Luminous, cheerful, and irresistibly chewy, ube crinkle cookies are transforming the familiar landscape of classic cookies into a vibrant tapestry of flavor and color. Infused wiht the rich, subtly sweet essence of ube-a purple yam beloved in Filipino cuisine-these crinkle cookies bring a delightful twist that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
In this article, we’ll explore the origins of this colorful ingredient, uncover what makes ube crinkle cookies uniquely charming, and share tips for baking your own batch of these dazzling treats that promise to brighten any cookie jar.
Ube crinkle cookies captivate not only with their striking violet hue but also with the rich, subtly sweet earthiness that purple yam imparts to each bite. This beloved Filipino flavor has woven its way into conventional baking, transforming simple treats into vibrant morsels that delight both the eyes and palate. Drawing from cultural heritage and culinary creativity, these cookies boast a tender, chewy interior wrapped in a delicate crackled sugar crust, making them an irresistible indulgence perfect for celebrations or everyday pleasure.
Prep and Cook Time
- Planning Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 60 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield
Makes about 24 cookies
Difficulty Level
Medium – Perfect for bakers looking to explore colorful, flavorful treats with approachable techniques.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam), softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ube extract (optional, for intensified color and flavor)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Prepare the dry mixture. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the wet ingredients. Mix in the soft ube halaya, egg, vanilla extract, and ube extract (if using) until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated. The batter will be rich in color and aroma.
- Combine wet and dry. Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula or low-speed mixer, just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Chill the dough. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the classic crinkled look and the perfect chewy texture.
- Preheat and prep. While chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Shape the cookies. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, form the dough into small 1-inch balls. Roll each ball generously in powdered sugar, ensuring a thick coating. Place the cookies 2-inches apart on the prepared sheets.
- Bake the cookies. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the powdered sugar starts to crack beautifully. The centers should remain soft but fully baked-avoid overbaking to maintain chewiness.
- Cool and serve. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them set perfectly while preserving moisture.
Tips for Success
- Use ube halaya for authentic flavor. When you select a high-quality store-bought ube jam or make your own, it brings the signature taste and naturally vibrant color to your cookies.
- Chill time is essential. Refrigerating the dough allows the butter to firm up and the flavors to meld, which creates that iconic crinkle pattern during baking.
- If dough feels too sticky, dust your hands or scoop with flour. Alternatively, chill a bit longer for easier shaping.
- Powdered sugar coating should be thick. This layering contrasts beautifully with the cookie’s chewy interior and highlights its signature appearance.
- Try substituting butter with coconut oil for a subtly different aroma and a dairy-free version.
- Make ahead: Dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours or frozen for a month. Just thaw before baking and re-roll in powdered sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Ube crinkle cookies shine brightly on any dessert spread. Serve them alongside a cup of hot tea or a frothy matcha latte for a balanced sweetness. Garnish the plate with fresh edible flowers or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes to enhance the visual and textural experience. For festive occasions, adding a handful of toasted macadamia nuts to the dough offers a delightful crunch that pairs well with the cookie’s softness.
For a decadent treat, sandwich two cookies with a layer of whipped ube frosting or cream cheese filling. These cookies also pair beautifully with tropical fruits like mango or pineapple, offering a fresh and tangy contrast.
| Nutritional Info (per cookie) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 kcal |
| Protein | 1.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
Discover More
For those fascinated by vibrant, globally inspired baked goods, explore our collection of Filipino dessert recipes that celebrate traditional flavors with modern twists.
Expand your understanding of ube’s nutritional benefits and culinary history at Bon Appétit’s thorough ube guide.
Q&A
Q&A: Ube Crinkle Cookies – A Vibrant Twist on a Classic Treat
Q1: What exactly are Ube Crinkle Cookies?
A1: Ube Crinkle Cookies are a delightful fusion of traditional crinkle cookies and the vibrant purple yam known as ube. These cookies feature a soft, chewy center and a slightly crispy exterior dusted with powdered sugar, creating a beautiful white crackle pattern that contrasts strikingly with the rich purple hue of ube.
Q2: Where does ube come from, and why is it popular in desserts?
A2: Ube is a purple yam native to the Philippines and has been a staple ingredient in Filipino cuisine for centuries. Its naturally sweet, nutty, and slightly vanilla-like flavor makes it a versatile star in desserts, giving treats a unique taste and a gorgeous lavender color that adds a whimsical visual appeal.
Q3: How do ube crinkle Cookies differ from traditional crinkle cookies?
A3: While traditional crinkle cookies often use flavors like chocolate or lemon, Ube Crinkle Cookies incorporate ube halaya (purple yam jam) or ube powder into the dough. This infusion not only gives the cookies their signature purple tint but also introduces a distinct earthy sweetness, elevating the classic cookie experience into something exotic and colorful.
Q4: what are the key ingredients in Ube Crinkle cookies?
A4: The essentials include ube halaya or ube powder, all-purpose flour, sugar, eggs, baking powder, butter or oil, vanilla extract, and a generous coating of powdered sugar for that characteristic crinkled appearance.The ube provides the flavor and color, while the rest create the cookie’s tender, chewy texture.
Q5: Can Ube Crinkle Cookies be made vegan or gluten-free?
A5: absolutely! By substituting regular flour with gluten-free blends and using plant-based butter and egg replacements (like flax eggs or applesauce), you can create a vegan and gluten-free batch of these cookies without sacrificing flavor or texture. The vibrant ube flavor remains the star of the show.
Q6: How do you achieve the perfect crinkle effect on the cookies?
A6: The crinkle effect is created by rolling the cookie dough balls thoroughly in powdered sugar before baking. As the cookies bake and expand, the surface cracks, revealing the beautiful contrast between the sugar-coated exterior and the colorful dough beneath.A chilled dough frequently enough helps maintain the ideal shape and crinkle pattern.
Q7: What occasions are perfect for serving Ube Crinkle Cookies?
A7: These cookies are ideal for festive celebrations, afternoon tea parties, or whenever you want to impress guests with a creative twist on a classic treat. Their eye-catching color makes them a standout on dessert tables for birthdays, holidays, or cultural-themed gatherings.
Q8: Can you add variations to the Ube Crinkle Cookies recipe?
A8: Definitely! Consider incorporating mix-ins like chopped macadamia nuts or white chocolate chips for added texture and flavor contrast. You could also experiment with a drizzle of coconut glaze or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, complementing the tropical essence of ube.
Q9: How should Ube Crinkle Cookies be stored for freshness?
A9: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed bag or container for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving to enjoy their soft, flavorful charm.
Q10: Where can beginners find ube to start baking these cookies?
A10: ube halaya or powdered ube can frequently enough be found in Asian grocery stores, specialty baking supply shops, or online retailers. Be sure to choose quality products that have a vibrant color and authentic flavor to achieve the best baking results.
enjoy baking your vibrant batch of Ube Crinkle Cookies-an enchanting way to bring color and a unique tropical flavor to a beloved classic!
Wrapping Up
As you take your final bite of these vibrant ube crinkle cookies, you’re not just savoring a sweet treat-you’re experiencing a colorful fusion of tradition and innovation. This purple-hued twist on a beloved classic brings a playful splash of color and a subtle, unique flavor that lingers long after the last crumb disappears. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious kitchen adventurer, ube crinkle cookies invite you to explore new tastes while honoring timeless favorites. So, next time you crave something familiar yet fresh, remember that a little purple magic might be just what your cookie jar needs.
