This Ube Crinkle Cookie recipe is the perfect combination of soft, chewy, and slightly crisp on the outside, bursting with the delightful flavor of ube (purple yam). In under 30 minutes, you have an eye-catching treat!

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I can’t count how many times I’ve made chocolate crinkles. They’re a classic!
But, with my ube obsession, I knew I had to "ubefy" my favorite crinkle recipe. The great thing is, I’m always ready for a new ube recipe because I always have ube halaya in my freezer! And just like how I’ve transformed my classic pancake, cassava cake, cheesecake, and turon recipes with ube, I had to give these crinkles the same delicious makeover.
If you're like me, you'll find any excuse to use ube. Whether you're a seasoned baker or new to the ube trend, this recipe is an easy way to bring those sweet, earthy flavors into your baking. The best part? It's as easy to make as it is to devour!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe?
- Unique Flavor: The earthy sweetness of ube makes these crinkles stand out from the traditional chocolate variety.
- Eye-Catching Color: Their vibrant purple hue is sure to impress and brighten up any dessert table.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
- Soft and Chewy: The perfect crinkle cookie texture—crispy on the outside, soft and chewy inside.
- Ube Goodness: It’s a delicious twist for anyone who loves ube or wants to try something new!
Why is it called Crinkles?
"Crinkles" refers to the distinctive cracks and ridges that form on the surface of the cookies as they bake. The origin of crinkle cookies can be traced back to European baking traditions, where they became popular for their unique appearance and texture.
The cookies’ crinkled look is created by rolling the dough in powdered sugar before baking. As the cookies spread, the sugar-coated surface cracks, revealing the soft, chewy inside. While chocolate crinkles are the most famous version, this ube version adds a vibrant twist!
🥘Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of your cookie dough, giving it structure.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and create those signature crinkles.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the ube.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cookie’s texture.
- Ube Halaya (Purple Yam Jam): The star of the show, providing rich ube flavor and color.
- Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and gives the cookies structure.
- Neutral Oil (vegetable or canola): Keeps the cookies moist and gives them a soft texture.
- Ube Extract: Boosts the ube flavor and deepens the purple color.
- Confectioner’s/Powdered Sugar: For rolling the dough and creating that iconic crinkle look.
Substitution and Addition
- Ube Halaya: If you don’t have ube halaya, you can substitute it with ube powder mixed with water or milk.
- Ube Extract: Adjust the amount for a more or less intense ube flavor.
- Oil: You can swap the neutral oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: Substitute with granulated sugar for a different texture, though it won't create the same crinkled effect.
🔪How to Make Ube Crinkle Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar.
- Mix in ube halaya, beaten egg, neutral oil, and ube extract. Stir until well combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in confectioner's sugar.
- Place coated balls on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set but centers are still soft.
- Allow the ube crinkles to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations
- Add Chocolate Chips: For a fun twist, fold in some white or dark chocolate chips to the dough.
- Stuffed Crinkles: Try filling the dough balls with a dollop of ube halaya for an oozy, delicious center.
- Coconut Crinkles: Add shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with ube.
- Matcha Crinkles: Swap out ube extract with matcha powder for a green tea variation that’s equally delicious.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free baking flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
What to Serve with This?
- Hot Coffee or Tea: The sweetness of the cookies pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
- Ube Ice Cream: Double up on the ube flavor by serving these cookies with a scoop of homemade ube ice cream.
- Halo-Halo: For a truly Filipino dessert experience, add these crinkles to your halo-halo for an extra sweet, chewy bite.
- Fresh Fruit: Balance the rich flavor of the cookies with fresh, tropical fruits like mango or pineapple.
How to Store Leftovers
Store your ube crinkle cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. Simply thaw before enjoying.
Top Tips
- Chill the Dough: Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and roll.
- Coat Generously: Make sure the dough balls are completely covered in powdered sugar for that classic crinkle look.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies should be set on the edges but still soft in the center for the perfect chewy texture.
Recipe FAQs
Ube has a unique, sweet-earthy flavor with floral and nutty notes, often compared to vanilla, pistachio, or even sweet potato.
Ube isn't made; it's grown! It's a vibrant purple yam native to Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines.
Calorie count can vary depending on size and recipe, but generally a ube crinkle falls in the 150-200 calorie range. Remember, portion control is key!
The name "crinkle" comes from the characteristic cracks and ridges that form on the surface of the cookies during baking, created by the interaction of baking powder and moisture.
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📋 Recipe

Ube Crinkle Cookie Recipe
Equipment
- 1 MIxing Bowl
- 1 ice cream scoop
- 1 large baking sheets
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup ube halaya
- 1 pc large egg beaten
- ½ cup neutral oil
- 2 teaspoon ube extract
- ¾ cup confectioner’s/ powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar.
- Mix in ube halaya, beaten egg, neutral oil, and ube extract. Stir until well combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in confectioner’s sugar.
- Place coated balls on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set but centers are still soft.
- Allow the ube crinkles to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Notes
- Chill the Dough: Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and roll.
- Coat Generously: Make sure the dough balls are completely covered in powdered sugar for that classic crinkle look.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies should be set on the edges but still soft in the center for the perfect chewy texture.
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