Name: Deliciously Chewy Ube Crinkle Cookies for a Sweet Treat
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Granulated Sugar; 0.5 cup Vegetable Oil; 2 large Eggs; 1 cup Ube Halaya (Purple Yam Jam) (Can substitute with ube powder mixed with water and butter.); 1 teaspoon Ube Extract; 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour; 2 teaspoons Baking Powder; 1 pinch Salt; powdered sugar Powdered Sugar (For rolling the cookie dough.)

There’s something utterly delightful about the vibrant hue of ube, the Filipino purple yam that has captured hearts worldwide. As I mixed the ingredients for these Chewy Ube Crinkle Cookies, the enchanting aroma of ube halaya filled my kitchen, sparking a dash of nostalgia and excitement. Not only are these cookies a breeze to whip up in just 15 minutes, perfect for any baking novice, but they’re also an impressive way to satisfy sweet cravings while showing off a unique twist on traditional cookies. With a chewy center and a sugar-dusted exterior, you’ll be hard-pressed to resist grabbing just one more. Interested in finding out how to bring this colorful treat to life? Let’s dive in!

Why Are Ube Crinkle Cookies So Special?

Vibrant Color: The eye-catching purple hue of these cookies isn’t just for show; it adds a fun and festive touch to any gathering!

Uniquely Delicious: With the sweet, nutty flavor of ube halaya, these cookies provide a delightful twist that sets them apart from typical crinkle cookies.

Quick and Easy: In just 15 minutes of prep, you’re on your way to baking these delicious treats, making them ideal for busy home cooks!

Chewy Texture: The perfect balance of a soft center with a satisfying crunch on the outside guarantees a cookie experience you won’t forget.

Perfect Pairings: Enjoy them warm with a glass of milk or serve with a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

An Introduction to Filipino Flavors: These cookies celebrate the rich heritage of Filipino cuisine, providing a delectable way to explore new tastes! If you’re a fan of unique treats, check out the Brown Butter Cookies for another indulgent option.

Ube Crinkle Cookies Ingredients

• Easy to find, yet so special!

For the Cookie Dough

Granulated Sugar – This essential ingredient sweetens the base and helps to create that delightful chewy texture.
Vegetable Oil – Not only does it add moisture, but it also contributes to the cookie’s beautifully chewy consistency.
Large Eggs – They act as a binding agent, enriching the dough while providing structure to your delicious cookies.
Ube Halaya (Purple Yam Jam) – This is the star ingredient, bringing an authentic ube flavor and stunning purple color; you can substitute it with ube powder mixed with water and butter for a different texture.
Ube Extract – A little goes a long way in intensifying that characteristic ube aroma and flavor.
All-Purpose Flour – Serves as the main dry ingredient, providing the cookie with structure and stability.
Baking Powder – This leavening agent is key for achieving a fluffy texture in your Ube Crinkle Cookies.
Salt – A pinch enhances the overall flavor and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
Powdered Sugar – Used for rolling the cookie dough, it adds an extra touch of sweetness and that signature crinkle effect on the outside.

With these ingredients in hand, you’re on your way to creating a charming batch of Ube Crinkle Cookies that will brighten any day!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Ube Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and ½ cup of vegetable oil using a whisk or spatula until the mixture is smooth and slightly glossy, which should take about 2 minutes. Next, crack in 2 large eggs, then add 1 cup of ube halaya and 1 teaspoon of ube extract. Stir everything together until fully blended, creating a vibrant mixture that showcases the rich purple color.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This step is essential for ensuring an even distribution of the leavening agent. You should achieve a light and airy flour mixture that complements the ube flavors beautifully. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the ube mixture, mixing until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this could affect the cookie’s texture.

Step 3: Form the Cookie Dough
Using a cookie scoop or your hands, portion the dough into 1-inch balls, ensuring they are uniform in size for even baking. Roll each ball gently between your palms to ensure they hold their shape. Once rolled, take a bowl of powdered sugar and coat each dough ball thoroughly, creating a snowy exterior. This coating not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the crinkle effect as they bake.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the baking sheet. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring there’s enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake the Ube Crinkle Cookies for 10–12 minutes until they appear slightly cracked on top and have risen beautifully.

Step 5: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the Ube Crinkle Cookies cool on the pan for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps them firm up and makes it easier to transfer without breaking. Afterward, carefully use a spatula to transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, letting that luscious purple hue shine through.

