Introduction

Purple crinkle cookies are a delightful twist on the classic crinkle cookie, featuring a vibrant purple hue and a soft, chewy texture. Infused with ube extract, these cookies not only look stunning but also offer a unique, subtly sweet flavor. Perfect for any occasion where you want to impress with both taste and appearance.

Purple Crinkle Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ tsp ube extract (or purple food coloring + flavoring)
½ cup (120ml) whole milk
½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for a thicker coating)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 3: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and ube extract.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 7: In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar and cornstarch if using, to create the coating mixture.
Step 8: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of chilled dough and roll into balls with your hands. The dough will be sticky, which is normal.
Step 9: Roll each dough ball in the powdered sugar mixture until well coated, then place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
Step 10: Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the cookies have spread and the tops show beautiful cracks. They may look slightly underbaked in the center but will set as they cool.
Step 11: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, dust with more powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a thicker powdered sugar coating, add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to the powdered sugar before rolling the dough balls.
If you don’t have ube extract, substitute with purple food coloring combined with a small amount of vanilla or almond extract for flavor.
Chilling the dough overnight enhances the flavor and texture, so plan ahead when possible.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, let them thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven for a few minutes to restore softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of ube extract?

Yes, you can substitute ube extract with purple food coloring combined with a bit of vanilla or almond extract to mimic the flavor. However, ube extract provides a distinctive taste that coloring alone won’t replicate.

Why does the dough need to be chilled?

Chilling the dough helps solidify the fats, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking. It also allows the flavors to meld, resulting in better texture and taste.