Undoubtedly, nothing captures attention quite like a pop of color in dessert! These vibrant Purple Crinkle Cookies with ube are here to bring excitement and a unique flair to your baking repertoire. The delightful twist of ube—sweet purple yam—adds not only a moist texture but also a charmingly bright hue that transforms an ordinary cookie moment into something spectacular. What’s more, they come together swiftly, making them a perfect go-to for gatherings or a simple treat at home. Plus, they’re a fantastic conversation starter, sure to delight both kids and adults alike. Ready to get baking and impress your loved ones with these eye-catching cookies?
Why are Purple Crinkle Cookies a Must-Try?
Vibrant Color: The stunning purple hue makes these cookies a true showstopper, perfect for any occasion.
Unique Flavor: The sweet ube extract brings a delightful twist that will pique everyone’s interest.
Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, it’s a breeze to whip these up!
Crowd Favorite: Their soft, tender crumb and powdered sugar coating are sure to impress family and friends.
Versatile Options: Feel free to experiment with flavors like shredded coconut or chocolate chips—make them your own! For more delicious cookie ideas, check out my recipes for Twix Cookies Chewy and Cheesecake Stuffed Cookies.
Purple Crinkle Cookies Ingredients
• Discover what makes these cookies irresistible!
For the Cookie Dough
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the cookies; for gluten-free options, substitute with a similar flour blend.
- Baking Powder – The leavening agent that ensures a delightful rise; no substitutions needed.
- Salt – Enhances the sweetness; kosher or sea salt can work just as well.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds moisture and contributes to a tender crumb; you may use margarine, but be aware it can change the texture.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies wonderfully and contributes to their soft texture; coconut sugar can offer an interesting flavor twist.
- Large Eggs – Binds all ingredients together while adding moisture; substitutes like flax eggs or applesauce are great for vegan alternatives.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor profile beautifully; for a different twist, try almond extract.
- Ube Extract (or purple food coloring + flavoring) – This ingredient is the star of the recipe, giving cookies their signature color and sweet taste; if unavailable, grape concentrates can be an alternative.
- Whole Milk – Ensures smooth dough and keeps cookies moist; any variety of milk will do, but avoid overly watery options like skim.
For the Coating
- Powdered Sugar – Coats the cookies with sweetness; this effect is best achieved with no direct substitutes.
- Cornstarch (optional) – Used alongside powdered sugar for a thicker coating that looks amazing; feel free to omit if you don’t have any on hand.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Purple Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Prep Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and flavor. Set the bowl aside as you prepare the wet ingredients, which will help create a balanced texture in your Purple Crinkle Cookies.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, taking about 3-4 minutes. The air incorporated during this process is key for achieving that soft crumb. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl for an even consistency.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Flavorings
Add in the large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Follow by blending in the vanilla extract and ube extract, letting the lovely purple color fill the mixture. This step not only contributes to flavor but infuses your batter with the signature hue of your Purple Crinkle Cookies.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mix into the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Stir the mixture until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this could toughen your cookies. The dough should be slightly sticky and vibrant with that ube influence.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Once your dough is ready, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or overnight for optimal results. Chilling your dough is crucial for creating the perfect texture and preventing excessive spread while baking your beautiful Purple Crinkle Cookies.
Step 6: Preheat & Prepare Pans
As your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal and to prevent sticking. This preparation sets the stage for your cookies to bake evenly and develop that delightful crisp edge!
Step 7: Form Cookies
Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then, roll each ball in a mixture of powdered sugar and cornstarch until fully coated. This step gives your Purple Crinkle Cookies their stunning snowy appearance and provides that contrast to the vibrant purple hue.
Step 8: Bake
Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them to allow for spreading. Bake in your preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers look slightly puffed. You want the cookies to develop gentle cracks on top, signaling that they’re ready to come out.
Step 9: Cool
After baking, let your Purple Crinkle Cookies set on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps them firm up a bit before transferring them to a wire rack. Allow the cookies to cool completely, where their incredible texture will intensify, making them ready for enjoyment.
Make Ahead Options
These Purple Crinkle Cookies are perfect for busy bakers looking to save time! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by following the initial steps and then covering it tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. If you want to plan even further ahead, the dough can also be frozen for up to 3 months; simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and baking. Just remember to keep the dough chilled until you roll it in powdered sugar and cornstarch to ensure they maintain that beautiful cracked surface. When you’re ready to bake, just scoop, coat, and place them in the oven for perfectly soft and vibrant cookies that are just as delicious as when freshly made!
Purple Crinkle Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize these delightful cookies to suit your taste!
- Dairy-Free: Replace whole milk with almond, soy, or oat milk for a creamy alternative without dairy.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to accommodate dietary needs.
