You wouldn’t believe how easy it is to bring a pop of color and flavor into your baking with these Ube Crinkle Cookies! Picture this: a vibrant purple cookie that not only looks stunning but also melts in your mouth with a nutty essence that dances on your taste buds. When I first stumbled upon ube while exploring Filipino cuisine, I couldn’t resist experimenting with this unique ingredient. The result? A chewy, sweet treat that quickly became a favorite among family and friends.
These cookies are more than just a delight to eat; their impressive hue and texture make them a centerpiece for any gathering, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a lively potluck. Plus, they are a wonderful way to break free from the monotony of traditional desserts. Imagine serving these beauties alongside a cup of coffee or tea—perfect for sharing moments and creating memories. Ready to indulge in this delightful fusion of flavor and fun? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why are Ube Crinkle Cookies so special?
Vibrant Appearance: These cookies are a feast for the eyes with their stunning purple hue, guaranteed to impress at any gathering.
Nutty Flavor: The distinct taste of ube lends a delightful nuttiness that sets them apart from ordinary cookies.
Simple Preparation: With easy steps and accessible ingredients, anyone can whip up these treats in no time.
Chewy Texture: Expect a perfect balance of a soft, chewy interior and a light, crispy exterior that make each bite satisfying.
Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are a hit with everyone; one bite, and your family and friends will be raving about them!
Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a standalone snack or pair them with your favorite beverages for a delightful treat!
Ube Crinkle Cookies Ingredients
For the Dough
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure; consider using gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Baking powder – A leavening agent; use fresh powder for the best rise.
- Kosher salt – Balances sweetness; can substitute with regular salt if needed.
- Large egg – Adds moisture and binds the ingredients together; try a flax egg for a vegan alternative.
- Unsalted butter – Introduces richness; substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Light brown sugar – Imparts moisture and a hint of caramel flavor; dark brown sugar can deepen the taste.
- Granulated sugar – Contributes sweetness and texture; divided into different portions for rolling.
- Ube halaya – The star ingredient that brings the unique flavor and moisture; essential for true Ube Crinkle Cookies.
- Ube extract – Intensifies the ube flavor; vanilla extract is a good alternative if ube extract is unavailable.
For the Coating
- Confectioners’ sugar – For rolling cookies before baking; adds sweetness and a beautiful finish.
These ingredients come together to create a delightful treat that will captivate both eyes and taste buds!
How to Make Ube Crinkle Cookies
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Prep Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Use a whisk to ensure even blending. In another bowl, whisk together melted unsalted butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, large egg, ube halaya, and ube extract until smooth and creamy.
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Combine: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until a cohesive dough forms. You want it to be well combined without overmixing; this keeps your cookies tender.
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Chill: Portion the dough into balls, rolling them gently between your palms. Place the cookie balls on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling is crucial for firming up the dough before baking.
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Coat: Roll each chilled dough ball in granulated sugar for a sweet base, then generously coat them in confectioners’ sugar, creating a beautiful snowy exterior that will crisp up wonderfully during baking.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Arrange the coated cookie balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space in between. Bake for 12-15 minutes, just until the edges are set and the centers remain soft.
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Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack. This helps maintain that delightful chewy texture!
Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Ube Crinkle Cookies
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Roll Quickly: Roll the cookie dough balls ASAP after preparing to prevent them from drying out and losing their shape.
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Use Room Temperature Ube Halaya: Ensure your ube halaya is at room temperature for easier mixing, which will yield a smoother dough.
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Avoid Overcrowding: Give enough space on the baking sheet for the cookies to spread evenly; overcrowding can lead to uneven baking.
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Mind the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies; they should be soft in the center when you take them out for that perfect chewy texture.
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Adapt to Taste: Feel free to add crushed nuts or chocolate chips, creating delightful variations while still celebrating the core ube flavor in your cookies.
Ube Crinkle Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative with these delicious cookies and tailor them to your taste!
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Chocolate Chip: Add a handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a delightful twist that pairs beautifully with the ube flavor.
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Nutty Crunch: Mix in crushed walnuts or almonds for an unexpected crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the chewy texture.
