Ube Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Ube Crinkle Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic crinkle cookie, featuring the vibrant purple color and unique flavor of ube halaya (purple yam jam). These soft, chewy treats are perfect for anyone looking to add a bit of Filipino flair to their cookie jar.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup powdered sugar, for rolling

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Step 2: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and ube halaya until well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Step 5: Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
6. Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Step 7: Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.
8. Step 8: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls.
9. Step 9: Roll each dough ball generously in the powdered sugar, ensuring it’s fully coated.
10. Step 10: Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
11. Step 11: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies will crackle as they bake.
12. Step 12: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• Use chilled dough to prevent spreading and maintain the crinkled texture.
• Try substituting ube halaya with purple sweet potato puree for a milder flavor.
• Roll the cookies twice in powdered sugar for an extra snowy appearance.
• If ube halaya is unavailable, you can add a few drops of ube extract and purple food coloring to vanilla cookie dough.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a warm oven for a few minutes to soften before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular purple yam instead of ube halaya?

Regular purple yam can be used if cooked and mashed, but ube halaya adds sweetness and a smoother texture that enhances the cookies.

Why do the cookies crackle during baking?

The crackling happens as the dough expands and the powdered sugar coating dries and cracks, creating the signature crinkle appearance.

Ube Crinkle Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 139 reviews

Ube Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy, and beautifully purple cookies infused with the unique flavor of ube halaya (purple yam jam). Rolled in powdered sugar before baking, they develop a distinctive crackled surface and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfect for a delightful treat or festive occasion.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Filipino

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Coating

• 1 cup powdered sugar, for rolling

Instructions

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender cookie texture.
2. Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Ube Halaya: Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure they blend smoothly. Then stir in the vanilla extract and ube halaya until the mixture is evenly combined, giving the dough its signature purple color and flavor.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid developing gluten which can make the cookies tough. Do not overmix.
5. Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to firm up, making it easier to handle and enhancing the cookie’s final texture.
6. Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
7. Prepare Powdered Sugar Coating: Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl for rolling the dough balls.
8. Form Dough Balls: Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls for uniform size and baking.
9. Coat Dough Balls: Roll each dough ball generously in the powdered sugar, ensuring full coverage, which contributes to the distinctive crinkle appearance during baking.
10. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets, allowing space for spreading as they bake.
11. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers remain slightly soft. You will notice the cookies cracking on the surface as they bake.
12. Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they firm up to perfection.

Notes

• Do not overmix the dough to maintain a tender cookie texture.
• Chilling the dough for at least one hour is important for easier handling and better texture.
• Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking during baking.
• Ensure even rolling in powdered sugar to achieve the classic crackled appearance.
• If ube halaya is unavailable, purple yam puree with sugar can be used as a substitute, though the flavor may differ slightly.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Keywords: Ube cookies, Filipino dessert, purple yam cookies, crinkle cookies, baked treats, holiday cookies