- Flavor Boost: Incorporate coconut flakes into the dough for a tropical twist that complements the ube beautifully.
- Chocolate Version: Add chocolate chips to the dough for a rich contrast with the sweetness of ube—perfect for chocolate lovers!
- Nutty Delight: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs well with the cookies’ texture.
- Sweeter Treat: Swap half of your whole milk for sweetened condensed milk to create denser, ultra-sweet cookies that melt in your mouth.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder in the dough—just enough to add intrigue without overwhelming the sweetness.
- Layered Texture: Experiment with layering by drizzling melted chocolate on top of the cooled cookies for a delightful contrast in taste and appearance.
Dive into the world of flavors and textures—if you enjoyed these, you might also love the twist from my Panko Cookies Chewy or the creamy goodness of Oreo Cheesecake Cookies. Happy baking!
How to Store and Freeze Purple Crinkle Cookies
Airtight Container: Store your cooled Purple Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and delicious.
Refrigerate: If you want to extend their freshness, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 1 week. However, they may lose some of their tenderness.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap each cookie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.
Reheating: To enjoy them warm, simply microwave a frozen cookie for about 15-20 seconds, or allow them to thaw on the counter before enjoying!
What to Serve with Purple Crinkle Cookies
Indulge in a delightful array of pairings that enhance the vibrant charm of these beautiful cookies.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The rich creaminess perfectly complements the sweet ube flavor, creating a delightful contrast in every bite.
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Fresh Berries Salad: Bright and refreshing berries balance the sweetness, offering a burst of freshness alongside your cookies. A sprinkle of mint can elevate this pairing even more, adding an aromatic touch.
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Rich Hot Chocolate: Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of hot chocolate, where the chocolatey richness harmonizes beautifully with the sweet, nutty notes of ube.
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Coconut Whipped Cream: Add a tropical twist by serving these cookies with fluffy coconut whipped cream. The light texture enhances the cookies’ richness while introducing a luscious coconut flavor.
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Mint Tea: A calming cup of mint tea refreshes the palate after each sweet bite. The subtle herbaceous notes provide a unique contrast to the sugary cookies.
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Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Dip your cookies in a warm chocolate sauce for an extravagant treat. The deep chocolate flavor enhances the sweetness of the ube while adding a fun interactive element to dessert.
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Chai Latte: The warm spices of chai tea create a cozy pairing that beautifully melds with the sweet notes of ube, making your treat feel even more special.
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Almond Milk: Serve your cookies with a glass of cold almond milk; its slightly nutty flavor complements the ube beautifully, making for a delightful and refreshing experience.
Expert Tips for Perfect Purple Crinkle Cookies
- Chill Dough Properly: Ensure the dough is well-chilled to avoid excessive spreading during baking. This is key to achieving those beautiful cracks.
- Bake at Right Temperature: Always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for even baking. Incorrect temperatures might lead to uneven textures in your Purple Crinkle Cookies.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake—overbaking can result in a dry cookie. They should look slightly puffed when removed from the oven.
- Mixing Care: Be cautious not to overmix when combining your wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can toughen the cookies, affecting their tender crumb.
- Sugar Coating: Ensure each dough ball is fully coated in the powdered sugar-cornstarch mix for that classic crinkle appearance—it adds both sweetness and visual appeal!
Purple Crinkle Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of ube extract should I use for these cookies?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and color, I recommend using a high-quality ube extract specifically designed for baking. If it’s unavailable, you can create a similar effect using purple food coloring combined with other flavorings like almond or vanilla extract. Just keep in mind that this will alter the taste profile slightly.
How should I store Purple Crinkle Cookies?
To maintain their delightful softness, store your cooled Purple Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer without losing moisture, you can refrigerate them for up to 1 week, although this may change their texture slightly.
Can I freeze Purple Crinkle Cookies, and how?
Yes, you can definitely freeze your Purple Crinkle Cookies! Simply wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. These cookies can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to warm them up!
What if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough turns out too sticky, it could be due to the humidity or not chilling it long enough. Don’t worry! Simply sprinkle a little flour onto your work surface and gently fold in more flour until you achieve a firmer consistency. Remember that the cookie dough should be soft but manageable after chilling.
Are these cookies suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes! You can make these delicious Purple Crinkle Cookies vegan by replacing the large eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) or unsweetened applesauce. Also, ensure you use a dairy-free butter alternative to maintain the moist texture—very much possible and still fabulously tasty!
Irresistibly Soft Purple Crinkle Cookies You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add in the large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in the vanilla extract and ube extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mix into the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk, until a soft dough forms.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and coat in a mixture of powdered sugar and cornstarch.
- Arrange the dough balls on baking sheets and bake for 12-14 minutes, until edges are set and tops are slightly cracked.
- Let cookies set on baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.