Purple Crinkle Cookies Recipe: Soft, Chewy & Colorful Delight

Purple Crinkle Cookies Recipe is more than just a vibrant, eye-catching treat—it’s a soft, chewy cookie that brings a taste of Filipino dessert tradition right to your kitchen. It all started one rainy afternoon in my grandmother’s cozy kitchen. We were experimenting with new cookie ideas, and the moment I spotted a bottle of ube extract in the pantry, inspiration struc. The first few batches? Let’s just say the cookies looked more lavender than the deep, regal purple I had envisioned. But after a few tweaks—and a crucial tip from grandma about chilling the dough overnight—we nailed it.

These purple crinkle cookies quickly became a family favorite. Not just for their bold color and crackled tops, but for their soft, chewy centers and rich, subtly sweet flavor. Rooted in Filipino dessert culture, these cookies offer a playful twist on tradition that’s just as much about joy and nostalgia as it is about taste.

Ingredients Breakdown

Essential Ingredients:

• Ube Extract: Provides the distinctive color and authentic flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone.
• Baking Powder: Creates puff and that signature crinkle.
• Eggs: Binds the ingredients; gives body.
• Softened Butter: Ensures richness and a tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps with spread.
• Whole Milk: Adds moisture and a tender texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.

Coating Ingredients:

• Powdered Sugar + Cornstarch: This duo coats the dough balls, and during baking, it creates that stunning crackled surface. Don’t skip the cornstarch—it helps prevent the sugar from dissolving too quickly.

These ingredients work together to produce a dough that’s sticky (a good sign!), flavorful, and vibrantly purple.

How to Make Purple Crinkle Cookies: Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In one bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups flour, 2 tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt.
2. In another bowl, cream ½ cup softened butter with 1 cup granulated sugar until fluffy.
3. Beat in 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tbsp ube extract, and 2 tbsp whole milk until smooth.
4. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until a soft, sticky dough forms.
5. Cover and chill the dough for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight).

Step 2: Preheat and Prep

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line baking trays with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

• Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of chilled dough.
• Roll into balls using greased hands (it’ll be sticky, and that’s good!).

Step 4: Bake and Coat

1. Roll each dough ball in a generous mix of powdered sugar and cornstarch.
2. Place on the prepared baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart.
3. Bake for 12–14 minutes, until the tops are cracked but the centers look slightly underdone.
4. Cool for 5 minutes on the tray before transferring to a wire rack.

Tips and Discoveries

One of the best tips I ever received—thanks again, grandma!—was to chill the dough overnight. It firms up the sticky dough, prevents overspreading, and amplifies the ube flavor. It also gives you those picture-perfect cracks on top.

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Purple Crinkle Cookies Recipe Results & Serving Ideas

Expect cookies with crackled snowy tops and a stunning bright purple center. The texture? Soft, chewy, and moist—pure cookie bliss.

Serve them on a festive platter with other sweets. They shine on dessert trays, and they’re always the first to disappear at parties. For colorful pairings, this strawberry cheesecake ice cream pairs beautifully with crinkle cookies.

Storage & Freshness Tips

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• To revive their fresh-baked feel, microwave each cookie for 5 seconds before serving.
• These cookies also freeze well—just defrost for 30 minutes before enjoying.

Creative Variations

Want to put a spin on the classic? Try:

• Mixing in shredded coconut or white chocolate chips.
• Swapping milk with condensed milk for a creamier texture.
• Going dairy-free with coconut milk and vegan butter.

Each variation adds a unique flavor twist while keeping that soft and chewy cookie texture.

Explore More Crinkle Cookie Recipes

Crinkle cookies come in all kinds of flavors! After mastering this purple version, try:

• Gingerbread for winter spice
• Matcha for a green tea kick
• Lemon for citrusy brightness
• Red Velvet for a romantic hue
• Chocolate for a rich, classic treat

And if you’re into other unique flavors, try these soft and chewy banana chocolate chip cookies or check out these chocolate hazelnut thumbprint cookies.

Final Thoughts

These homemade purple crinkle cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re a celebration of creativity and culture. Each bite brings a mix of flavor, texture, and childhood memories. They’re the perfect treat for cookie lovers looking for something truly special.

Whether you’re baking for a birthday, holiday, or just because—go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and bake a batch. And if you’re baking in smaller portions, these small batch chocolate chip cookies are a quick alternative!

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