Ube Crinkles: Sweet Purple Delight
Ube Crinkles are soft, chewy cookies infused with the vibrant purple yam (ube), a staple in Filipino desserts. Known for their striking color and distinct vanilla-like flavor, these cookies are a delightful treat that brings a taste of the Philippines to your home.
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 0.5 cup ube halaya jam
- 1 teaspoon ube extract
- 1 teaspoon liquid purple food coloring optional
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Stir in the ube halaya jam, ube extract, and liquid purple food coloring (if using) until the mixture is uniformly purple.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix. The dough will be sticky.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 2-4 hours, or preferably overnight, until firm enough to handle.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Place the powdered sugar in a shallow dish.
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of the chilled dough and roll them into balls.
- Generously roll each dough ball in the powdered sugar, ensuring it is completely coated.
- Arrange the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. The crinkles should be visible.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For the best crinkle effect, ensure the dough is well chilled before rolling. Ube halaya jam and ube extract are crucial for authentic flavor and color. You can find them in Asian grocery stores. The liquid purple food coloring is optional but enhances the cookie's vibrant hue. Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.