Ube Crinkle Cookies: Amazing 1-Hour Chewy Recipe

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Ube crinkle cookies have become my absolute favorite cookie to bake, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you! The first time I tasted these vibrant purple delights, I was mesmerized by their unique nutty flavor and that signature crinkled look. They remind me of my childhood visits to the Philippines, where ube was a staple in so many delicious treats. These aren’t just any cookies; they’re little bursts of joy, with a wonderfully chewy texture and a sweet, earthy taste that’s unlike anything else. If you’ve ever wondered what makes these cookies so special, it’s the magic of ube, also known as purple yam. Let’s get baking these amazing purple yam crinkle cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Ube Crinkle Cookie Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with these incredible cookies! This easy ube crinkle cookie recipe delivers on so many levels, making it a new favorite for bakers of all skill levels. Here’s why you’ll be making batches of these again and again:

Vibrant, Eye-Catching Color: The natural purple hue from the ube halaya is absolutely stunning and makes these cookies stand out.
Unique, Nutty Flavor: Experience a delightful taste profile that’s slightly nutty and wonderfully sweet, thanks to real purple yam.
Perfectly Chewy Texture: Each bite offers that irresistible chewy center with slightly crisp edges, a classic crinkle cookie signature.
Simple to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is straightforward, ensuring success.
Impressive Presentation: The beautiful color and snowy coating make these homemade ube crinkle cookies perfect for sharing or special occasions.
A Taste of Filipino Culture: Enjoy an authentic Filipino dessert that’s both comforting and exotic.
Quick to Assemble: From dough to oven, you’ll have delicious cookies ready in no time.

Ube Crinkle Cookie Ingredients

Gathering the right ube crinkle cookie ingredients is the first step to baking perfection. This recipe focuses on creating that distinct flavor and beautiful color that makes these cookies so special. You’ll need:

2 cups all-purpose flour – the base for our cookie dough
2 teaspoons baking powder – for a gentle lift
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt – balances the sweetness
1 large egg – at room temperature for best incorporation
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – provides richness and moisture
1 cup light brown sugar – adds chewiness and a caramel note
1/2 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness and structure
1 cup ube halaya – this is the star! It gives our cookies that iconic purple color and nutty, sweet flavor. Make sure it’s smooth.
1 teaspoon ube extract – enhances the ube flavor for a more intense taste.
1 cup confectioners’ sugar – for that classic snowy coating that creates the crinkled look.

The key to these delicious Filipino ube crinkle cookies is the ube halaya; it’s what gives them their signature vibrant purple hue and unique flavor profile. Don’t skip it!

How to Make Ube Crinkle Cookies

Ready to dive into making these gorgeous cookies? Follow these steps to create the perfect ube crinkle cookie dough and bake them to chewy perfection. This how to make ube crinkle cookies guide is designed to be super easy, so even beginners can achieve amazing results. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. This dry mix ensures your cookies have the right structure and flavor balance.
Step 3: In a separate, larger bowl, combine 1 large egg, 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted), 1 cup light brown sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup ube halaya, and 1 teaspoon ube extract. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and that beautiful purple color starts to show.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients from Step 2 into the wet ingredients. Fold them together gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want a soft, workable dough.
Step 5: Portion the ube crinkle cookie dough into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 24 cookies. Roll each ball gently between your palms to form a smooth sphere. Then, place these dough balls on a plate or tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving that classic crinkled look and chewy texture.
Step 6: Once chilled, prepare your coating. Place about 1/2 cup granulated sugar in one shallow bowl and 1 cup confectioners’ sugar in another. Roll each chilled dough ball first in the granulated sugar, ensuring it’s lightly coated, then roll it generously in the confectioners’ sugar. This double-sugar coating is what creates those stunning cracks.
Step 7: Arrange the coated cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one. They will spread slightly as they bake.
Step 8: Bake for 12-15 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be set but the centers to still look slightly soft. Overbaking will result in dry cookies, and we want that wonderfully chewy texture!
Step 9: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before you move them. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious homemade ube crinkle cookies!

Step-by-Step Ube Crinkle Cookie Instructions

Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. A quick whisk ensures these ingredients are evenly distributed, which is the first step to consistent cookies.

Mix the Wet Ingredients and Ube Halaya

In a separate bowl, blend the melted butter, sugars, egg, ube halaya, and ube extract. This step is where the magic happens, creating a smooth, vibrant purple base for your cookie dough.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a cohesive dough forms. Avoid overmixing; a slightly shaggy dough is perfectly fine and helps guarantee chewy cookies.

Chill the Dough Balls

Roll the dough into uniform balls and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period is essential for the dough to firm up, which helps create those signature crinkles when baking.

