Ube Crinkles: A Sweet Taste of Home and a Pop of Purple for Spring
- Joanna Mae Marshallsay
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
By Joanna Mae Marshallsay
For the past five years my kitchen has been filled with the delightful scents of butter, vanilla, and the nutty sweetness of ube as I baked batch after batch of ube crinkles. This tradition began while working at a hospital in Arlington, Virginia, where I shared these treats with my coworkers during the holiday rush. These soft, fudgy cookies, dusted with powdered sugar, were always a hit at cookie exchanges. Now, living in Korea, I continue this tradition, sharing with new friends who have quickly come to love this Filipino favorite.
While these cookies are a staple for me, during the Christmas season, they also feel perfectly suitable for spring. As cherry blossoms paint the streets pink and lavender fields begin to bloom, the beautiful shades of purple blend seamlessly with the season’s soft palette. The deep violet hue of the ube crinkles makes them a fantastic sweet treat for spring gatherings—whether it’s a picnic under the cherry blossoms or an afternoon tea with friends.
What is Ube?
Ube (pronounced ooh-beh) is a vibrant purple yam native to the Philippines. It is a staple in Filipino desserts, known for its subtly sweet and nutty flavor, often described as a blend of vanilla and pistachio. Traditionally used in dishes like halo-halo, cakes, and jams, ube has gained international popularity for its striking color and unique taste.
This deep purple ingredient enhances the flavor of desserts and makes them visually stunning. Ube pairs beautifully with the soft pinks of spring, making ube crinkles a perfect seasonal treat. When made with homemade ube halaya (purple yam jam), the flavors become even more decandent.
Homemade Ube Halaya (Ube Jam) Recipe
To make ube crinkles, begin with homemade ube halaya. If you can't find store-bought ube halaya, you can easily prepare it at home. This ube halaya is perfect not only for cookies but also for spreading on toast or using in other desserts.
Ingredients
2 cups grated fresh or frozen ube (thawed if frozen)
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk or the ube condensed milk
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
1/2 cup butter, salted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tsp ube extract
1 tsp purple food coloring (optional)
Instructions
In a large pan over medium heat, combine evaporated milk, coconut milk, condensed milk, and butter. Stir well until the mixture is warm and fully combined.
Once it is warm, add the grated ube, stirring continuously to prevent it from burning. As the mixture starts to thicken, reduce the heat to low.
After about 30-40 minutes, add ube extract, vanilla extract, and purple food coloring. Keep stirring until the mixture becomes thick and sticky, pulling away from the sides of the pan.
Transfer the mixture to a container and allow it to cool before using.
Ube Crinkles Recipe
Ingredients
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tsp ube extract
½ cup homemade ube halaya (or store-bought)
1 tsp purple food coloring (optional, for a deeper hue)
1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set the mixture aside.
In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add in the egg, ube extract, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
Incorporate the ube halaya, ensuring it is evenly mixed throughout.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. If desired, you can add a few drops of purple food coloring for a more vibrant appearance.
Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or overnight. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and results in better crinkles.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Generously coat each ball in powdered sugar.
Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them apart as they will spread slightly while baking.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are set but still soft in the center.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
With their rich purple color and soft, chewy texture, ube crinkles are a nostalgic comfort and a delightful addition to springtime treats. Whether you bring them to a cookie exchange, enjoy them with a cup of tea, or pack them for a picnic under the cherry blossoms, these cookies will brighten any gathering.
So this season, embrace the beauty of purples and pinks—why not do it with a cookie that’s as pretty as it is delicious? Would you consider making these for your next spring gathering? Let me know how they turn out!
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