Key ingredients for ube crinkle cookies: ube halaya, ube extract, butter, sugar, eggs, and cookie dough on a kitchen counter.

Ube Crinkle Cookies

by

Ube crinkle cookies are a fusion of vibrant aesthetics, unique flavors, and tender textures. These cookies are as much a treat for the eyes as they are for the palate, with their soft, pillowy centers wrapped in a delicate crinkle-patterned sugar crust. Their stunning purple hue and earthy, sweet flavor, courtesy of the star ingredient ube, make them a standout dessert. Whether you’re introducing Filipino-inspired flavors to your kitchen or simply seeking a delicious twist on a classic crinkle cookie, this recipe is your gateway to culinary joy.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through every detail of making ube crinkle cookies. From understanding the ingredients to troubleshooting common baking challenges, you’ll learn everything you need to create these show-stopping cookies.

The Origins of Crinkle Cookies

Crinkle cookies are believed to have originated in the early 20th century, with chocolate crinkle cookies being the first variation. The technique of rolling dough in powdered sugar before baking creates their distinctive “cracked” appearance, as the dough expands and cracks in the oven. Over time, bakers worldwide adapted the recipe, incorporating unique flavors like lemon, matcha, and, of course, ube.

Ube crinkle cookies are a modern twist on this classic recipe, blending Filipino culinary traditions with global baking trends.

What Are Ube Crinkle Cookies?

Ube crinkle cookies are a variation of the classic crinkle cookie, traditionally made with chocolate. They get their vibrant purple color and unique flavor from ube, a purple yam native to the Philippines. These cookies are soft and cakey on the inside, with a lightly crisp powdered sugar coating that forms the signature crinkles during baking.

Often enjoyed during holidays, these cookies are perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re in the mood for something extraordinary. Ube crinkle cookies are not just a dessert; they’re a conversation starter and a delightful way to celebrate Filipino-American culinary creativity.

The Cultural Significance of Ube Crinkle Cookies

Ube, also known as purple yam, holds a cherished place in Filipino cuisine. It’s used in many traditional desserts, including ube halaya (sweetened yam jam), cakes, ice cream, and pastries. Its earthy flavor, with subtle vanilla and nutty undertones, makes it a versatile ingredient that adds both taste and a visually striking purple color to dishes.

In Filipino culture, ube desserts are often associated with celebrations, particularly during the Christmas season. Ube crinkle cookies reflect the blending of Filipino traditions with Western influences, showcasing the adaptability of ube in modern recipes.

Key Ingredients for Ube Crinkle Cookies

Key ingredients for ube crinkle cookies: ube halaya, ube extract, butter, sugar, eggs, and cookie dough on a kitchen counter.

Every ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect ube crinkle cookies. Here’s an in-depth look at the essential components:

1. Ube Halaya (Ube Jam)

Ube halaya is the soul of this recipe, providing flavor, moisture, and authenticity. This thick, sweetened yam jam is a staple in Filipino desserts. You can find it at Asian grocery stores or make it at home by cooking fresh or frozen ube with sugar and coconut milk.

Alternative: If you don’t have ube halaya, you can substitute mashed fresh ube or powdered ube rehydrated with water. However, the flavor may be less intense.

2. Ube Extract for Baking Perfect Filipino Crinkle Cookies

This concentrated extract amplifies the flavor of the ube and gives the cookies their vibrant purple hue. Brands like McCormick and Ferna are popular and easy to find online or in specialty stores.

Pro Tip: If you can’t find ube extract, vanilla extract can be used, but the cookies won’t have the same signature flavor or color.

3. Purple Food Coloring

To achieve the iconic bright purple color, you can use gel-based or natural food coloring. Gel food coloring works best as it doesn’t dilute the dough.

Natural Option: Beetroot powder or butterfly pea flower extract can substitute artificial coloring but may result in a softer hue.

4. Dry Ingredients

  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
  • Baking Powder: Make sure the cookies rise properly, giving them their soft, cakey texture.
  • Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and adds to the overall flavor.

5. Sugars

  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and aids in spreading during baking.
  • Powdered Sugar: Coats the dough balls to create the signature crinkle effect.

6. Butter and Eggs

  • Butter: Adds richness and a tender texture. Use unsalted butter to control the salt content.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Need to adapt the recipe for dietary preferences or ingredient availability? Here are some easy swaps:

  • Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
  • Vegan-Friendly: Use plant-based butter and a flaxseed meal as an egg substitute.
  • Natural Food Coloring: Skip synthetic dyes and rely on ube extract alone for a subtler purple hue.

Why Make Ube Crinkle Cookies?

1. Unique Flavor

The earthy, nutty flavor of ube sets these cookies apart from traditional treats. Combined with the soft, cakey texture, they offer a taste experience like no other.

2. Stunning Appearance

The bold purple color and crinkle effect make these cookies a visual masterpiece. They’re perfect for Instagram-worthy dessert spreads and holiday platters.

