Introduction
Imagine biting into a cookie that is soft, chewy, and bursting with vibrant purple ube flavor. The Ube Crinkle Sandwich Cookies Recipe delivers exactly that — a visually stunning, flavorful treat perfect for any occasion. These cookies are delicate yet rich, with a soft center and a powdered sugar-coated exterior that makes each bite irresistible. Perfect for gifting, sharing, or indulging in a sweet moment, this recipe will become a staple in your baking repertoire. You’ll learn how to craft these delightful cookies from scratch, achieve the perfect texture, and assemble them into irresistible sandwich treats.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Ube Crinkle Sandwich Cookies Recipe stands out for its unique color, texture, and flavor. The soft, chewy interior contrasts beautifully with the slightly crisp, powdered sugar-coated exterior, creating a mouthwatering experience. Ube, or purple yam, adds a subtly sweet and nutty flavor that elevates these cookies beyond ordinary baked goods. Unlike many dessert recipes, this one is approachable, using common baking ingredients with a twist. These cookies are perfect for celebrations, afternoon tea, or simply a comforting treat at home. The sandwich filling adds an extra layer of indulgence, making them ideal for cookie platters, gifts, or a standout addition to holiday baking.
Ingredients
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, for a tender cookie base
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1 tsp baking powder, to help the cookies rise
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¼ tsp salt, for flavor balance
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened for a creamy texture
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¾ cup granulated sugar, adds sweetness and structure
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2 large eggs, room temperature, to bind the dough
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½ cup ube halaya (purple yam jam), for authentic flavor and color
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1 tsp vanilla extract, enhances sweetness and aroma
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½ cup powdered sugar, for coating the crinkles
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½ cup butter, softened, for sandwich filling
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¼ cup condensed milk, for creamy, sweet filling
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¼ cup ube halaya, optional, for extra filling flavor
Pro Tips
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Chill the dough: Refrigerating the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes ensures that the cookies hold their shape while baking and enhances the crinkle effect.
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Use room-temperature ingredients: Softened butter and eggs at room temperature incorporate better into the dough, giving a lighter, fluffier texture.
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Coat generously with powdered sugar: Don’t skimp on the sugar coating; it creates the signature crackled appearance that makes these cookies visually stunning.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents clumps in the dough.
Step 3: Cream butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This aerates the mixture and gives cookies a light texture.
Step 4: Add eggs and ube halaya
Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by ½ cup of ube halaya and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and uniform in color. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
Step 5: Incorporate dry ingredients
Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender cookie texture.
Step 6: Chill the dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30–45 minutes. Chilling solidifies the butter and makes the dough easier to shape.
Step 7: Shape and coat cookies
Scoop 1-inch balls of dough and roll each into powdered sugar until fully coated. Place them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until edges are set but the centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking to retain chewiness. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 9: Prepare the filling
In a small bowl, beat ½ cup butter with condensed milk until creamy. Mix in ¼ cup ube halaya for extra flavor and color. Adjust sweetness to taste.
Step 10: Assemble the sandwiches
Once cookies are completely cool, spread the ube filling on the flat side of one cookie and top with another cookie to form a sandwich. Gently press together without flattening the cookies.

Variations
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Vegan adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and use a plant-based condensed milk for the filling.
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Chocolate twist: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the dough or drizzle melted dark chocolate on top of the sandwiches.
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Nutty delight: Mix finely chopped macadamia nuts or cashews into the dough for added texture and flavor.
Storage and Serving
Store your Ube Crinkle Sandwich Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 2 months. For best results, allow frozen cookies to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Serve these cookies with hot tea, coffee, or milk. They also make a charming addition to dessert platters for parties or special occasions.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen ube halaya?
Yes, thaw completely and bring to room temperature before incorporating into the dough.
Q2: Why aren’t my cookies crinkling?
Ensure the dough is chilled and coated generously with powdered sugar; these steps create the signature cracks.
Q3: Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for similar results.
Q4: How do I prevent the filling from being too runny?
Use room-temperature butter and condensed milk and ensure cookies are fully cooled before sandwiching.
Q5: Can I add food coloring to make them brighter?
Yes, a drop of purple food coloring can intensify the vibrant hue without affecting taste.
Conclusion
This Ube Crinkle Sandwich Cookies Recipe is comfort food at its finest — visually stunning, delightfully chewy, and packed with subtly sweet ube flavor. It’s the kind of treat that brightens any gathering, doubles as a thoughtful homemade gift, and satisfies every sweet craving with flair. Baking these cookies will not only impress family and friends but also provide a creative and rewarding culinary experience.

Ube Crinkle Sandwich Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Description
Bright, chewy, and loaded with creamy ube filling, these crinkle sandwich cookies are the perfect showstopper for any dessert table.
Ingredients
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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¼ tsp salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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½ cup ube halaya
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ cup powdered sugar
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½ cup butter, softened (for filling)
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¼ cup condensed milk
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¼ cup ube halaya (optional for filling)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheet with parchment.
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Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
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Beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
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Add eggs, ube halaya, and vanilla; mix until smooth.
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Fold in flour mixture until combined.
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Cover dough and refrigerate 30–45 minutes.
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Scoop 1-inch balls, roll in powdered sugar, and place 2 inches apart on sheet.
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Bake 12–15 minutes, cool 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
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Beat butter with condensed milk; mix in ube halaya for filling.
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Assemble sandwiches by spreading filling on one cookie and topping with another.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Cooking
- Cuisine: American