Expert Tips for Ube Crinkle Cookies

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially ube halaya, are at room temperature for even mixing, leading to better texture and flavor.
Don’t Overmix: Gently combine the dough; overmixing can lead to tough cookies. You want that tender, chewy center!
Consistent Sizing: Use a cookie scoop to create uniform dough balls; this ensures even baking and perfect presentation for your Ube Crinkle Cookies.
Cool Properly: Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack, which helps maintain their structure and prevents breakage.
Baking Sheet Rotation: If using multiple pans, rotate them halfway through baking for uniform browning, which enhances the texture of your cookies.

Storage Tips for Ube Crinkle Cookies

Room Temperature: Store the Ube Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, keeping them soft and chewy.

Fridge: If you prefer, you can store them in the fridge for up to 2 weeks; just ensure the container is airtight to avoid a dry texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months; simply thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating: To revive their chewy texture, reheat the cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in an oven set to low warmth for a few minutes.

Make Ahead Options

These Ube Crinkle Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks who want to enjoy homemade treats without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the wet and dry ingredients, scooping the dough into balls, and rolling them in powdered sugar. Store the prepared dough balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their quality and prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and place the chilled dough on a lined baking sheet. Bake as directed, and you’ll have delicious, freshly baked Ube Crinkle Cookies with minimal effort!

Ube Crinkle Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to add your own twist to these delightful Ube Crinkle Cookies and make them your own!

Nutty Addition: Add crushed walnuts or macadamia nuts to the dough for a delightful crunch that complements the chewy texture.
Coconut Bliss: Mix in shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist that enhances the cookie’s flavor and texture.
Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute vegetable oil with coconut oil for a slightly nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with ube.
Extra Sweetness: Try rolling the cookies in coarse sugar instead of powdered sugar for a striking appearance and added texture!
Ube Powder Swap: Use ube powder mixed with water and melted coconut butter instead of halaya for an alternative flavor profile and texture.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled cookies for a luxurious finish that balances the ube’s sweetness.
Spiced Up: Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour mixture; these spices can add a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for any season.
Chewy Chocolate Chips: Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips before baking for an irresistible combination of ube and chocolate.

These variations will transform your Ube Crinkle Cookies into unique treats that delight with every bite! For more delicious cookie ideas, don’t forget to check out Strawberry Crunch Cookies and Halloween Chocolate Chip Cookies.

What to Serve with Chewy Ube Crinkle Cookies

Enhance your snacking experience with delightful accompaniments that complement the delightful purple hues and sweet flavors of these cookies.

Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold and creamy texture beautifully balances the warm, chewy cookies, creating a delightful treat.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of tropical fruits like mango and pineapple balances sweetness, providing a vibrant and zesty twist alongside the cookies.
Coffee or Espresso: The rich flavors of coffee enhance the sweet notes of the ube while providing a comforting experience, perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Coconut Whipped Cream: This light, airy topping adds a delightful hint of coconut, perfectly pairing with the nutty essence of the ube for a tropical touch.
Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: A warm drizzle of chocolate sauce can elevate your cookies to another level, merging flavors and textures for an indulgent treat.
Chilled Almond Milk: Keeps things light and nutty, offering a soothing counterpoint to the sweetness of the cookies, excellent for late-night munching.

Experiment with these pairings to create a touching ensemble for every bite of your charming Ube Crinkle Cookies; their enchanting flavors offer something for everyone!

Ube Crinkle Cookies Recipe FAQs

How should I select ube halaya for the best flavor?
Absolutely! Choose ube halaya that has a rich purple color and a velvety texture. Look for products that contain real purple yam and avoid those with added artificial colors. If making from scratch, ensure the purple yams are fresh, without any dark spots or blemishes.

What’s the best way to store leftover Ube Crinkle Cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to enjoy them longer, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks or freeze in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature.

Can I freeze Ube Crinkle Cookies? If so, how?
Very! To freeze these delicious cookies, first let them cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag, layering parchment paper between if necessary to prevent sticking. They can last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in a low-preheated oven for a few minutes to regain their chewy texture.

What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies are spreading too much, it could be due to softened butter, warm dough, or not enough flour. Make sure to chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help control spreading. You might also want to check your measurements for accuracy, especially the flour. Always spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag to prevent adding too much!

Are Ube Crinkle Cookies safe for people with nut allergies?
Yes, Ube Crinkle Cookies are typically nut-free, making them a great treat for those with nut allergies. However, if you’re using any additional toppings like crushed nuts or coconut, be cautious and check for allergies. Always read labels on store-bought ingredients like ube halaya to ensure no cross-contamination.