I created Vibrant Purple Cookie Crinkles one weekend, inspired by the colors of fresh blueberries and a craving for something sweet yet unique. Vibrant Purple Cookie Crinkles felt like the perfect treat to experiment with because I wanted to create a dessert that was both delicious and eye-catching. The idea of a soft, chewy cookie with a deep, beautiful purple color intrigued me. With some trial and error, I finally arrived at a recipe that brought my vision to life. Each Vibrant Purple Cookie Crinkle had the perfect blend of flavor, color, and texture.
Getting the Perfect Purple
The secret to that vibrant purple color lies in using fresh blueberries. I start by cooking down a handful of blueberries to make a rich purple paste that acts as the natural coloring for the cookies. Mixing this blueberry paste into the dough adds a hint of fruity flavor and a beautiful purple shade. With every turn of the spoon, the dough transforms, taking on this stunning, deep purple hue. Seeing the dough turn from plain to purple makes baking these cookies so much fun!
Rolling in Sugar for the Crinkle Effect
To get that classic crinkle effect, I roll each ball of dough in powdered sugar before baking. The powdered sugar coating not only adds a touch of sweetness but also cracks beautifully as the cookies bake, creating the signature crinkle look. I remember my first batch, waiting eagerly by the oven as I watched the cookies puff up and reveal the cracks in their snowy coating. Every time I bake these, I feel a little thrill seeing that familiar pattern appear.
Finally, when you bite into one of these cookies, you get a soft, chewy texture with a burst of blueberry sweetness. Vibrant Purple Cookie Crinkles have become a favorite in my kitchen, especially when I want to impress guests with something unique. These cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a little piece of art on a plate, and they always bring smiles to anyone who tries them.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Vibrant Purple Cookie Crinkles
- Make sure to coat each dough ball thoroughly with confectioners’ sugar. This helps achieve that classic crinkled appearance. Avoid rolling the dough too heavily, as too much sugar can clump and dull the texture.
- Softening the butter is essential for even mixing and a creamy, light texture. Leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave it in short 5-second bursts if needed, but avoid melting.
- Food coloring enhances the vibrant purple hue, but start with 1/2 teaspoon if you prefer a lighter color. Ube extract itself provides some color, so adjust to preference.
- If your dough feels sticky or too soft, chill it for 15-20 minutes before rolling. This step is optional but can help keep the dough from spreading too much during baking.
- Check the cookies at 12 minutes; they should be set around the edges but still soft in the center for a chewy texture. Overbaking will make them crispy, which is also tasty, but they’ll lose that soft chewiness.
Vibrant Purple Cookie Crinkles
16
cookies5
minutes15
minutes320
kcal20
minutesDiscover the magic of Vibrant Purple Cookie Crinkles, a delightful fusion of Filipino flavors and classic bakery charm! These stunning cookies, infused with the rich essence of ube, offer a visually captivating and scrumptious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these easy-to-make crinkles are sure to impress and satisfy. Embrace the beautiful hues and irresistible taste that echo the creativity of top celebrity chefs, and elevate your dessert game with this unique and colorful masterpiece!
Ingredients
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp kosher salt
½ cup unsalted butter softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
½ cup ube halaya jam
1 tsp ube extract
½ tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tsp purple food coloring
1 cup confectioners’ sugar for coating
- Tools:
3- Tablespoon cookie dough scoop
- Alternative Ingredients:
All-Purpose Flour: Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free option.
Unsalted Butter: Use vegan butter or coconut oil to make the recipe vegan.
Ube Halaya Jam: Replace with mashed cooked purple sweet potatoes if unavailable.
Ube Extract: Almond extract or vanilla extract can be used as a substitute for ube extract.
Egg: Use a flax egg or chia egg for an egg-free version.
Purple Food Coloring: Natural alternatives like beet juice or butterfly pea flower powder can replace artificial food coloring.
Directions
- Preheating & Preparation: Start by setting your oven rack to the center and heating it to 350°F. Cover two half sheet pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mixing Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Whisk them together until well integrated, ensuring an even distribution of leavening agents.
- Creaming Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the granulated sugar and unsalted butter on medium-high speed. Continue until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and increases in volume, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
- Incorporating Egg: Lower the mixer speed to low and add the large egg. Beat just until the egg is fully incorporated, avoiding overmixing to maintain the cookie’s tender texture.
- Adding Ube Flavor and Color: Scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl with a rubber spatula. With the mixer on low, add the ube halaya jam, purple food coloring, ube extract, and pure vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture achieves a uniform purple color, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the previously mixed dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Beat on low until just combined. Scrape down the bowl again and beat for an additional 30 seconds to ensure everything is well mixed.
- Coating with Confectioners’ Sugar: Pour the confectioners’ sugar into a shallow bowl. Using the 3-Tablespoon cookie dough scoop, form balls of dough and roll them in the confectioners’ sugar until fully coated.
- Arranging on Baking Sheets: Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared sheet pans, ensuring they are at least 3 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Baking the Cookies: Bake one pan at a time for 12 to 15 minutes. The cookies should have set edges with still-soft centers. For a crisper edge, bake closer to 15 minutes.
- Cooling & Serving: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 3 days.
Equipment
- stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- measuring cups and spoons
- silicone spatula set
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Potassium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 4g
- Vitamin A: 5IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 2mg
FAQ- Vibrant Purple Cookie Crinkles
Can I use fresh ube instead of ube jam?
Yes, you can use mashed cooked ube if you have it on hand, but it may be a bit drier. Consider adding a teaspoon of milk or cream to keep the dough moist.
What can I use instead of purple food coloring?
Natural alternatives like beet juice or butterfly pea flower powder work well. Keep in mind that these may yield slightly different shades.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Bring it to room temperature for 10 minutes before scooping and rolling in sugar.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
Substitute vegan butter for regular butter, use a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flax/chia + 3 tablespoons water), and ensure the ube jam is vegan-friendly.
Why are my cookies flat?
This could be due to overly softened butter or warm dough. If the dough feels too warm, chill it briefly before baking to help maintain its shape.
