There’s something magical about cookies that look as good as they taste. Ube crinkle cookies are one of those treats that instantly catch your eye with their signature crinkled surface dusted in powdered sugar. But the beauty isn’t just on the outside—bite into one, and you’ll find a soft, chewy center bursting with the unique, nutty, and slightly vanilla-like flavor of ube (purple yam). Popular in Filipino cuisine, ube has taken the global dessert scene by storm, and these cookies are one of the best ways to enjoy it.
Whether you’re a longtime ube fan or just discovering it for the first time, this recipe offers a fun, colorful, and flavorful twist on the classic crinkle cookie.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you need convincing, here are a few reasons these cookies are worth baking:
- Eye-Catching Color – The deep purple hue makes them stand out on any dessert table.
- Unique Flavor – Ube brings a natural sweetness that’s earthy, nutty, and unlike anything else.
- Soft and Chewy Texture – The crinkled surface gives a light crunch outside, while the inside stays perfectly soft.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – From holidays to potlucks, these cookies add a pop of color and taste.
- Beginner-Friendly – You don’t need to be a professional baker to nail this recipe.
If you’re tired of the same old chocolate chip or sugar cookies, ube crinkle cookies will bring something new and exciting to your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Large eggs
- Ube extract or ube flavoring
- Vanilla extract
- Purple food coloring (optional, but enhances the color)
- Powdered sugar (for coating)
Pro Tip: Using both granulated and brown sugar gives these cookies the perfect balance of sweetness and moisture. And while ube extract is the easiest option, you can also use ube halaya (purple yam jam) for a richer, more authentic flavor.
Directions
Follow these simple steps to make perfect ube crinkle cookies:
Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars – In a separate bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Flavoring – Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add ube extract and vanilla. For a bolder purple, stir in food coloring.
Combine Wet and Dry – Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet until a smooth dough forms.
Chill the Dough – Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight). This helps develop the flavor and prevents spreading.
Shape and Coat – Scoop small portions of dough, roll them into balls, and generously coat each with powdered sugar.
Bake – Place cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, until the tops are crinkled but centers are soft.
Cool and Enjoy – Let them cool slightly before serving, though they’re amazing warm too.
Servings and Pairing
This recipe makes about 20–24 cookies, depending on size. They’re perfect for sharing with family, friends, or even gifting during the holidays.
For pairing:
- Beverages: A warm cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk pairs beautifully with these cookies.
- Dessert Plates: Add them to a cookie platter with chocolate crinkles and sugar cookies for variety.
- Festive Touch: They’re especially great for Christmas or Easter celebrations thanks to their vibrant color.
Variations
VariationsWant to switch things up? Here are some fun variations to try:
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Add a cream cheese filling for an extra layer of richness.
- Nutty Twist: Mix in chopped macadamia nuts or cashews for added crunch.
- Ube Halaya Boost: Replace part of the butter with ube halaya for a more authentic Filipino flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend if you’re avoiding gluten.
These simple tweaks allow you to customize the recipe to your taste and dietary needs.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Lasts up to 1 week in the fridge.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Just thaw before serving.
- Reheating: Pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore their soft, warm texture.
Tip: To keep them fresh, place parchment paper between stacked cookies so they don’t stick together.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure it’s tightly covered.
Can I use fresh ube instead of extract?
Absolutely. Just steam, mash, and cool the ube before mixing it in. However, the color may be less vibrant without food coloring.
Why do I need to chill the dough?
Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much and helps create that classic crinkle effect.
Can I skip the powdered sugar coating?
You can, but you’ll miss out on the iconic crinkle look and extra sweetness.
How do I keep the cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread will keep them moist while the cookies stay fresh.
Conclusion
Ube crinkle cookies are the perfect blend of eye-catching color, unique flavor, and irresistible texture. They’re simple enough for everyday baking yet impressive enough for special occasions. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with fun variations, these cookies are guaranteed to delight anyone who tries them.
Print
Ube Crinkle Cookies
- Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor—these Ube Crinkle Cookies are the perfect sweet treat with a gorgeous purple hue. Easy to make and ideal for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ tsp ube extract (or flavoring)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A few drops of purple food coloring (optional, for vibrant color)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in ube extract, vanilla, and optional food coloring.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined into a smooth dough.
- Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours (or overnight).
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop dough into small balls, roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated, and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are crackled and the centers are soft.
- Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or store for later.
Notes
- Chill the dough—this step is essential for perfect crinkles.
- Don’t overbake—cookies should be soft in the center.
- For richer flavor, replace part of the butter with ube halaya (purple yam jam).
- Use parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- chilling: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 12 minutes