There’s something enchanting about the vibrant purple hue of Ube Crinkle Cookies that instantly brightens any dessert table. I first discovered these delightful Filipino treats during a potluck, where their soft, chewy texture and nutty-sweet flavor captured my heart (and taste buds) immediately. Imagine breaking through a slightly crisp exterior to reveal a warm, chewy center—each bite is a celebration of the beloved ube, or purple yam, a staple in Filipino baking that beautifully marries tradition and taste.
These cookies are not only a feast for the eyes with their stunning appearance but also a breeze to whip up, making them a go-to dessert for gatherings or a cozy night in. Whether it’s your first foray into Asian baking or you’re a seasoned chef looking to surprise your loved ones, these Ube Crinkle Cookies offer a perfect blend of uniqueness and nostalgia that is bound to impress. So, let’s dive into this easy yet flavorful recipe and fill our kitchens with the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked cookies!
Why are Ube Crinkle Cookies so delightful?
Visually Stunning: The vibrant purple color of these cookies makes them a standout dessert at any gathering.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can shine!
Chewy Perfection: Experience a delightful balance of soft and chewy textures, especially when they’re fresh out of the oven.
Cultural Charm: Enjoy a taste of Filipino heritage with every bite, blending tradition and modern flavor in a unique treat.
Crowd Pleaser: These cookies are perfect for sharing, as everyone loves their nutty-sweet flavor and adorable crinkly shapes!
Ube Crinkle Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
• All Purpose Flour – This provides structure to the cookies; feel free to substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
• Glutinous Rice Flour – Adds a delightful chewiness; don’t swap it with regular rice flour, as the texture will differ.
• Baking Powder – A leavening agent essential for rising; ensure it’s fresh for optimal results.
• Salt – Enhances flavor; just a pinch underscores the cookies’ sweetness.
For the Sweetness
• Unsalted Butter – Melts to impart richness and moisture; can be replaced with vegetable oil for a dairy-free treat.
• White Granulated Sugar – Offers sweetness and texture; you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor experience.
• Dark Brown Sugar – Brings a caramel-like taste and moisture; light brown sugar can serve as a substitute if needed.
For Binding
• Large Whole Egg – Binds the ingredients and adds moisture; a flax egg works as a vegan alternative.
• Large Egg Yolk – Enhances richness and chewiness; it’s critical for the best texture.
For the Signature Flavor
• Ube Puree or Ube Halaya Jam – Provides that iconic flavor and color; frozen ube puree is a great time-saver.
• Ube Extract – Amplifies the ube taste; vanilla extract can be used in a pinch, but it alters the flavor authenticity.
For Finishing Touches
• Powdered Sugar – Dust on top for added sweetness and a beautiful visual appeal.
Each of these ingredients plays a vital role in creating delightful Ube Crinkle Cookies that will captivate you and your guests!
How to Make Ube Crinkle Cookies
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Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, glutinous rice flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside to ensure a smooth batter.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a larger bowl, cream together the melted unsalted butter, white granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes of mixing.
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Combine Ingredients: Beat in the large whole egg, egg yolk, ube puree, and ube extract. Continue mixing until the mixture is uniformly purple and creamy, looking delightful.
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Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies chewy.
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Chill the Dough: Place your dough in the freezer for about 20 minutes. This step is key to preventing spreading and helps in achieving that crinkly texture.
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Preheat Oven: During the last five minutes of chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Don’t forget to line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie release.
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Form Cookies: Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball, then generously roll each ball in powdered sugar until fully coated. The more sugar, the prettier the crinkle!
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Bake: Space the rolled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes. The cookies should be firm yet slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven. Allow to cool on a rack for at least five minutes before enjoying.
Optional: Dust with additional powdered sugar for an extra sweet touch before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Ube Crinkle Cookies
Room Temperature: Store Ube Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to preserve their chewy texture and moisture.
Fridge: If you prefer a firmer texture, keep the cookies in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just remember to let them come back to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a ziplock bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Unbaked Dough: Roll cookie dough into balls and freeze for up to a month. Bake directly from the freezer without thawing for fresh cookies any time!
Expert Tips for Ube Crinkle Cookies
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Chill the Dough: Cooling helps prevent spreading during baking. Aim for a firm, workable dough that holds its shape.
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Proper Mixing: To achieve the best texture, mix just until combined after adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Baking Time Matters: Be careful not to overbake; Ube Crinkle Cookies should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out for ideal chewiness.
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Sugar Coating: Roll dough balls generously in powdered sugar. A thick coating enhances the crinkle effect and adds sweetness.
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Storage Tips: If you have extra dough, freeze unbaked cookie balls. They can be baked straight from the freezer without thawing—perfect for those urgent cookie cravings!
What to Serve With Ube Crinkle Cookies?
These delightful treats are perfect for creating a memorable dessert experience that your loved ones will adore.
