Ube Crinkles are soft, chewy cookies with a vibrant purple hue and a delightfully sweet, earthy flavor from the Filipino purple yam known as ube. Coated in powdered sugar before baking, they form a crackly, crinkled top that contrasts beautifully with their rich, tender interior. Perfect as a treat for ube lovers or as a festive dessert.

FULL RECIPE

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup ube halaya (purple yam jam)
• 1 teaspoon ube extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, combine granulated sugar and oil until smooth.
4. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until well blended.
5. Add ube halaya, ube extract, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
7. Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours or until firm enough to shape.
8. Scoop out dough and roll into 1-inch balls.
9. Roll each ball in powdered sugar, coating generously.
10. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
11. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crinkles have formed and the cookies are set.
12. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 130
• Total Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 70mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 20g
• Sugars: 12g
• Protein: 1g

The Popularity of Ube in Filipino Cuisine

Ube, a type of purple yam, has gained significant popularity in Filipino cuisine over the years. It is widely known for its rich, sweet flavor and its vibrant purple color. Traditionally used in various Filipino desserts like halo-halo, ube ice cream, and ube halaya, it has found its way into international markets and kitchens due to its unique flavor and versatility. Ube has become a trend in many Western countries, appearing in cakes, doughnuts, and even beverages. As more people discover the delightful qualities of ube, Ube Crinkles have emerged as a fun and colorful way to enjoy this beloved ingredient.

The Role of Ube in Ube Crinkles

In Ube Crinkles, ube plays a central role in the flavor and color of the cookies. The ube halaya or ube jam is what gives the cookies their distinctive purple hue. The yam’s natural sweetness and earthy undertones enhance the flavor of the dough, creating a soft, chewy texture with a rich taste that’s not overly sweet. Ube extract and ube halaya are often paired together in the recipe to provide a more robust ube flavor, ensuring that the cookies are truly reminiscent of the yam itself.

Why Ube Crinkles Stand Out

Ube Crinkles stand out because of their unique appearance. When baked, the dough cracks at the surface, forming crinkled patterns, while the powdered sugar coating gives the cookies a snowy, delicate finish. This visual appeal makes Ube Crinkles especially attractive for festive occasions, potlucks, or any event where a bit of whimsy and color is desired. The combination of chewy, soft interiors and the satisfying texture of the crinkled tops makes them irresistible to both the eyes and the taste buds.

The Perfect Balance Between Texture and Flavor

One of the most important aspects of Ube Crinkles is achieving the right balance between texture and flavor. The dough needs to be firm enough to hold its shape while rolling into balls, but it must also be soft and chewy after baking. Ube halaya, with its smooth consistency, plays a vital role in ensuring that the texture of the cookies remains soft and moist, while the addition of baking powder helps them rise slightly, giving them that classic crinkle appearance. The powdered sugar, meanwhile, adds a layer of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the earthy flavor of the ube.

Choosing the Right Ube Halaya

When making Ube Crinkles, choosing the right ube halaya is essential. Ube halaya is traditionally made by mashing boiled ube, sweetening it with sugar, and cooking it down until it thickens. Some commercial versions of ube halaya contain added ingredients like coconut milk or condensed milk, which can alter the flavor and texture. For a more authentic taste, it’s recommended to use homemade ube halaya or a high-quality store-bought variety with minimal additives.

Chilling the Dough for Optimal Results

An important step in the Ube Crinkle recipe is chilling the dough. This not only helps to firm up the dough but also makes it easier to roll into balls. Without chilling, the dough might spread too much during baking, causing the crinkles to lose their shape. Refrigerating the dough for at least 2 hours ensures that the cookies retain their signature texture and that the powdered sugar coating remains intact during baking.

The Role of Powdered Sugar

The powdered sugar in the recipe is more than just for decoration. It serves several purposes, including contributing to the crackly appearance of the cookies. As the cookies bake, the powdered sugar forms a contrasting layer over the dough, creating the signature crinkle effect. This sugar coating also adds an extra layer of sweetness to the cookies, balancing the natural earthiness of the ube flavor. It’s important to coat the dough balls generously to achieve the desired visual effect.

Baking the Ube Crinkles to Perfection

Baking Ube Crinkles requires careful attention to timing and temperature. Overbaking can cause the cookies to become too dry or lose their chewy texture, while underbaking may leave them too soft and raw in the center. Ideally, Ube Crinkles should bake for 10-12 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until the tops of the cookies have cracked and the edges are set. This ensures a soft, chewy center with a slightly crisp outer layer.

