Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies stand out with their naturally striking color and unique flavor. Ube brings a mild, vanilla-like sweetness with nutty undertones, making the cookies both comforting and exotic. The crinkled exterior coated in powdered sugar contrasts perfectly with the soft center. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for special occasions or whenever you want something eye-catching and different.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
all-purpose flour
baking powder
salt
unsalted butter, softened
granulated sugar
egg
ube halaya or ube jam
ube extract
vanilla extract
powdered sugar
Directions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and mix well.
Stir in the ube halaya, ube extract, and vanilla extract until fully combined and the mixture turns a vibrant purple.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Cover and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to make it easier to handle.
Scoop small portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar.
Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cookies have spread slightly and developed their signature cracks.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and timing
Servings: about 18 to 24 cookies
Prep time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
You can add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness and contrast. For a richer texture, substitute part of the butter with cream cheese. If you prefer a more intense ube flavor, increase the ube extract slightly. You can also make them dairy-free by using plant-based butter.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can freeze the baked cookies or the dough for up to 2 months. To refresh, let them come to room temperature or warm briefly in the oven.
FAQs
What is ube?
Ube is a purple yam commonly used in Filipino desserts, known for its sweet and nutty flavor.
Can I use only ube extract without ube halaya?
Yes, but the flavor and texture will be less rich. Ube halaya adds moisture and depth.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to roll and preventing excessive spreading.
How do I get vibrant purple cookies?
Use both ube halaya and ube extract for the best color and flavor.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend suitable for baking.
Why didn’t my cookies crack?
Make sure to coat them generously in powdered sugar and bake at the correct temperature.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can slightly reduce it, but it may affect the texture and sweetness balance.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, shape the dough into balls and freeze. Roll in powdered sugar before baking.
What does ube taste like?
It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with hints of vanilla and nuttiness.
Do I need ube extract?
It’s recommended for stronger flavor and color, but the cookies can still be made without it.
Conclusion
Ube crinkle cookies are a delightful fusion of flavor and visual appeal. With their soft texture, signature crackled coating, and unique ube taste, they bring something special to any dessert table. Whether you’re trying ube for the first time or already love it, these cookies are sure to impress.
PrintUbe Crinkle Cookies
Soft and chewy ube crinkle cookies with a vibrant purple color and a delicate nutty sweetness. Coated in powdered sugar, they have a crisp exterior and a tender, cake-like center.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 18-24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Filipino
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- all-purpose flour
- baking powder
- salt
- unsalted butter, softened
- granulated sugar
- egg
- ube halaya or ube jam
- ube extract
- vanilla extract
- powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and mix well.
- Stir in ube halaya, ube extract, and vanilla extract until fully combined and evenly colored.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
- Cover and chill the dough for at least 1 hour.
- Scoop dough, roll into balls, and coat generously in powdered sugar.
- Place on baking sheet spaced apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until cookies spread and develop cracks.
- Cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chilling the dough helps prevent excessive spreading.
- Use both ube halaya and extract for best color and flavor.
- Add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Dough or baked cookies can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