Coat and Bake the Cookies

Roll the chilled dough balls in granulated sugar, then generously in confectioners’ sugar. Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until the edges are set but centers remain soft. Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Pro Tips for the Best Filipino Ube Crinkle Cookies

Want to elevate your cookie game? These expert tips will help you achieve the most beautiful and delicious Filipino Ube Crinkle Cookies every time. They’re the key to that perfect chewy center and stunning crinkled look.

Always chill your ube crinkle cookie dough thoroughly. This is non-negotiable for achieving those signature cracks and preventing the cookies from spreading too much.
Don’t overbake! The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to set as they cool.
Ensure your ube halaya is smooth and lump-free for the best texture and color distribution in your cookies.

What’s the secret to perfect Ube Crinkle Cookies?

The secret lies in a few key techniques! Chilling the dough ensures it holds its shape and cracks beautifully. Also, the double-sugar coating (granulated then confectioners’) is crucial for the crinkled appearance. These ube crinkle cookies baking tips ensure chewy perfection. For more baking insights, check out our recipes section.

Can I make Ube Crinkle Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the ube crinkle cookie dough up to 2 days in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. Simply roll and coat the dough balls right before baking for the freshest results.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Ube Crinkle Cookies?

The most common pitfalls are overbaking, which leads to dry cookies, and not chilling the dough adequately, which results in them spreading too thin. Always err on the side of slightly underbaking for that desired chewy texture. Learn more about baking techniques on our about page.

Best Ways to Serve Ube Crinkle Cookies

These vibrant purple delights are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a few things. For a truly authentic Filipino experience, serve these best ube crinkle cookies alongside a cup of hot Pandan tea or a refreshing glass of buko juice. They also make a stunning dessert platter alongside other Filipino sweet treats like polvoron or ensaymada. For a simpler pairing, a creamy vanilla ice cream or a simple cup of coffee complements their unique nutty sweetness perfectly. Discover more Filipino recipes here.

Nutrition Facts for Ube Crinkle Cookies

Enjoying these delightful ube crinkle cookies comes with a moderate nutritional profile. Each cookie offers a burst of flavor and a satisfying chewy texture. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving:

Calories: 130 kcal
Fat: 6 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Protein: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 0 g
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 40 mg
Cholesterol: 25 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used to make these delicious homemade ube crinkle cookies. For more information on ingredient sourcing, visit our contact us page.

How to Store and Reheat Homemade Ube Crinkle Cookies

Once your beautiful homemade ube crinkle cookies have cooled completely, proper storage is key to keeping them fresh and wonderfully chewy. I always let mine sit on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes after baking to ensure they’re fully cooled before packing them away. For short-term storage, place the cooled cookies in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for about 3 to 4 days, and they’ll remain delightfully soft.

If you’ve baked a big batch and want to save some for later, freezing is your best friend! Wrap individual ube crinkle cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator, or gently warm them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes until they are soft again. Enjoying these cookies at their best is easy with these simple storage tips! Learn more about food storage best practices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ube Crinkle Cookies

What are ube crinkle cookies?

Ube crinkle cookies are delightful baked treats known for their vibrant purple color and signature crinkled surface. They get their unique hue and nutty, slightly sweet flavor from ube, a popular Filipino purple yam. The dough is typically rolled in sugar before baking, which creates those characteristic cracks and a snowy appearance.

Why are ube crinkle cookies purple?

The distinctive purple color of these cookies comes naturally from the star ingredient: ube halaya, which is mashed or pureed purple yam. This ingredient not only provides the stunning visual appeal but also imparts a subtle, earthy, and slightly nutty flavor that makes these cookies so special and sought after. It’s a beautiful way to enjoy a natural food coloring! For more on natural food coloring, check out this resource.

Can I use ube extract instead of ube halaya?

While ube extract can boost the flavor, it won’t provide the vibrant color or the authentic texture that ube halaya does. For the best homemade ube crinkle cookies with both color and flavor, it’s best to use actual ube halaya. If you can’t find it, look for ube jam or paste. The extract can be used as a flavor enhancer if desired, but it’s not a complete substitute for the halaya.

How do I get the crinkled effect on my cookies?

Achieving that classic crinkled look involves a few factors. First, chilling the ube crinkle cookie dough is essential; it allows the cookies to hold their shape and crack as they bake. Second, rolling the chilled dough balls generously in confectioners’ sugar before baking is key. The sugar coating bakes and cracks, creating that beautiful, snowy appearance that defines these Filipino ube crinkle cookies. Visit our about me page for more baking inspiration.

Variations of Ube Crinkle Cookies You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic ube crinkle cookies, why not explore some fun twists? This versatile ube cookies recipe is perfect for experimenting. You can easily adapt it to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences. For those seeking dairy-free options, try substituting the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. If you need a vegan version, swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). For anyone avoiding gluten, simply use a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. These adjustments make delicious ube crinkle cookies vegan and ube crinkle cookies gluten free options readily available!