Ube Crinkle Sandwich Cookies Recipe
If you adore the charming combination of vibrant color and rich flavor, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Ube Crinkle Sandwich Cookies Recipe. These delightful purple yam-flavored cookies are soft, chewy, and coated in a snowy layer of powdered sugar, sandwiching a luscious coconut cream filling that dances on your taste buds. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a unique sweet treat to accompany your afternoon tea or coffee, this recipe brings a festive Filipino twist with a modern flair that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for ingredients that are both simple and essential, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and that beautiful purple hue. From the all-purpose flour to the creamy coconut filling, every item brings something special to your ube crinkle sandwich cookies.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives structure and softness to the cookies.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for that perfect chewy texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the overall taste.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture, making the cookies tender.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while contributing to the crinkle effect when rolled in powdered sugar.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide moisture for that soft chewiness.
- Ube halaya or ube extract: The star ingredient delivering the unmistakable purple yam flavor and color.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
- Purple food coloring (optional): For that vibrant pop of color to make your cookies extra eye-catching.
- Powdered sugar (for rolling): Creates the signature crinkle look with a sweet finish.
- For the Coconut Cream Filling: Unsalted butter, powdered sugar, coconut cream, and vanilla extract come together to create a silky, rich frosting that pairs beautifully with the ube flavor.
How to Make Ube Crinkle Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This preparation ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze. It might seem simple, but this step sets the tone for perfectly baked crinkle cookies that hold their shape while staying soft.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix is the foundation of your cookies’ texture. Taking a moment to combine these thoroughly helps distribute the baking powder evenly for that ideal rise and chew.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using an electric mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This fluffy base traps air, creating a wonderfully tender crumb. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure smooth incorporation.
Step 4: Add Ube and Flavorings
Next, stir in the ube halaya or ube extract and vanilla extract. If you want your cookies extra vibrant, add a dash of purple food coloring here. This step enhances both the iconic flavor and that gorgeous color that makes these cookies so inviting.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender and soft rather than tough and dry. The dough should have a sticky but manageable consistency at this point.
Step 6: Shape and Coat the Cookies
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, form balls of dough about one tablespoon each. Roll them generously in powdered sugar to coat every nook and cranny. This sugar layer is essential for creating the signature crackled appearance as they bake.
Step 7: Bake
Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The cookies should spread slightly and develop delicate cracks on their sugary surface. Remove them once the edges are set but centers remain soft.
Step 8: Prepare the Coconut Cream Filling
While your cookies cool completely, whip together the softened butter, powdered sugar, coconut cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. This luscious filling is the perfect tropical partner for your ube cookies, offering a creamy, mildly sweet bite that melts in your mouth.
Step 9: Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread or pipe the coconut cream filling onto the flat side of one cookie and gently press another cookie on top to create a sandwich. The contrast between the chewy ube cookie and creamy filling is irresistible.
How to Serve Ube Crinkle Sandwich Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a fun, festive touch, sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar or toasted coconut flakes on top of the assembled sandwich cookies. Fresh edible flowers or a delicate drizzle of melted white chocolate can also elevate these treats, making them perfect for gifting or special occasions.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of strong brewed coffee or tea, balancing their sweet and creamy flavors. Serve them alongside fresh tropical fruits like mango or pineapple for a full Filipino-inspired snack platter that will impress your guests.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the sandwich cookies in cute gift boxes lined with parchment or wrapping them individually in cellophane tied with a purple ribbon to showcase their color. They also look stunning plated on white serving trays with pops of purple accents for parties or festive gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Ube Crinkle Sandwich Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is a good option, though it might slightly firm up the filling.
Freezing
These cookies freeze wonderfully for up to 2 months. Place the sandwiches in a single layer on a tray to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment layers to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature before serving for best texture.
Reheating
If you prefer a slightly warm cookie, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes after thawing. Microwaving is quick but might make the cookies softer, so use it cautiously depending on your texture preference.
FAQs
Can I use ube powder instead of ube halaya or extract?
Absolutely! Ube powder is a great substitute. Just rehydrate it according to package instructions or mix it with a bit of water before adding to your dough. It provides that lovely purple color and flavor with ease.
What if I don’t have coconut cream for the filling?
You can use heavy cream combined with a small amount of coconut extract as a perfect alternative to coconut cream, keeping the tropical flavor intact and the frosting smooth and creamy.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This particular Ube Crinkle Sandwich Cookies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, experiment with a gluten-free flour blend, but results might vary slightly in texture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This resting time can actually enhance the flavor and make shaping the dough easier.
Why do my cookies lose their crinkle effect?
If your cookies don’t crackle as expected, it might be due to not rolling them thoroughly in powdered sugar or an oven temperature that’s too low. Make sure to coat generously and bake at the recommended temperature for the best crinkle impact.
Final Thoughts
Creating this Ube Crinkle Sandwich Cookies Recipe is like inviting a little burst of happiness and color into your kitchen. The way the vibrant purple cookies pair with the creamy coconut filling is simply irresistible and sure to brighten any day. I can’t wait for you to try these cookies and see for yourself how they become an instant favorite at your home too!
