As I rolled the dough for these vibrant Ube Crinkle Cookies, the vivid purple hue took me by surprise. There’s something undeniably captivating about this unique flavor—the nutty essence of ube mingling with sweet vanilla is like a gentle embrace for the senses. I first encountered ube during a visit to a local Filipino market, where the rich culture and delicious variations of this beloved purple yam intrigued me.
These crinkle cookies are not just visually stunning; they offer a delightful chewy texture, topped off with a crisp powdered sugar coating that creates a delightful contrast in every bite. Perfect for gatherings or simply to enjoy at home, they’re a fantastic way to break away from the monotonous routine of everyday treats. Whether you’re an experienced chef or just looking to impress your friends with something special, these cookies will surely bring a touch of joy to your dessert table. So, let’s dive into this deliciously unique recipe that’s bound to make your baking adventures more colorful!
Why will you love Ube Crinkle Cookies?
Visually Stunning: The vibrant purple hue brings a festive flair that attracts everyone’s attention.
Unique Flavor: With the nutty essence of ube, these cookies offer a delightful twist on traditional flavors.
Chewy Delight: The chewy texture pairs perfectly with the crisp powdered sugar coating, creating a satisfying bite.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to casual get-togethers, they are sure to impress.
Easy to Make: This straightforward recipe requires minimal skills, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
Vegan Adaptations: With simple substitutions, you can easily make these cookies suitable for vegan diets!
Ube Crinkle Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the cookies. Substitution: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
- Baking Powder – A leavening agent for a lighter texture. No direct substitutes recommended.
- Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor. Substitution: Sea salt can be used in equal amounts.
- Large Egg (room temperature) – Binds ingredients and contributes to the cookie’s texture. Substitution: For a vegan option, use a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water).
- Unsalted Butter (melted, cooled) – Adds richness and flavor. Substitution: Use coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Light Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor. Substitution: Dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor profile.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens and helps create the cookie’s crinkle appearance. No substitutions necessary.
- Ube Halaya – Key flavor component; this sweet ube pudding adds moisture and color. Substitution: Ube puree can work in a pinch, but consistency may vary.
- Ube Extract – Intensifies the ube flavor; opt for a high-quality extract. Substitution: Use vanilla extract if ube extract is unavailable, though it will alter taste.
For the Coating
- Confectioners’ Sugar – For coating, creating the classic crinkle effect. No substitute for best results.
How to Make Ube Crinkle Cookies
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt until well combined. This step ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed for fluffy cookies.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, mix the melted butter and both sugars. Next, add the room temperature egg, ube halaya, and ube extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
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Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this ensures that your cookies stay tender.
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Roll Dough: Portion the dough with a cookie scoop or spoon and roll each piece into a ball. Roll the balls in granulated sugar to help maintain their shape and prevent the powdered sugar from soaking in.
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Coat in Powdered Sugar: Immediately roll each sugared dough ball in confectioners’ sugar until they are completely coated. This step creates the classic crackly exterior of crinkle cookies.
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Bake Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the coated cookie balls on a lined baking sheet, leaving space in between them, and bake for about 12-15 minutes until they’re puffy and have formed cracks.
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Cool: After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to firm up.
Optional: Sprinkle with a touch of sea salt for an added flavor contrast.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Ube Crinkle Cookies Variations
Explore delightful twists to make your Ube Crinkle Cookies even more special!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend for a delightful gluten-free cookie option that everyone can enjoy.
- Vegan Delight: Use a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) in place of the egg for a compassionate treat that still packs flavor.
- Choco-Ube Fusion: Swap half the ube halaya with cocoa powder for a rich chocolate twist that beautifully balances with the nutty ube flavor.
- Nutty Addition: Mix in chopped walnuts or almonds to the dough for an added crunch that complements the chewy texture perfectly.
- Tropical Kick: Stir in shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical flavor burst that elevates the chewy goodness of these cookies.
- Ube Swirl: Incorporate additional ube halaya into the center of the dough balls before coating for a surprise flavor explosion in each bite.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cardamom for a warm, aromatic note that deepens the flavor profile and warms the heart.
- Lemon Zest: For a refreshing twist, add a teaspoon of lemon zest into the batter, giving your cookies a citrusy brightness that pairs beautifully with ube!
Expert Tips for Ube Crinkle Cookies
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Dough Consistency: Ensure your dough is soft but not too sticky; if it’s too wet, consider adding a bit more flour to achieve the right texture.
