Introduction
In this article, you’ll discover how to make ube crinkle cookies from scratch—perfectly chewy with a crackled powdered sugar coating and that signature purple hue. I’ll walk you through the story behind these cookies, their unique ingredients like ube halaya, and variations like ube crinkle cookies without halaya. You’ll also find baking tips, nutritional insights, and make-ahead options. Whether you’re new to ube or a lifelong fan of Filipino desserts, this guide covers everything you need to bake cookies that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
How I Fell in Love With Ube Crinkle Cookies
A Cookie That Tells a Story
The first time I tasted an ube crinkle cookie, I was standing barefoot in a breezy kitchen in Cebu, sipping ginger tea and helping my host family prepare for a weekend birthday gathering. The scent of butter, vanilla, and coconut lingered in the air as trays of bright purple dough balls were gently rolled in powdered sugar, transforming into snowy spheres before sliding into the oven. When they came out—crackled, fragrant, warm—I was hooked.
That was the start of a lifelong obsession.
Ube crinkle cookies aren’t just a dessert—they’re an experience. They’re chewy at the edges, soft in the center, and beautifully violet thanks to ube halaya and ube extract. These cookies blend comfort and culture, just like my own baking philosophy at Lila’s Table. Inspired by the Filipino flavors I grew to love during my time in the Philippines, they quickly became a favorite among my Asheville customers and friends. Even my Greek grandmother, loyal to her melomakarona, couldn’t resist them.
Making ube crinkle cookies at home is easy and deeply satisfying. With just a few pantry staples and one or two specialty ingredients, you can create a batch of cookies that turn heads and spark conversations. They’re perfect for potlucks, gift boxes, or as a unique alternative to traditional holiday treats.
You’ll be using ingredients like ube halaya—a sweet purple yam jam you can find in most Asian markets—and ube extract, which gives that rich hue and flavor. And yes, there are ube crinkle cookies without halaya too, and we’ll talk about that option later on.
So if you’re wondering why ube crinkle cookies in Hawaii are so beloved, or how many calories they pack (spoiler: it’s worth every bite), keep reading. This Filipino-American fusion cookie is here to stay—and I can’t wait to show you how to make it yours.
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Ube Crinkle Cookies – Soft & Stunning Filipino Favorite (Easy Recipe)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 cookies 1x
Description
Soft, chewy, and coated in powdered sugar, these Filipino-inspired ube crinkle cookies are full of color and flavor. Perfect for gifting or enjoying with tea.
Ingredients
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 cup ube halaya jam
1 teaspoon liquid purple food coloring (not gel)
1 teaspoon ube extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Let butter sit at room temperature to soften.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy, 3–5 minutes.
4. Add egg; beat to combine. Scrape down sides.
5. Add ube halaya, food coloring, ube extract, and vanilla. Beat until fully purple.
6. Gradually add flour mixture; mix until combined.
7. Chill dough for 1 hour.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets.
9. Roll dough into 16 balls; coat heavily in powdered sugar.
10. Bake 12–15 minutes; let cool on baking sheet.
Notes
Ube halaya can be found at most Asian markets or online.
You can make this recipe without halaya using milk or yogurt and increasing flour slightly.
Cookies store well for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months (uncoated).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 24–30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Filipino-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 282
- Sugar: 33g
- Sodium: 81.5mg
- Fat: 8.3g
- Saturated Fat: 5.0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 0.7g
- Protein: 2.5g
All About Ube Crinkle Cookie Ingredients & Easy Substitutions
Ube Halaya, Extract & Everything In Between
Ube crinkle cookies work their magic with a vibrant purple hue and a delicate flavor that blends nuttiness with hints of vanilla.That comes from ube halaya, a jam made from purple yam, and ube extract, which enhances both color and taste. If you’ve never used these ingredients before, don’t worry—they’re easier to find than you might think.
Most Asian supermarkets stock both, and you can even order them online. I love using the Monika brand for halaya and McCormick’s ube extract because they give rich color without overpowering sweetness.The jam brings rich moisture and complexity, while the extract infuses a bold flavor that stays vibrant through baking.
Not a fan of jam in cookies? Or can’t find it locally? You can make ube crinkle cookies without halaya by replacing it with 1–2 tablespoons of milk or Greek yogurt and slightly increasing your flour to keep the dough scoopable. Just don’t skip the extract—it’s key.
Your other pantry ingredients are simple: flour, baking powder, sugar, butter, an egg, a pinch of salt, and vanilla. Don’t forget the powdered sugar for coating—this is what creates those beautiful snowy cracks. I also recommend using liquid purple food coloring, not gel, to keep the dough easy to mix and evenly hued.
Pro Tips for Texture & Flavor Success
Craving those soft, bakery-style cookies? Let the dough chill for at least an hour before scooping for the best texture.This keeps the cookies from overspreading and intensifies the flavor. When rolling them in powdered sugar, be generous—more is more. The sugar won’t just coat; it forms that iconic crackle on top as the cookie puffs and bakes.
Finally, bake them on parchment paper for easy cleanup and uniform bottoms. Bake one tray at a time to ensure even heat.
Looking for more Filipino dessert inspiration? You’ll love this bibingka guide—a coconut rice cake often served during Christmas.