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Coconut Bliss: Swap ube extract for coconut extract for a tropical flair, enhancing the richness of the cookies.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the dough for a surprising warmth that will tantalize your taste buds.
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Vegan Delight: Use a flax egg and coconut oil instead of butter and egg to create a vegan version without sacrificing flavor.
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Rainbow Sprinkles: For a colorful touch, top the cookies with rainbow sprinkles before baking, making them perfect for celebrations.
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Matcha Fusion: For an earthy contrast, mix in a teaspoon of matcha powder to give your cookies a vibrant green hue and unique flavor.
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Lemon Zest: Add zest from a lemon to brighten the cookies and add a refreshing citrus note alongside the nutty ube.
What to Serve with Ube Crinkle Cookies?
These delightful cookies are perfect for creating a memorable dessert experience.
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Warm Coffee: The rich flavor of a freshly brewed cup enhances the nutty sweetness of the cookies, making for a cozy pairing.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and cold, it contrasts beautifully with the chewy texture of the cookies, elevating your dessert game.
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Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or blueberries adds a refreshing bite that balances the sweetness of the ube.
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Coconut Milk Latte: This tropical twist adds a subtle creaminess and balances the ube with its own unique flavor.
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Fruit Salad: A colorful bowl of mixed fruits brings brightness and lightness, making it a refreshing accompaniment.
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Chocolate Dipping Sauce: A warm drizzle of rich chocolate provides an indulgent touch that will wow your guests.
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Chai Tea: The spiced warmth of chai harmonizes perfectly with the unique flavors of the ube, creating a comforting experience.
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Lemonade: A chilled glass of homemade lemonade offers brightness and acidity that cuts through the sweetness deliciously.
Make Ahead Options
These Ube Crinkle Cookies are perfect for those busy weekdays when you want to treat your family to something special without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance. Simply follow the initial steps to combine all your ingredients, then portion and roll the dough into balls. Instead of baking immediately, refrigerate the dough balls in an airtight container. To maintain their quality, avoid rolling them in the sugars until just before baking to prevent sweating. When you’re ready to enjoy these delicious cookies, roll them in granulated sugar followed by confectioners’ sugar, and bake. This way, you’ll have fresh, soft treats with minimal effort on your hectic days!
How to Store and Freeze Ube Crinkle Cookies
Airtight Container: Store Ube Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them fresh and chewy.
Refrigeration: If you prefer a firmer texture, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to 2 weeks; just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent drying out.
Freezer: Freeze Ube Crinkle Cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Dough Storage: Prepared dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Roll into balls and freeze them for quick baking whenever the craving strikes!
Ube Crinkle Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of ube should I use for the best flavor?
I recommend using ube halaya for its rich, nutty flavor and moist texture, which is essential for authentic Ube Crinkle Cookies. If you can’t find ube halaya, ube extract can enhance the flavor but won’t provide the same moisture.
How should I store my Ube Crinkle Cookies?
Store your Ube Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks; just make sure they are well-wrapped to retain their chewy texture.
Can I freeze Ube Crinkle Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can stay fresh for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, don’t worry! Simply add a little more all-purpose flour, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a workable consistency. Avoid adding too much flour to keep your cookies tender and chewy.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, you can easily make Ube Crinkle Cookies vegan by substituting the large egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and using coconut oil instead of unsalted butter. This will keep the cookies just as delicious while catering to your dietary needs.
Are Ube Crinkle Cookies suitable for kids/pets?
While Ube Crinkle Cookies are enjoyed by most, be mindful of your pets—chocolate is harmful to them, so if you decide to add chocolate chips, keep them out of reach. As for kids, these cookies are generally safe after checking for any allergies (like eggs or gluten) that a child might have!
Ube Crinkle Cookies: Irresistibly Chewy and Vibrantly Sweet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Use a whisk to ensure even blending.
- In another bowl, whisk together melted unsalted butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, large egg, ube halaya, and ube extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until a cohesive dough forms.
- Portion the dough into balls, rolling them gently between your palms and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Roll each chilled dough ball in granulated sugar, then coat them in confectioners' sugar.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Arrange the coated cookie balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are set and centers remain soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.