake Filipino Shortbread)

Uraro (Arrowroot) Cookie Recipe and Gluten Free!

These Uraro (Arrowroot) Cookies are made with 100% arrowroot flour, which makes them gluten free. Using a cookie press you can make these cookies in under 30 minutes!

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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Course: Snack

Cuisine: Filipino

Servings: 36 Cookies

Author: Rezel Kealoha

Equipment

  • Cookie Press

Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ Cup Arrowroot Flour
  • ¼ Cup Powdered or Super Fine Caster Sugar
  • 1 Duck Egg or 1 Regular Egg + an Egg Yolk
  • ¼ Cup Melted Butter
  • ½ Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • ¼ Teaspoon Salt
  • 1 Tablespoon Milk

Instructions

  • Pre-Heat Oven to 300F and place a cookie sheet in the refrigerator.

  • In a bowl mix together the arrowroot flour, sugar and salt. Then in a separate small bowl mix together the cooled melted butter, eggs and vanilla essence. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well.

  • If the dough feels a little tight and hard to mix add in 1 teaspoon of milk at a time, mixing in between each addition. You don’t want to go to far. As I said earlier aim for soft mash potato consistency.

  • Following the instructions from your cookie press manufacturer pick your design and fill the press with your dough.

  • From lessons learned I find it best to press the cookies on an unlined cookie sheet that has just been pulled from the fridge. The dough sticks to the sheet better.

  • Bake for 15 minutes at 300F. These are quite delicate cookies, so I like to keep the temperature low. I don’t like any color on them, but that is my personal preference. However if you do like them more golden, add additional cooking time at 2 minute intervals.

  • Once they are out of the oven, they actually slide off the cookie sheet easily. Leave them to cool on the sheet for 10 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack.

  • Once they are cool you can store them in a cookie jar or tin for up to a week.

Did you enjoy making it? I would love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @rezelkealoha with the #rezelkealoha!

For more Filipino inspired goodness in your life follow along on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest. Or subscribe to get these recipes in your inbox. And if you make these Uraro Cookies I would love to see it. Tag your Instagram snaps with @rezelkealoha and #rezelkealohaeats.
Uraro (Arrowroot) Cookie Recipe and Gluten Free! (2024)

FAQs

What does arrowroot do in gluten free baking? ›

Starches like arrowroot powder are an essential ingredient when it comes to baking gluten free goods. Not only will adding arrowroot flour to your recipe create a lighter and fluffier result, but it also works to bind all the ingredients together, which can often be difficult in gluten free cooking.

Are arrowroot cookies gluten free? ›

These Uraro (Arrowroot) Cookies are made with 100% arrowroot flour, which makes them gluten free. Using a cookie press you can make these cookies in under 30 minutes!

Is arrowroot the same as Uraro? ›

Arrowroot Marantha arundinacea or “Uraro” is widely cultivated in the Philippines for its starchy rhizomes. It is a low perennial herbaceous plant with thick, fleshy and creeping roots and long white fibers and is a good source of flour.

What is Uraro in Filipino? ›

Arrowroot or “Uraro” in Filipino is a herbaceous plant. commonly used for the starch from its root and. underground stem in making food and medicine. Uraro.

Does arrowroot raise blood sugar? ›

Arrowroot's low glycemic index and high concentration of potassium have been shown to help people with diabetes. As a result, researchers are currently looking into the benefits of arrowroot flour as an ingredient in healthy snacks for people with diabetes.

Can celiacs eat arrowroot? ›

Fits a gluten-free diet

Like most tubers, arrowroot is naturally gluten-free. Its powder can be used as a substitute for wheat flour ( 2 ). Those who have celiac disease — a common digestive disorder in which gluten inflames your small intestine — need to completely avoid this protein.

What is the best gluten free flour for cookies? ›

What's the best gluten-free flour for baking? Bob's Red Mill gluten-free 1-to-1 baking mix is my favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for baking. It has a mild texture and plenty of "stick" thanks to a blend of sweet rice flour, brown rice flour, and sorghum flour, plus some starches and xanthan gum.

Why are arrowroot cookies so good? ›

People can incorporate arrowroot flour into recipes for baked goods as an alternative to other flours, such as wheat, that contain gluten. Furthermore, research indicates that the resistant starch in arrowroot may improve gluten-free products' texture, flavor, and mouthfeel.

Are arrowroot cookies good for your stomach? ›

Arrowroot is used as a nutritional food for infants and for people recovering from illness. It is also used for stomach and intestinal disorders, including diarrhea. Some people sooth painful gums and sore mouth by applying arrowroot directly to the affected area. Babies cut teeth on arrowroot cookies.

What is the English name for Uraro root? ›

Polynesian arrowroot or pia (Tacca leontopetaloides), from Palawan-Philippines arrowroot ("uraro/araro"), and Japanese arrowroot (Pueraria lobata), also called kudzu, are used in similar ways. In India, it is called palua.

What are the side effects of arrowroot flour? ›

It might cause constipation and stomach discomfort. When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if arrowroot is safe or what the side effects might be. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Arrowroot is POSSIBLY SAFE for pregnant and breast-feeding women when taken by mouth in food amounts.

Which is better for you cornstarch or arrowroot? ›

Arrowroot flour is a nutritious substitute for cornstarch because it acts similarly to cornstarch but contains more dietary fiber. Arrowroot flour also contains a more calcium than cornstarch.

What is the Filipino name for arrowroot? ›

The name is derived from uraró (also araró, araru, aroru, or aruru), the Tagalog and Spanish common name of the maranta arrowroot, Maranta arundinacea, the source of the flour. It is also called galletas de Lilio (Spanish for 'Liliw biscuits'), after the town of Liliw in Laguna, where it is a regional specialty.

What are Uraro cookies in English? ›

Araro (or uraro) are starchy, dry cookies made out of arrowroot flour through a labor-intensive process. It's commonly found in the Southern Luzon region, and considered a local specialty in the town of Liliw in Laguna, where it's referred to as galletas de Liliw.

What does arrowroot do in cookies? ›

Arrowroot powder is a great thickener and can easily replace cornstarch. It has no taste and leaves your food glossy and clear, whereas cornstarch has a slight taste and often leaves food looking a bit cloudy and opaque.

What is the secret of baking with gluten-free flour? ›

Use xanthan gum or guar gum: Gluten-free flours lack the elasticity and structure that gluten provides, so adding a binder like xanthan or guar gum can help to hold the ingredients together and give your baked goods a better texture.

What does arrowroot do in a recipe? ›

Arrowroot powder is a type of starch that can be used in place of cornflour. It is often used in baking, but is best used to thicken liquids – it's ideal for making clear jellies. Victorians credited arrowroot as having many health benefits, noting that it was very easily digested.

Why use arrowroot instead of cornstarch? ›

Some people prefer arrowroot to cornstarch because it contains more fiber (1, 2). It also forms a clear gel when mixed with water, so it's great for thickening clear liquids ( 3 ). It's recommended to use twice as much arrowroot as cornstarch to get similar results.

How do you use arrowroot instead of xanthan gum? ›

Arrowroot leaves no aftertaste, and dishes thickened with it do not become glassy, ​​which is typical of dishes thickened with potato or corn starch. One tablespoon of arrowroot powder should be substituted with only a teaspoon of xanthan gum.

References

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