Ube Crinkle Cookie Variations & Regional Twists
Ube Crinkle Cookies in Hawaii & Beyond
If you’ve ever visited a bakery in Honolulu or stopped by a family-run Filipino eatery on Oahu, you’ve likely spotted these stunning purple cookies nestled beside butter mochi and haupia bars. Ube crinkle cookies in Hawaii are more than just popular—they’re a nostalgic staple.
Why the island obsession? It’s all about the Filipino influence on Hawaiian cuisine. With large Filipino communities across the islands, ube (pronounced “oo-beh”) became a flavor mainstay. In Hawaii, you might find ube crinkle cookies with a coconut twist—think toasted coconut mixed into the dough or even coconut milk replacing part of the butter. The result is a richer, tropical take on the classic, perfect with iced Kona coffee or mango green tea.
Want to recreate that island vibe at home? Swap half the butter for coconut oil, or roll the dough in shredded coconut after the powdered sugar for extra texture. These subtle switches keep the cookie tender while elevating the flavor.
Switches & Creative Spins to Try
Looking for more ube crinkle cookie switches? You’ve got options:
- Add white chocolate chips for creamy sweetness and visual contrast.
- Sprinkle in macadamia nuts for a Hawaiian-style crunch.
- Use ube powder (if halaya isn’t available) mixed with a bit of milk to form a paste.
Gluten-free? Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and chill the dough a little longer for best results. Craving deeper flavor? A touch of browned butter adds caramel notes that pair beautifully with ube.
And if you love cookies with personality, don’t miss the melomakarona cookie recipe on my blog—my Greek grandma’s honey-dipped classic with spiced walnut filling. It’s another culture-rich favorite that blends heritage and heart.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Nutrition for Ube Crinkle Cookies
Smart Prep: Make-Ahead & Freeze Tips
Ube crinkle cookies aren’t just showstoppers—they’re practical. If you love baking ahead or prepping for parties, this recipe has your back. Once your dough is chilled, you can portion it into balls and freeze them uncoated for up to two months. When the craving hits, just pull them from the freezer, let them thaw while you preheat your oven, roll them in powdered sugar, and bake. Add an extra 1–3 minutes to the bake time for a fresh-from-the-freezer batch that tastes like you made it that day.
Need them ready in a flash for a bake sale or dessert table? Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and delicious for up to three days.Their texture stays soft, their sugar coating stays intact, and that signature crackle? Still picture perfect.
If you’re pairing these cookies with other treats, I highly recommend serving them alongside something classic like koulourakia, a twisted Greek butter cookie—delicate, subtly sweet, and a perfect contrast to the bold color and flavor of ube.
Calories & Dietary Considerations
One cookie (based on 12 servings) comes in at 282 calories, with 8.3g fat, 33g sugar, and 2.5g protein. While they’re not light, they are free from common allergens like nuts, soy, and shellfish. They’re vegetarian, pescatarian, and low in sodium, making them suitable for many diets. If you’re baking for kids, their vivid color and soft bite make them a hit at birthdays and holiday tables.
Want a lower-sugar version? Try cutting the granulated sugar by ¼ cup and using unsweetened halaya if you can find it. The cookies will still crackle and shine, just with a touch less sweetness.
Craving more ube inspiration? Don’t miss the ube coconut cake recipe on my blog—it’s fluffy, tropical, and perfect for celebrations.
FAQs About Ube Crinkle Cookies
1. What makes ube crinkle cookies in Hawaii different?
In Hawaii, ube crinkle cookies often carry island-inspired twists like coconut oil or toasted coconut for added richness and texture. Thanks to the large Filipino community, ube is a cherished flavor across the islands and appears in many forms—from cakes to cookies—with local flair. You’ll often find them beside butter mochi or guava chiffon cake in Honolulu bakeries.
2. How many calories are in an ube crinkle cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 282 calories, with 8.3 grams of fat and 33 grams of sugar. While they’re indulgent, they’re also nut-free, vegetarian, and relatively low in sodium—making them a great special treat for a variety of dietary needs.
3. Can I make ube crinkle cookies without ube halaya?
Absolutely! You can substitute the halaya (ube jam) with 1–2 tablespoons of milk or Greek yogurt, then slightly increase your flour to maintain structure. Just be sure to keep the ube extract, which provides essential flavor and color. Another option is using ube powder rehydrated with a bit of water.
4. What are the best switches or variations for ube crinkle cookies?
Some favorite ube crinkle cookie switches include adding white chocolate chips, using coconut oil instead of butter, or mixing in macadamia nuts for crunch. You can also go gluten-free with a 1:1 baking blend. Want extra depth? Try browning your butter before mixing.
Conclusion: Celebrate Culture, Color & Flavor With Every Bite
Ube crinkle cookies are more than beautiful treats—they’re a blend of Filipino heritage and modern baking joy. Whether you’re inspired by Hawaiian bakery classics or simply curious about ube, this cookie delivers comfort, color, and creativity in every bite. From Asheville to Cebu, from powdered sugar snow to violet surprises, they’ve become a staple in my kitchen—and I hope they find a place in yours too.
For more global baking inspiration, check out my recipe for mango tres leches cake—a Mexican-Filipino fusion dessert you’ll dream about.
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