Storage and Shelf Life

Ube Crinkles are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later consumption. To maintain their texture, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them. Simply place the cooled cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container and store them for up to 3 months. To enjoy, just thaw the cookies at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Making Ube Crinkles for Special Occasions

Due to their vibrant color and festive appearance, Ube Crinkles are an excellent choice for special occasions. Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday celebration, or a family gathering, these cookies are sure to impress guests. Their unique flavor profile sets them apart from typical cookies, and their colorful nature makes them a fun conversation starter. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for an even more delightful treat.

Experimenting with Different Variations

While the classic Ube Crinkle recipe is delicious on its own, it can be adapted and customized in various ways. Some bakers choose to add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the sweetness of the cookies, while others may mix in chocolate chips for an extra burst of flavor. You could also experiment with different coatings, such as coconut flakes or crushed nuts, to add texture and depth to the cookies. However, it’s important not to overshadow the unique flavor of ube, so keep any additional ingredients subtle.

The Growing Trend of Ube-Flavored Desserts

As the global interest in ube continues to rise, more and more ube-flavored desserts are emerging on the market. From ice cream and cakes to pastries and pastries, ube has found its place in diverse food cultures around the world. This trend reflects the increasing fascination with Filipino ingredients and the growing popularity of international flavors. Ube Crinkles fit perfectly within this movement, offering a new twist on the classic cookie while showcasing the versatility of this beloved yam.

The Cultural Significance of Ube in Filipino Cuisine

For many Filipinos, ube holds cultural and sentimental value. It is an ingredient that has been passed down through generations, often used in family recipes and special dishes. Ube is associated with celebrations, holidays, and communal gatherings, making it an important part of Filipino food traditions. By incorporating ube into recipes like Ube Crinkles, people can honor this tradition while introducing others to the rich culinary history of the Philippines.

Why Ube Crinkles Are a Hit Among All Ages

Ube Crinkles have broad appeal, making them suitable for all age groups. Their chewy texture and delightful sweetness are universally loved, while their fun, colorful appearance makes them particularly appealing to children. Adults, on the other hand, appreciate the nostalgia and complexity of the ube flavor. This combination of taste, texture, and visual appeal makes Ube Crinkles a perfect treat for anyone to enjoy, from young children to older adults.

The Importance of Measuring Ingredients Accurately

When baking Ube Crinkles, it’s essential to measure ingredients accurately to achieve the right balance of flavors and textures. Improper measurements can lead to cookies that are too dry, too sweet, or too dense. Using a kitchen scale for more precise measurements, particularly for ingredients like flour and sugar, can improve the outcome of your cookies. Following the recipe exactly ensures the perfect balance and consistency every time.

Serving Ube Crinkles

Ube Crinkles are versatile and can be served in a variety of settings. Whether you’re hosting a party, sharing them with friends, or giving them as gifts, these cookies are sure to leave an impression. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of beverages such as coffee, milk, or tea. Their bright, colorful appearance makes them a fun and engaging addition to any dessert table.

The Allure of Homemade Cookies

There’s something special about homemade cookies, and Ube Crinkles are no exception. While store-bought cookies may be convenient, they can’t quite match the flavor and warmth of cookies made from scratch. Baking Ube Crinkles at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring that they are fresh and free from any preservatives or artificial additives. The process of baking also adds a personal touch that store-bought treats can’t replicate.

Sharing the Joy of Ube Crinkles

Ube Crinkles are a great way to share the joy of baking with others. Whether you’re baking with friends or family, these cookies are a fun project that allows you to bond over a shared love for food. The process of rolling the dough into balls and coating them in powdered sugar can be a fun and interactive experience for everyone involved. Plus, the end result is a batch of delicious cookies to enjoy together.

Conclusion

Ube Crinkles are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional cookies, offering a unique combination of chewy texture, sweetness, and color. With their striking purple hue and delightful ube flavor, these cookies have become a favorite among both Filipino food enthusiasts and new audiences alike. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a family gathering, or simply craving a sweet treat, Ube Crinkles are sure to impress. By following a few simple steps and using quality ingredients, you can easily create these delicious cookies at home, sharing the joy of ube with everyone around you.