Name: Get Ready to Indulge in Irresistible Purple Crinkle Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 164 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour blends); 1.5 tsp Baking Powder (ensure freshness for the best results); 0.25 tsp Salt (enhances flavor balance); 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (use margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option); 1 cup Granulated Sugar (brown sugar can be used for deeper flavor); 2 Large Eggs (no substitutes suggested); 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (opt for pure extract for best flavor); 1.5 tsp Ube Extract (or Purple Food Coloring + Flavoring); 0.5 cup Whole Milk (lower-fat options are acceptable); 0.5 cup Powdered Sugar (adjust to achieve desired thickness); 2 tbsp Cornstarch (optional for thicker coating)

As I pulled the cookies from the oven, an enchanting aroma filled my kitchen, wrapping me in a warm embrace. these Purple Crinkle Cookies are not just visually stunning with their vibrant hue; they deliver a delightful twist of flavor thanks to the unique essence of ube, or purple yam. Perfect for both festive gatherings and cozy afternoons at home, these cookies offer a quick way to impress your friends and family, all while satisfying that craving for homemade comfort. With a soft and airy texture, each bite reveals the moist, sweet crumble that begs to be shared (or savored solo!). Ready to explore the secrets behind this delightful recipe? Let’s dive in!

Why are Purple Crinkle Cookies a must-try?

Irresistible Color: With their stunning purple hue, these cookies are sure to grab attention and spark conversations at any gathering.

Unique Flavor Twist: The ube essence provides a delightful twist, setting these cookies apart from regular treats.

Simple Steps: With a straightforward recipe and minimal ingredients, even beginner bakers can master these delicious bites.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for parties, they pair beautifully with coffee or tea, making them a hit with friends and family.

Versatile Variations: Feel free to experiment by adding chocolate chips or substituting ube for grape flavoring for a refreshing change. For more cookie inspiration, don’t miss my Nutty Apricot Cookies or Chocolate Date Cookies.

Baking these Purple Crinkle Cookies promises a delightful and satisfying experience that you’ll love to share!

Purple Crinkle Cookies Ingredients

• For those eager to bake these vibrant treats, here’s what you need!

For the Dough

All-Purpose Flour (2 cups/250g) – Provides structure and body; can substitute with gluten-free flour blends.
Baking Powder (1 ½ tsp) – Acts as a leavening agent to achieve the perfect light texture; ensure freshness for the best results.
Salt (¼ tsp) – Enhances the flavor balance, crucial even in sweet recipes.
Unsalted Butter (½ cup/115g, softened) – Contributes moisture and richness; use margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup/200g) – Adds sweetness and affects cookie texture; brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.
Large Eggs (2) – Binds ingredients and adds richness, no substitutes suggested.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Adds aromatic sweetness; opt for pure extract for the best flavor.
Ube Extract (1 ½ tsp) or Purple Food Coloring + Flavoring – Provides the unique color and subtle sweetness that make these cookies special.
Whole Milk (½ cup/120ml) – Ensures a rich, creamy dough; lower-fat options are acceptable in small amounts.

For Dusting

Powdered Sugar (½ cup/60g) – Finishing coating for a sweet, snowy exterior; adjust the quantity to achieve your desired thickness.
Cornstarch (2 tbsp, optional) – For a thicker coating if desired; omit for a lighter finish.

Gather these ingredients and get ready to create your enchanting Purple Crinkle Cookies that will add color and joy to any occasion!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Purple Crinkle Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt until well-combined. In a separate large bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then incorporate 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 ½ teaspoons of ube extract. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients along with ½ cup of whole milk until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Chill Dough
Next, cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets remain. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you have the time, which helps the Purple Crinkle Cookies maintain their shape while baking. When the dough is firm to the touch and easily holds its shape, it’s ready to be rolled into cookie balls.

Step 3: Preheat & Shape
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring easy release later. Once your dough is chilled, scoop out portions into tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each ball between your palms, then coat generously in a mixture of ½ cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch for that signature snowy exterior.

Step 4: Bake Cookies
Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the tops start to crack and the edges are set. Be careful not to overbake; you want the centers to remain soft for that delightful chewy texture.

Step 5: Cool Cookies
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice the cracks have deepened, enhancing the visual charm of your Purple Crinkle Cookies. After they’ve cooled slightly, transfer them gently to wire racks to cool completely and allow the flavors to develop further.

Expert Tips for Purple Crinkle Cookies

Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough is essential to prevent spreading during baking, ensuring the cookies hold their beautiful shape.
Monitor Baking Time: Remove the cookies from the oven when edges are set but centers are still soft; this guarantees that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Proper Coating: Don’t skimp on the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture—an ample coating results in that iconic crackled finish and sweet exterior.
Ingredient Freshness: Always ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal rise; stale ingredients can lead to dense cookies instead of light and airy.
Flavor Adjustments: If opting for grape flavoring instead of ube extract, start with a little and adjust gradually to avoid overpowering the cookie’s sweetness.

