Name: Purple Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 2 h 29 min
Cuisine: Filipino-inspired
Ingredients: 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 ½ tsp ube extract (or purple food coloring + flavoring); ½ cup (120ml) whole milk; ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar; 2 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for a thicker coating)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 47 reviews

If you are craving a cookie that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the taste buds, this Purple Crinkle Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with a vibrant purple hue thanks to ube extract and wrapped in a crackly powdered sugar coating, these cookies bring a fun twist to classic crinkles. Each bite is soft and tender with just the perfect hint of vanilla and a creamy undertone, making this recipe a standout treat that’s perfect for any festive table or a sweet everyday indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There is one large white bowl filled with off-white flour, placed near the top left. To its right, a clear glass bowl holds white powdered sugar with a small mound in the center. Below the flour bowl, a smaller white bowl contains two pale yellow sticks of butter. Near the center are three brown eggs sitting together. Around them are smaller white or gray bowls with different ingredients: a small white bowl filled with white granulated sugar, a white bowl with white powder (likely powdered sugar or flour), a small gray bowl with white powder that has a softer texture, and two small glass bowls holding dark brown vanilla extract and amber-colored liquid. A white bowl with milk is near the bottom right. The scene is clean and bright, with soft natural light enhancing the colors and textures of each ingredient, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of these cookies lies in their simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Every item plays a crucial role, whether it’s lending that gorgeous purple color, creating the tender crumb, or adding that signature crinkle texture you’re after.

All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base that provides structure and gives cookies their soft yet sturdy texture.
Baking powder (1 ½ tsp): Helps the cookies rise and develop those iconic crinkled cracks on top.
Salt (¼ tsp): A touch of salt enhances all the sweet flavors, balancing the dough perfectly.
Unsalted butter, softened (½ cup): Adds richness and tenderness, contributing to a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps the cookies brown beautifully.
Eggs (2 large): Bind the ingredients together and create moisture for that chewy texture.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Infuses a warm, familiar aroma that complements the purple ube flavor.
Ube extract (1 ½ tsp): The star ingredient delivering that striking purple color and subtle, earthy sweetness.
Whole milk (½ cup): Keeps the dough moist and tender without weighing it down.
Powdered sugar (½ cup): Used for coating to create the classic crinkle appearance and an extra layer of sweetness.
Cornstarch (2 tbsp, optional): Mixed with powdered sugar to give the coating a slightly thicker, more defined crackle texture.

How to Make Purple Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by mixing your dry ingredients — flour, baking powder, and salt — in a bowl. This keeps everything evenly distributed for a smooth batter. Then, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until you’ve got a fluffy, pale base that’s ready to absorb the rich flavors that come next. Adding the eggs one at a time ensures the dough stays perfectly smooth, and the gradual addition of dry ingredients alternating with milk creates a tender crumb that won’t be too dense or dry. Don’t forget to fold in that gorgeous ube extract for the signature purple hue and flavor! Cover and chill the dough for at least two hours to prevent excess spreading and to help those crinkles form beautifully during baking.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep

While your dough chills, get your oven warmed up to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking. Combine the powdered sugar with cornstarch in a small bowl for the coating; this mixture defines the classic crackly look and adds a sweet finish.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Here’s where the fun starts. Using a tablespoon-sized amount of the chilled dough, roll it between your palms into a ball. The dough might be sticky, but that’s completely normal; it means you’re about to bake wonderfully moist and tender cookies. Then, generously coat each ball in the powdered sugar mixture for that signature crinkle effect.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection and Coat the Cookies

Place the coated dough balls evenly spaced on your parchment-lined trays to give them room to spread. Bake for 12–14 minutes until the cookies have cracked on top and look slightly underbaked at the center – they will finish setting as they cool for that chewy, soft inside and slightly crisp edges. Allow them to cool a bit on the tray before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, then dust any missed spots with extra powdered sugar for maximum visual appeal.

How to Serve Purple Crinkle Cookies Recipe

A baking tray lined with white parchment paper holds 29 small round purple dough balls arranged close to each other in a roughly circular shape. Each ball has a soft cracked surface texture. The tray rests on a white marbled surface that adds a clean, bright background to the photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar or even a drizzle of white chocolate for an elegant touch. You can also top with a few edible violet petals or a subtle dusting of edible glitter to enhance the playful purple theme and wow your guests.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a cup of rich hot chocolate to balance their sweetness. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a vibrant berry compote also make stunning accompaniments for a decadent dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Purple Crinkle Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden board interspersed with fresh lavender sprigs or small bowls of ube jam for dipping. Gift them in a jar with layered powdered sugar and cookie dough balls for a charming homemade treat package.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Separating layers with parchment paper prevents them from sticking together and preserves their crinkly exterior.

Freezing

You can freeze baked Purple Crinkle Cookies Recipe by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transferring them to a sealed freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months and thaw beautifully at room temperature.

Reheating

To enjoy them warm, pop the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This refreshes that soft, freshly baked texture and aroma without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I substitute ube extract with food coloring?

Yes, if you don’t have ube extract, you can use purple food coloring along with a complementary flavor extract like vanilla or almond to mimic the taste and brilliant color.

Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough firm ups the butter, which prevents excess spreading and helps create those lovely cracks in the cookie surface – a signature of crinkle cookies.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that has xanthan gum, and your cookies will turn out delightfully tender and safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

What if my cookies don’t crack on top?

Make sure your dough is thoroughly coated in powdered sugar and chilled well. Underbaking or skipping the coating can reduce the crackled effect, so following those steps carefully is key.

How do I store the cookies if I want to keep their crisp edges?

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature but avoid refrigeration as it can soften the edges. Layering with parchment paper helps keep them crisp and fresh longer.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to add a splash of color and a burst of flavor to your cookie arsenal, the Purple Crinkle Cookies Recipe is a delightful choice you won’t regret. They’re fun to make, irresistible to eat, and sure to become a favorite that everyone will ask you to bake again and again. Give this recipe a go and bring a little purple magic to your kitchen!