Name: Crinkle Ube Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 2 h 29 min
Cuisine: Filipino-inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 ½ tsp ube extract (or purple food coloring + flavoring); ½ cup (120ml) whole milk; ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar; 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for a thicker coating)

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If you are looking for a vibrant, chewy cookie with a delightful burst of flavor and a touch of nostalgia, this Crinkle Ube Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies combine the enchanting purple hue and subtle sweetness of ube with the classic crinkle cookie texture that melts in your mouth, making every bite a joyful experience. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying a quiet moment with tea, these crinkle ube cookies bring both comfort and a pop of color to your cookie jar.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows nine small white bowls and three brown eggs arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl at the top left is filled with a light beige powder. To its right is a glass bowl with a fine white powder, and below that are two smaller bowls, one with a dark brown liquid and one with a golden brown liquid. The lower left corner has a small white bowl with two thick sticks of pale yellow butter, while right beside it, three brown eggs are placed together on the surface. To the right of the eggs is a small dark grey bowl filled with a white powder, and below that are two more white bowls, one containing a coarse white powder and the other filled with a plain white liquid. The arrangement is orderly and clean, with soft natural light highlighting the textures and colors of the ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Crinkle Ube Cookies Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each chosen to build the perfect texture, flavor, and that iconic crinkle look. From the creamy butter that lends richness to the fragrant ube extract that gives these cookies their signature hue, every element plays its part beautifully.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for our cookies, ensuring a soft but sturdy bite.
Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and develop their signature cracked tops.
Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich flavor and a tender crumb to the dough.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a slight crisp edge.
Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture for the chewy texture.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, familiar depth to the flavor profile.
Ube extract: Gives these cookies their beautiful purple color and unique earthy sweetness.
Whole milk: Keeps the dough moist and tender without weighing it down.
Powdered sugar: Used for coating, it creates a snowy finish and enhances the cookie’s sweetness.
Cornstarch (optional): Mixed into the coating to make it a bit thicker and more stable on the cookie surface.

How to Make Crinkle Ube Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by whisking together your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution so every bite of your Crinkle Ube Cookies Recipe is perfectly balanced. Next, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until your mixture is light and fluffy—this aerates the dough resulting in tender cookies. Beat in the eggs one at a time, adding the vanilla and ube extract to infuse that irresistible purple flavor. Gradually alternate adding your dry ingredients and whole milk to the wet mixture, carefully combining but avoiding overmixing. The dough then needs to chill in the fridge for at least two hours; this cooling step is crucial so the cookies hold their shape and develop the perfect crinkles as they bake.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep

Before shaping your cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with the optional cornstarch—this coating adds that classic snowy, crinkled look while giving a delicate sweetness on the outer layer.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Working with chilled dough makes it much easier to handle despite its slight stickiness. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll them between your palms into smooth balls. These dough balls will form the foundation for those iconic cracks that make Crinkle Ube Cookies Recipe such a visual and tasty hit.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection and Coat the Cookies

Place your cookie dough balls spaced about two inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, just until the cookies spread and develop distinctive cracked tops. You’ll notice the centers look slightly underbaked—that’s perfectly fine, as they continue to set while cooling to achieve that chewy texture. After cooling briefly on the sheet, transfer your cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Finally, dust each cookie generously with your powdered sugar mixture, coating them evenly for a snowy finish that screams delicious.

How to Serve Crinkle Ube Cookies Recipe

Round cookies are shown on a baking paper over a white marbled surface, about ten in number. Each cookie has one main layer with a cracked texture revealing a deep purple color underneath. The outer layer is white powdered sugar, making a strong contrast with the purple cracks that spread in irregular patterns across the surface. The cookies appear soft and slightly thick, evenly spaced in rows. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar is classic and keeps the focus on the cookie’s color and texture, but you can also sprinkle a tiny pinch of edible glitter or shredded coconut for a festive touch. These little garnishes elevate the presentation without overpowering the subtle ube flavor.

Side Dishes

Crinkle ube cookies pair wonderfully with hot beverages like a creamy latte, jasmine tea, or even a glass of cold milk. These sides complement the cookies’ sweetness and provide a lovely balance to each bite, turning snack time into a mini celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving or parties, stack your Crinkle Ube Cookies Recipe in clear jars tied with a ribbon or arrange them on a platter with colorful edible flowers. You can even sandwich them with a layer of ube buttercream or cream cheese frosting for an indulgent treat that looks as stunning as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your baked cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. The airtight seal helps retain their chewy texture and prevents them from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these treats later, freeze the unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once solid. You can bake them straight from frozen, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies also freeze well for up to three months in an airtight container.

Reheating

To refresh your cookies, warm them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This brings back their soft, chewy warmth as if they just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use ube powder instead of ube extract?

Absolutely! Ube powder is a great natural alternative, but you may need to adjust the amount of liquid or flour slightly to maintain the dough’s consistency. The flavor can be a bit milder, so feel free to increase the amount for a stronger taste.

Why do my crinkle cookies crack unevenly?

Uneven cracks usually happen if the dough isn’t chilled long enough or if the oven temperature is off. Be sure to chill your dough well and bake at the recommended temperature for the best cracks and texture.

Are ube cookies naturally purple?

Yes, ube, which is purple yam, naturally gives a beautiful purple hue to baked goods. The intensity depends on the ube extract or powder you use, and sometimes a bit of purple food coloring is added to enhance this vibrancy.

Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?

Butter is preferred here because it provides both flavor and structure essential for crinkle cookies. Substituting with margarine or oil can change the texture and taste, leading to softer or greasier results that might not hold the shape well.

How do I make the coating thicker on my crinkle cookies?

Mixing cornstarch with powdered sugar, as suggested in the recipe, helps create a thicker coating that clings beautifully and enhances the crinkle effect. Adjust the ratio slightly to find your perfect coating thickness.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Crinkle Ube Cookies Recipe—it’s a joy to bake and even more delightful to share. The vibrant purple color, the satisfying cracked tops, and the gentle sweetness make these cookies perfect for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see how quickly they become one of your favorites, just like mine.