- Glass of Milk: Offers a classic pairing that enhances the sweetness and complements the chewy texture of the cookies.
- Coffee or Tea: A warming beverage can balance the sweetness and make for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Fresh Fruits: Slices of mango or strawberries provide a refreshing contrast, bringing sweetness and a burst of color to your plate.
- Coconut Flan: This smooth, creamy dessert echoes the tropical vibe of ube and adds a luxurious touch.
- Ice Cream: Vanilla or coconut ice cream makes a delightful pairing, heightening the flavors of the ube with creamy goodness.
- Chocolate Ganache: A dip or drizzle of rich chocolate ganache adds a luscious twist, appealing to chocolate lovers.
- Macarons: Brightly colored macarons can create an appealing dessert platter alongside your ube cookies, providing varied textures.
- Dessert Wine: A sweet dessert wine like late-harvest Riesling can complement the nutty flavors of the ube for an elevated experience.
- Tropic-Inspired Jam: Serve with coconut or pineapple jam to enrich the tropical notes in each bite.
These pairing suggestions will make your Ube Crinkle Cookies even more delightful, creating a feast of flavors and textures!
Ube Crinkle Cookies Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and put a personal spin on these delightful cookies!
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Chocolate Chip: Add semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a deliciously rich contrast to the ube flavor. A match made in dessert heaven!
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Coconut Dream: Incorporate shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical twist. Each bite will transport you to sunny shores.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the mixture for a surprising heat that pairs beautifully with the sweet ube.
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Nut Lovers: Fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for delightful crunch and nutty depth. It brings a new texture and flavor that enhances the entire experience.
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Zesty Citrus: Infuse citrus zest (like lemon or orange) to brighten the flavors. The zing of zesty notes complements the earthiness of ube beautifully.
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Matcha Marvel: Substitute a portion of the ube puree with matcha powder for a colorful contrast and a slightly bitter flavor that balances the sweetness.
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Vegan Delight: Use coconut oil in place of butter, and a flax egg instead of a regular egg for a completely vegan-friendly version that doesn’t compromise on taste.
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Sweet Potato Substitution: Try using sweet potato puree instead of ube to create a unique flavor profile while still achieving that beautiful and vibrant color!
Make Ahead Options
These Ube Crinkle Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks who want to enjoy a tasty treat without the stress of last-minute baking! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by rolling it into balls and coating them in powdered sugar, then placing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you’re wanting to prep even further ahead, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls for up to one month. Just freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a ziplock bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply bake them straight from the freezer for about 15-18 minutes, and you’ll have deliciously chewy Ube Crinkle Cookies with minimal effort!
Ube Crinkle Cookies Recipe FAQs
What ripeness of ube should I use for these cookies?
Absolutely! For Ube Crinkle Cookies, you’ll want to use ripe ube. Fresh ube should be firm, without dark spots or mushiness. When using ube puree, look for a vibrant purple color and smooth texture to ensure the best flavor and consistency in your cookies.
How should I store leftover Ube Crinkle Cookies?
Very good question! Store Ube Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer them a bit firmer, refrigerating them will extend freshness for up to 1 week. Remember to allow them to return to room temperature before indulging!
Can I freeze Ube Crinkle Cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze baked Ube Crinkle Cookies for up to 2 months. Just place them in a ziplock bag, ensuring that as much air as possible is removed. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature. Need some fresh cookies in a hurry? You can also freeze unbaked dough balls for up to a month; just bake directly from the freezer without thawing!
What if my cookies spread too much during baking?
Don’t worry; this can happen! If your Ube Crinkle Cookies spread excessively, it’s often due to the dough being too warm when placed in the oven. Ensuring you chill the dough for at least 20 minutes before baking helps prevent this. If they still spread, consider adding a little more flour next time to help maintain their shape!
Are Ube Crinkle Cookies suitable for people with allergies?
Great question! Ube Crinkle Cookies contain common allergens such as eggs, butter, and wheat (gluten). If you’re looking for alternatives, you can make them dairy-free by substituting butter with vegetable oil and use a flax egg for a vegan version. Always ensure that any substitute you choose aligns with your dietary needs and those of your guests!
How long can I keep unbaked Ube Crinkle Cookie dough?
I often make a batch ahead! You can freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to a month. Simply roll them into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookie dough balls to a ziplock bag and label them. When you’re ready for freshly baked cookies, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!
Ube Crinkle Cookies: Irresistibly Chewy Filipino Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, glutinous rice flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
- In a larger bowl, cream together the melted unsalted butter, white granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Beat in the large whole egg, egg yolk, ube puree, and ube extract until uniformly purple and creamy.
- Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Place your dough in the freezer for about 20 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) during the last five minutes of chilling.
- Scoop approximately 1 tablespoon of dough, roll into a ball, and generously roll in powdered sugar.
- Space rolled dough balls on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes. Allow to cool for at least five minutes before enjoying.