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Chill for Perfection: Let the dough rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes before rolling. This helps the flavors meld and improves the cookie’s shape while baking.
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Proper Coating: Roll the dough balls in granulated sugar first before rolling in confectioners’ sugar; this prevents the powdered sugar from dissolving into the dough.
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Bake Time Caution: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; overbaking can dry them out. They should appear slightly soft in the center when you take them out.
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Flavor Enhancements: Don’t shy away from experimenting! A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom can elevate the unique flavor of your Ube Crinkle Cookies.
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Storing Tips: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them chewy; add a slice of bread to maintain moisture.
Storage Tips for Ube Crinkle Cookies
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Room Temperature: Store Ube Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain their chewy texture and freshness.
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Fridge: If you prefer a cooler treat, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, but ensure they are well-wrapped to avoid drying out.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag, where they can be stored for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: To enjoy them warm, simply pop the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will revive their chewy goodness for a delightful treat!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Ube Crinkle Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by rolling the cookie balls and coating them in granulated sugar. Simply refrigerate them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy, take them out, coat them in confectioners’ sugar, and bake as directed—this ensures you have warm, chewy cookies with that gorgeous crinkle effect without the hassle of starting from scratch. If you prefer, you can also freeze the coated dough balls for up to 3 months; just bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for perfectly crinkled Ube Crinkle Cookies!
What to Serve with Ube Crinkle Cookies?
Imagine a delightful spread of colors and flavors that perfectly complements the captivating taste of these cookies.
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Leche Flan: This creamy, caramel dessert pairs seamlessly with Ube Crinkle Cookies, creating a lovely contrast between rich custard and chewy goodness.
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Halo-Halo: This iconic Filipino dessert features layers of shaved ice, fruits, and sweet beans, refreshing your palate after the sweet depth of the cookies.
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Coconut Macaroons: These sweet, chewy delights echo the tropical flavors of ube, and their texture harmonizes beautifully with the crinkly cookies.
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Mango Sorbet: The bright, fruity notes of mango sorbet provide a refreshing palate cleanser, balancing the sweetness of the cookies with a burst of tropical flavor.
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Espresso or Coffee: A warm cup enhances the nutty flavor of the ube while providing a comforting backdrop to the sweetness of your cookies.
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Matcha Latte: The earthiness of matcha beautifully contrasts with the sweetness of Ube Crinkle Cookies, making for a harmonious flavor duo that’s visually appealing too.
For an unforgettable dessert experience, consider serving these Ube Crinkle Cookies alongside an array of colorful treats that celebrate the rich heritage of Filipino flavors!
Ube Crinkle Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe ube for making Ube Crinkle Cookies?
When choosing ube, look for sturdy, firm tubers without any dark spots or blemishes. Ideal ube should be smooth and free from cuts or soft areas. A fresher ube will enhance the flavor and texture of your cookies.
What’s the best way to store Ube Crinkle Cookies?
Store your Ube Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This helps retain their chewiness and prevents them from drying out. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them in a well-wrapped container for up to 2 weeks.
Can I freeze Ube Crinkle Cookies?
Absolutely! For long-term storage, freeze the cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive their chewy goodness.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels too wet or sticky, don’t panic! Just add small amounts of flour, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until you achieve the desired consistency. Aim for a dough that is soft but manageable; this will help ensure you get those perfect chewy cookies!
Are there any dietary considerations for Ube Crinkle Cookies?
Yes! For a vegan option, you can substitute the large egg with a flaxseed egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and allowing it to sit until it thickens. Additionally, you can replace the unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
How do I avoid the powdered sugar from soaking into my cookies?
To achieve that beautiful crinkle effect without the powdered sugar dissolving, make sure to roll the dough balls in granulated sugar first. This creates a barrier that preserves the classic crinkle appearance when baked.
Chewy Ube Crinkle Cookies for a Colorful Dessert Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt until well combined.
- In a separate large bowl, mix the melted butter and both sugars. Next, add the room temperature egg, ube halaya, and ube extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- Portion the dough with a cookie scoop or spoon and roll each piece into a ball. Roll the balls in granulated sugar to help maintain their shape.
- Immediately roll each sugared dough ball in confectioners' sugar until they are completely coated.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the coated cookie balls on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 12-15 minutes until they're puffy and have formed cracks.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.