These ube crinkle cookies bake up soft and fudgy in the middle, with a deep purple color and a snowy cracked top. The flavor is mellow, a little like vanilla and pistachio, and the dough comes together in one bowl. If you have ube halaya (purple yam jam) in the fridge, you are about 15 minutes of work and one chill away from a tray of cookies.
- Prep: 15 minutes, plus 1 hour chilling
- Bake: 11 to 12 minutes at 350°F (175°C)
- Makes: about 20 cookies
What Is Ube?
Ube is a purple yam used across Filipino desserts. It is not the same as the orange sweet potato or the purple sweet potato sold in many US stores. If you are not sure which one you have, read our guide to purple sweet potato first. For these cookies you do not cook any yam yourself: you use ube halaya and ube extract, both sold in jars and bottles in Asian markets and online. If you have halaya left over, it also makes a silky ube leche flan.
Instructions
Ube Crinkle Cookies: Soft, Fudgy and Bright Purple
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
Description
Soft, fudgy purple cookies with a snowy cracked top, made in one bowl with ube halaya and ube extract.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 g) ube halaya (ube jam)
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon ube extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar, for coating
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar, for rolling
Instructions
- Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl.
- Beat the butter and 3/4 cup sugar for 2 minutes until pale and fluffy.
- Beat in the ube halaya, egg, ube extract and vanilla until smooth.
- Add the flour mixture and stir just until no dry streaks remain. The dough will be soft and sticky.
- Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment.
- Scoop level tablespoons of dough (about 25 g), roll into balls, then roll in the granulated sugar and the powdered sugar.
- Place 2 inches apart and bake 11 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops are cracked.
- Cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then move to a rack.
Notes
Chill the dough for at least 1 hour to make it easier to handle and help the cookies develop their signature cracked tops. Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar first, then powdered sugar, for a snowy finish. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft and fudgy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 145
Keywords: Ube Crinkle Cookies, ube cookies, Filipino cookies, ube halaya, ube extract, purple crinkle cookies
Tips for the Best Crackle and Color
- Double sugar coat. Granulated sugar first makes the powdered sugar stick, so the white cracks stay bright.
- Chill the dough. Cold dough spreads less and cracks more.
- Do not overbake. The cookies firm up as they cool. Pulling them early keeps the center fudgy.
- Use extract and halaya together. The halaya gives body and color, the extract adds the nutty, vanilla-like flavor.
Can You Make Ube Crinkle Cookies Without Ube Halaya?
Yes. Leave out the halaya, use 1 1/2 teaspoons of ube extract, and add 2 tablespoons of extra flour so the dough is not too soft. The color will be lighter and the texture a little drier, so add a drop of purple gel coloring if you want the classic look.
Storage
Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The powdered sugar coating can absorb moisture and look patchy after a day, so a light dusting of fresh powdered sugar before serving brings the contrast back. You can freeze the shaped, uncoated dough balls for up to 2 months: roll them in sugar and bake from frozen, adding 1 to 2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn’t my ube crinkle cookies crack?
The dough was probably too warm or too soft. Chill it for a full hour, coat the balls thickly in powdered sugar, and do not flatten them before baking.
Can I use ube powder instead of ube extract?
You can, but the flavor and color will be milder. Start with 1 tablespoon of ube powder in place of the extract and add 1 tablespoon more flour.
Why are my cookies dull brown instead of purple?
Baking can fade the color. Use both halaya and extract, avoid overbaking, and add a drop of purple gel coloring if you want a brighter result.
Can I freeze ube crinkle cookie dough?
Yes. Freeze the shaped dough balls without the sugar coating for up to 2 months, then roll them in sugar and bake from frozen for 1 to 2 minutes longer.
What does ube taste like?
Ube tastes mildly sweet and nutty, with notes of vanilla and a little pistachio. It is gentler than most fruit flavors.
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