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Soft & Chewy Ube Crinkle Cookies Recipe

PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER PHOTOGRAPHY; FOOD STYLING: VICTORIA GRANOF
YIELDS:
20 SERVING(S)
Prep Time:
20 MINS
Total Time:
1 HR 45 MINS
Cal/Serv:
177

Nutritional Information

Calories 177 kcal
Fat 5 g
Saturated fat 3 g
Trans fat 0 g
Cholesterol 20 mg
Sodium 79 mg
Carbohydrates 32 g
Fiber 0 g
Sugar 23 g
Protein 2 g
Vitamin D 0 µg
Calcium 32 mg
Iron 1 mg
Potassium 53 mg

Note: The information shown is Edamam's estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.

With its striking color and a unique nutty vanilla flavor profile, ube has taken over the world. Also known as purple yam, this beloved tuber has been a popular root vegetable in the Philippines for generations, later spreading to more places like Hawaii and Japan. In these ube crinkle cookies, the purple color is striking and intense.

From halo-halo and boba tea to more Western treats like brownies, ice cream, and pie, the uses of ube are endless. This recipe gives the classic crinkle the ube treatment using ube halaya, a popular Filipino jam made with ube and condensed milk, and ube extract.

Recipe Tip

While crinkle cookies are generally easy to make, one area that many struggle with is keeping the powdered sugar from absorbing into the cookie dough. This can be prevented with a simple assembly system that involves preparing the dough for the final bake in stages: You should first portion and roll all of the dough, then roll all the dough balls in granulated sugar (which creates a barrier that keeps the powdered sugar from melting into the dough), then roll them all in confectioners’ sugar. Once all the cookies have been coated, bake immediately.

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Ube Crinkle Cookies
PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER PHOTOGRAPHY; FOOD STYLING: VICTORIA GRANOF

Ingredients

  • 1.75 Cup (210 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 Teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 Teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 Large egg, room temperature
  • 0.5 Cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, cooled
  • 0.25 Cup (55 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1.5 Cup (330 g) granulated sugar, packed
  • 0.5 Cup (150 g) ube halaya
  • 3 Teaspoon ube extract
  • 1 Cup (115 g) confectioner's sugar
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Directions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.

Step 2

In a large bowl, whisk egg, butter, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Add ube halaya and ube extract then whisk until incorporated.

Step 3

Add dry ingredients to ube mixture. Using a flexible spatula, mix until dry ingredients are incorporated and dough is shiny, about 30 seconds.

Step 4

Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to 1 day.

Step 5

In 2 separate shallow bowls, place confectioners’ sugar and remaining 1 cup granulated sugar. Scoop 20 (2-tablespoon; 35-gram) portions and roll dough into balls. Working with a few at a time, roll in granulated sugar, then in confectioners’ sugar. Arrange 10 balls between 2 parchment-lined sheets (5 each), spacing 2″ apart.

Step 6

Bake cookies until edges begin to set but center is still slightly soft, 9 to 11 minutes.

Step 7

Let cool 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with remaining dough.

This recipe was originally published in Delish US.

Frequently Asked Questions

To prevent the powdered sugar from absorbing into the dough, you must use a “double-rolling” technique. Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar first to create a moisture barrier, followed immediately by a heavy coating of confectioners’ sugar. This ensures the signature white “cracked” look remains crisp and visible after baking.

Ube halaya is essential for the chewy, fudgy texture and authentic nutty flavor of these cookies. While you can technically use only ube extract, the cookies will lack the structural density and richness provided by the jam. If you must substitute, ensure you use a thick, high-quality ube jam rather than a thin syrup.

For that striking, intense violet hue, rely on a combination of ube halaya and ube extract. While the yam jam provides the base color, ube extract contains concentrated pigments that ensure the cookies don’t turn brown or dull during the baking process. Avoid overbaking, as excessive browning can mask the vibrant purple interior.

Ube dough is naturally high in moisture due to the jam and extract, making refrigeration a non-negotiable step. Chilling the dough for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours) firms up the fats and allows the flour to hydrate, making it manageable for scooping. If it remains too sticky, lightly flour your hands or use a cookie scoop.

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their soft, fudgy centers. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as the cold air can dry out the crumb and cause the powdered sugar to become damp.

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