Name: Ube Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: PT-489765H20M22S
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups (223 g) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup (198 g) granulated sugar; ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 large egg, room temperature; ½ cup (113 g) ube halaya jam, room temperature; 1 teaspoon purple food coloring; 1 teaspoon ube extract; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup (113 g) confectioners’ sugar

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Ube Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy, and delightfully purple, with a crackly powdered sugar coating that makes them as beautiful as they are delicious. Made with ube halaya and ube extract, these cookies have a nutty, vanilla-like flavor and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. They’re a fun twist on the classic chocolate crinkle cookie and perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you want a colorful sweet treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Gorgeous purple cookies with a signature crinkle top
Soft, chewy texture with a rich ube flavor
Easy to make with simple pantry and Filipino-inspired ingredients
Great for gift-giving, bake sales, or special occasions
Stays soft for days when stored properly

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 ¾ cups (223 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup (198 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 large egg, at room temperature
½ cup (113 g) ube halaya jam, at room temperature
1 teaspoon purple food coloring
1 teaspoon ube extract
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup (113 g) confectioners’ sugar

Equipment: 3-tablespoon cookie dough scoop

Directions

Prep the oven and pans
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mix the dry ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream the butter and sugar
- In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar on medium-high until light and fluffy (3–5 minutes).
- Add the egg and mix until just combined, scraping down the bowl.
Add flavorings
- Mix in ube halaya, food coloring, ube extract, and vanilla until smooth and evenly purple.
Incorporate dry ingredients
- Gradually add the flour mixture and beat on low until just combined.
- Scrape down the bowl and mix for another 30 seconds.
Shape and coat the cookies
- Place confectioners’ sugar in a shallow bowl.
- Use a cookie scoop to portion dough into balls. Roll each ball in confectioners’ sugar until generously coated.
- Place on baking sheets at least 3 inches apart.
Bake
- Bake one tray at a time for 12–15 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain soft.
Cool and serve
- Let cookies cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

Servings: 16–18 cookies
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time (optional for neater crinkles): 30 minutes
Bake time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: about 45 minutes to 1 hour

Variations

Extra chewy: Add an extra egg yolk for richer texture.
Nutty twist: Stir in chopped macadamia nuts or toasted coconut.
Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Chocolate swirl: Add mini chocolate chips for a double-flavored crinkle.
Holiday style: Dust with a mix of powdered sugar and edible glitter for festive cookies.

Storage/Reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate up to 1 week or freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.
To refresh, warm cookies in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.

FAQs

What does ube taste like?

Ube has a nutty, vanilla-like flavor with hints of coconut, making it ideal for desserts.

Do I need to use food coloring?

No, but it enhances the vibrant purple look that makes these cookies stand out.

Can I use ube powder instead of halaya?

Yes, rehydrate ube powder with water and sugar to mimic halaya, then use in the recipe.

Why didn’t my cookies crinkle?

Cookies may not crinkle if the dough is too warm. Chill the dough before rolling for best results.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Roll in sugar just before baking.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter is recommended for flavor and texture, but margarine can be used in a pinch.

Why are my cookies flat?

Overmixing or using warm dough can cause spreading. Be sure to chill dough if needed.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, scoop into balls, freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Roll in sugar after thawing slightly.

Are these cookies very sweet?

They’re moderately sweet, balanced by the nutty flavor of ube. Adjust sugar if you prefer less sweetness.

Can I make these without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can use a hand mixer or mix by hand with a sturdy spatula, though it may take longer.

Conclusion

Ube Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy, and full of rich ube flavor with their signature powdered sugar coating. These beautiful purple cookies are easy to make, fun to share, and a unique twist on a classic crinkle cookie. Perfect for ube lovers and anyone looking to add a pop of color to their dessert table.

Maggie