Baking these Purple Crinkle Cookies is not only a visual treat but also a delicious one!

What to Serve with Purple Crinkle Cookies

As you indulge in these vibrant treats, imagine the delightful flavors they could be paired with to create a memorable meal experience.

Rich Coffee: The bold flavors of a dark roast coffee perfectly complement the sweet, tender bite of the cookies, enhancing their ube essence.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a cooling contrast that makes the warm, soft cookies even more enjoyable. Blissful!
Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits brings a bright, fresh balance to the rich cookies, harmonizing textures and flavors beautifully.
Chocolate Milk: The sweet, chocolaty drink offers a comforting retro feel and heightens the sweetness of the cookies, making them irresistible for all ages.
Coconut Whipped Cream: Adding lightness and a hint of tropical flavor, this luscious cream amplifies the cookies’ unique twist and makes them feel even more special.
Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai tea provide a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, creating a comforting and inviting pairing perfect for cozy evenings.
Ice-Cold Lemonade: A zesty, refreshing glass of lemonade cuts through the sweetness and perfectly balances the richness of the cookies, making it a delightful duo.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: Juicy berries dipped in rich chocolate bring a sweet yet tart freshness, creating a stunning visual and taste pairing with the cookies.
Milkshake: A thick, creamy milkshake adds indulgence and is a nostalgic treat that will remind you of childhood, bringing back memories with every bite.

Step outside the ordinary and explore these delightful pairings to elevate your Purple Crinkle Cookie experience!

How to Store and Freeze Purple Crinkle Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness and flavor.

Fridge: If you prefer, keep the cookies in the fridge for up to a week, but be sure to let them sit at room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezer: To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating: For a warm treat, reheat frozen cookies in the microwave for about 15 seconds, or bake them from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Enjoy your delightful Purple Crinkle Cookies!

Purple Crinkle Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these enchanting cookies to match your taste preferences and pantry staples!

Dairy-Free: Substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or margarine for a delightful dairy-free version. The coconut adds a lovely hint of tropical flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of traditional flour. Many blends work beautifully, keeping the cookies just as soft and satisfying.
Less Sugar: For a lighter treat, reduce granulated sugar by ¼ cup and substitute with applesauce or mashed bananas, offering natural sweetness and added moisture.
Flavor Burst: Swap ube extract with grape flavoring for a fruity twist. This gives your cookies a refreshing new taste that’s just as vibrant.
Chewy Chocolate: Add in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a delightful chocolatey surprise that perfectly complements the purple hue.
Textural Twist: Mix in ½ cup of shredded coconut for a tropical texture that adds a fun chewiness to each bite.
Icing Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cookies for a zesty contrast to the sweetness.
Condensed Milk Cookies: Replace half of the milk with condensed milk for a richer, denser cookie with a caramel-like sweetness.

These Purple Crinkle Cookies are a delightful canvas for inspiration! Whether you’re in the mood for something tropical or indulgently sweet, these variations let you create something unique for every occasion. For more cookie ideas, check out my delicious German Style Cookies and Banana Seed Cookies. Happy baking!

Make Ahead Options

These Purple Crinkle Cookies are a dream for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by following all the steps right up to chilling. Simply cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring there are no air pockets to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven and roll the chilled dough into balls just before coating them in the powdered sugar and cornstarch mixture. This method not only saves you time on busy days but also preserves the cookies’ delightful texture and vibrant color, making them just as delicious as when freshly baked. Enjoy the ease of popping these colorful treats in the oven with minimal last-minute effort!

Purple Crinkle Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of ube extract should I use?
I recommend using pure ube extract for the best flavor and color in your Purple Crinkle Cookies. If ube extract isn’t available, you can also use purple food coloring combined with a grape flavoring, just be sure to start with a small amount and adjust to taste!

How do I store purple crinkle cookies to keep them fresh?
To maintain their delightful softness, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like, you can also refrigerate them for up to a week, but be sure to let them sit out for a few minutes before enjoying to bring back their cozy texture.

Can I freeze purple crinkle cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze your cookies, first place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the microwave for about 15 seconds or bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is too sticky to handle, it’s perfectly normal! You can chill it for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour to help firm it up. You may also sprinkle a little flour on your hands while rolling the dough balls to prevent sticking. Remember, the dough should be soft but manageable!

Can I change any ingredients for dietary preferences?
Certainly! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the unsalted butter with margarine or coconut oil. Additionally, if you need a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free flour blend. The flavor may change slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!