Ube Crinkle Cookies

Indulge your sweet tooth with these Ube Crinkle Cookies — a vibrant twist on the classic crinkle cookie that combines the rich, earthy flavor of purple yam with a heavenly, crinkled exterior. These soft and chewy treats, coated in a dusting of powdered sugar, are a visually stunning and irresistibly delicious addition to any dessert spread, promising a delightful burst of Filipino-inspired sweetness in every bite.

What is Ube?

Ube, also known as purple yam, is a tuberous root vegetable that is vividly purple in color. It is a popular ingredient in Filipino cuisine and is well-loved for its sweet, nutty flavor and vibrant hue. Ube is commonly used in a variety of desserts, including ice cream, cakes, and pastries, where its natural color adds a visually appealing and distinctive touch. The term "ube" is often associated with the vibrant purple yam flavor rather than a specific recipe or dish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful: Ube crinkle cookies offer a unique flavor profile. The natural sweetness and nuttiness of the purple yam create a distinct taste that sets these cookies apart from traditional varieties.
• Vibrant Appearance: The striking purple color of ube crinkle cookies makes them visually appealing and adds a touch of novelty to any dessert table. Totally instagram-worthy!
• Soft and Chewy Texture: Ube crinkle cookies have a soft and chewy texture. The combination of the crinkled exterior and the tender interior creates a satisfying mouthfeel.

Here's Everything You Need to Make This:

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. (Image 1)

Step 3: Add the egg, ube halaya jam, ube extract, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until well combined. (Image 2)

Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. (Image 3)

Step 5: Use a small cookie scooper (about 3 tablespoons) to form the cookie dough into 18 balls. If the dough is too soft to work with, you can refrigerate for 30 minutes. (Image 4)

Step 6: Roll each cookie dough ball generously in powdered sugar, ensuring it is well-coated. (Image 5)

Step 7: Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking. (Image 5)

Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are set and the tops have cracked, creating the characteristic crinkle appearance.

Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Ube Crinkle Cookies: Helpful Notes

• Ensure that the butter is softened but not melted. Softened butter at room temperature allows for proper creaming with the sugar, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
• Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are fully incorporated.
• For a firmer dough and to enhance the flavors, consider chilling the cookie dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before forming into balls. This can also make handling the dough easier.
• Aim for uniformity in the size of the cookie dough balls to ensure even baking. A cookie scoop can be handy for this purpose.
• Place the cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets to allow for spreading during baking. This helps prevent the cookies from sticking together.

Freezing Cookie Dough

Freezing cookie dough is a convenient way to have freshly baked cookies on hand whenever you desire.

First, prepare the ube crinkle cookie dough according to recipe but do not coat it with powdered sugar. Scoop or portion the dough into individual cookie-sized rounds using a small cookie scoop or a spoon. Place the portions on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Next, flash freeze the dough by placing the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours or until the cookie dough portions are firm. This step, known as flash freezing, prevents the dough from sticking together during storage.

Once the portions are frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or a zip-top freezer bag. If you're using a bag, try to remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Label and date the container.

Place the labeled container or bag in the freezer. The cookie dough can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

When you're ready to bake, preheat your oven as usual. Coat the cookie dough balls with powdered sugar. Arrange the frozen cookie dough portions on a baking sheet, allowing a little space between each. Bake according to your original recipe, adding a couple of extra minutes to account for the frozen state of the dough.

By following these steps, you can enjoy freshly baked ube crinkle cookies whenever the craving strikes.

How to Store Leftover Cookies

Store at room temperature. Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Ensure that the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture and air from affecting the cookies.

Avoid Direct Sunlight. Keep the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Exposure to sunlight or heat can cause the cookies to lose their freshness and might affect their color.

Layer with parchment paper. If you need to stack the cookies in the container, consider placing parchment paper or wax paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together.

Avoid Refrigeration. Ube crinkle cookies are best stored at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating them, as the refrigerator's moisture can alter the cookies' texture and taste.