3. Versatility

Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a potluck, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies fit the bill. Pair them with soft and chewy cookie recipes or other easy holiday desserts for a varied and festive treat selection.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Ube Crinkle Cookies

Ingredients

To make approximately 24 cookies, you’ll need:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ cup ube halaya (ube jam)
  • 1 tablespoon ube extract
  • Optional: 2-3 drops purple food coloring
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

Instructions

Baker rolling purple ube crinkle cookie dough balls and coating them in powdered sugar

1. Preheat and Prepare:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar:

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This takes about 3–4 minutes with a hand or stand mixer.

4. Mix Wet Ingredients:

  • Add ube halaya, ube extract, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Add food coloring for a more vibrant purple shade if desired.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

  • Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies light and soft.

6. Chill the Dough:

  • Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies maintain their shape.

7. Roll and Coat:

  • Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Coat each ball in granulated sugar first, then generously in powdered sugar. This double coating adds to the crinkle effect.

8. Bake:

  • Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops are cracked but the centers are still soft.

9. Cool:

  • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Dough Too Sticky to Handle

Solution: Chill the dough for an extra hour. If it’s still sticky, lightly flour your hands when rolling.

2. Flat Cookies Without Crinkles

Solution: Make sure your baking powder is fresh. Chilling the dough and double-coating it in sugar also helps.

3. Overbaking

Solution: Keep an eye on the cookies after 12 minutes. They should be set on the edges but soft in the center.

How to Make Vegan Ube Crinkle Cookies

Looking to make a vegan version? Here’s how:

  • Replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
  • Use a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg).
  • Make sure your powdered sugar is vegan-friendly, as some brands use bone char in processing.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Sticky Dough: If the dough is too sticky, chill it for an additional hour or sprinkle in a tablespoon of flour at a time.
  • Flat Cookies: Check that your baking powder is fresh. Also, make sure you’re properly chilling the dough before baking.
  • Faded Purple Color: Use a high-quality food coloring gel and avoid overbaking to preserve the vibrant hue.

Serving Ideas for Ube Crinkle Cookies

Plate of ube crinkle cookies served with tea, surrounded by ube jam and powdered sugar.

These cookies are versatile and pair beautifully with various accompaniments:

Dessert Platters: Combine them with soft and chewy cookie recipes like chocolate chip or matcha crinkle cookies for variety.

Coffee or Tea: Their sweetness complements bold, dark coffee or a light herbal tea.

Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use the cookies as sandwich layers for vanilla or coconut ice cream.

Storage Tips for Ube Crinkle Cookies

Room Temperature:

Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps maintain softness.

Refrigeration:

Keep them in the fridge for up to a week if you’re in a warm climate.

Freezing:

Freeze unbaked dough balls on a tray. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

Cultural Significance and Modern Popularity

Ube desserts have grown in popularity globally, thanks to their Instagram-worthy appearance and unique flavor. In the U.S., Filipino-American bakeries have been at the forefront of introducing ube-based treats, including crinkle cookies, to a broader audience. The combination of tradition and modernity makes these cookies a beloved choice for both Filipino communities and adventurous foodies.

FAQs

1. Why are my crinkle cookies not crinkling?
If your crinkle cookies aren’t developing their signature cracks, it’s likely due to one of these reasons:

  • Skipping the powdered sugar coating: This layer is essential for creating the visual contrast.
  • Insufficient chilling time: Chilling the dough helps it firm up, allowing the cookies to spread and crack during baking.
  • Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at the right temperature (350°F/175°C) is crucial. If the oven is too hot, the cookies might set before they have a chance to expand and crack.
  • Overmixing the dough: This can make the cookies denser, reducing their ability to spread.

2. What makes a cookie crinkle?
The crinkle effect is achieved when the surface of the cookie cracks during baking. This happens because the outside of the dough sets faster than the inside, which continues to expand as it heats up. The powdered sugar highlights these cracks, creating the iconic crinkle appearance. Proper dough consistency, chilling, and coating are key to achieving this effect.

3. Does ube taste like Oreo?
No, ube does not taste like Oreo. Ube has a unique flavor that is mildly sweet, earthy, and nutty with subtle hints of vanilla and pistachio. While Oreo cookies have a rich chocolate flavor, ube’s taste is more delicate and pairs well with creamy and sweet desserts.

4. Is crinkles a Filipino food?
Crinkle cookies, including ube crinkle cookies, are not originally Filipino. The classic crinkle cookie is believed to have originated in the United States, with chocolate crinkle cookies being the most popular version. However, the Filipino twist on crinkles, such as ube and other local flavors, has become a beloved dessert in the Filipino community, especially during holidays.

Looking for more festive baking ideas? Check these out:

Ube crinkle cookies are a delicious blend of tradition and innovation, making them a must-try for any baking enthusiast. Their unique flavor, stunning appearance, and versatility make them a perfect addition to your dessert repertoire. Bake a batch today and share the joy of this Filipino-inspired treat with your family and friends.

Leave a Comment