Ube Crinkle Sandwich Cookies with Creamy Coconut Filling

Imagine biting into a cloud of soft, chewy purple goodness, the delicate ube flavor dancing on your tongue, followed by a burst of creamy, sweet coconut that melts in your mouth. That’s the experience these Ube Crinkle Sandwich Cookies with Creamy Coconut Filling deliver. They’re not just cookies; they’re little pockets of pure joy, perfect for a cozy afternoon treat, a festive celebration, or simply a moment of self-indulgence. I remember the first time I tasted ube – it was at a small Filipino bakery, and the vibrant purple hue immediately caught my eye. One bite, and I was hooked! I knew I had to recreate that magic at home, and after countless trials (and delicious errors!), I’ve perfected this recipe that I’m so excited to share with you.

Why This Ube Crinkle Sandwich Cookies Recipe Will Change Your Life

Okay, maybe “change your life” is a little dramatic, but hear me out! These aren’t your average, run-of-the-mill cookies. These Ube Crinkle Sandwich Cookies are special. They are a conversation starter, a mood booster, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your baking repertoire:

• The Flavor is Unforgettable: Ube, or purple yam, has a unique, subtly sweet, and slightly nutty flavor that’s unlike anything else. It’s not just sweet; it’s interesting. Combined with the tropical creaminess of coconut, it’s a match made in dessert heaven.
• The Texture is Divine: The crinkled exterior offers a delightful slight crispness that gives way to a soft, chewy interior. The creamy filling adds another layer of textural indulgence, creating a symphony of sensations in every bite.
• They’re Visually Stunning: That vibrant purple hue? It’s all-natural (or you can amp it up with a touch of food coloring). These cookies are Instagram-worthy and will impress everyone who lays eyes on them.
• They’re Surprisingly Easy to Make: Don’t be intimidated by the fancy appearance. This recipe is straightforward and uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. A little chilling time is the most difficult part!
• They’re a Versatile Treat: Perfect for holidays, birthdays, potlucks, or simply a weekend baking project. They also make a thoughtful and delicious gift.

And, importantly, this recipe has been carefully crafted to ensure it only uses halal-compliant ingredients. This means everyone can enjoy these delicious treats without any concerns.

The Secret Techniques That Make This Ube Crinkle Sandwich Cookies Perfect

While the recipe is simple, a few key techniques will elevate your Ube Crinkle Sandwich Cookies from good to absolutely amazing. These tips are based on my own baking adventures and learning experiences.

• Chill Out: Don’t skip the chilling time! The chilled dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too thin in the oven and achieving those signature crinkles. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but longer is even better (up to 2 hours). A well-chilled dough also makes rolling the balls much easier.
• The Perfect Roll: For even crinkling, make sure to roll each cookie dough ball thoroughly in powdered sugar. Don’t be shy! A generous coating is what creates the beautiful cracks as the cookies bake. Think of it like giving each cookie a snowy winter coat.
• Don’t Overbake: The key to a soft, chewy cookie is to avoid overbaking. Keep a close eye on them in the oven and remove them as soon as the edges are set and the tops are starting to crack. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Typically, this is between 10-12 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
• Room Temperature Butter is Key: Using softened, but not melted, butter is essential for creaming it properly with the sugar. This process incorporates air into the dough, which helps to create a light and fluffy cookie. I like to leave my butter out for about an hour before baking, but the exact time will depend on the temperature of your kitchen. It should be soft enough to easily press with your finger, but still hold its shape.
• Whip That Cream! The coconut cream filling should be stable enough to hold its shape without being too stiff. The secret is to use a chilled bowl and beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Avoid over-beating, as this can turn the cream grainy. The added shredded coconut gives the filling a lovely texture and boosts the coconut flavor.

Essential Ingredients: What Makes Each One Special

Let’s break down the ingredients and explore why each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Ube Crinkle Sandwich Cookies. Using high-quality ingredients will always yield the best results, especially when it comes to flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the cookies. Make sure to measure it correctly – spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off is the most accurate method. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this can compact the flour and result in a denser cookie.
• Baking Powder: The leavening agent that gives the cookies their signature rise and crinkled texture. Make sure your baking powder is fresh for optimal results.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients and balances the sweetness. Don’t skip it!
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the cookies. As mentioned before, ensure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps to create a crisp exterior.
• Large Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile. Use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
• Ube Extract or Ube Flavoring: The star of the show! Ube extract provides the characteristic purple color and unique flavor. You can find it at most Asian grocery stores or online. If you can’t find ube extract, you can use ube flavoring, but the flavor may not be as intense.
• Purple Food Coloring (Optional): To deepen the purple color if desired. Use gel food coloring for the most vibrant results. Start with a small amount and add more until you reach the desired shade.
• Powdered Sugar: For coating the cookies and creating the signature crinkles.
• Heavy Cream: The base for the creamy coconut filling. Make sure it’s cold for the best whipping results.
• Shredded Coconut, Unsweetened: Adds texture and coconut flavor to the filling.

It’s worth noting that many traditional recipes might include ingredients that aren’t halal-compliant. This recipe is different, ensuring every component is suitable. For example, if a different recipe called for gelatin, we would always substitute it with agar-agar to maintain the texture while adhering to strict halal guidelines.

Step-by-Step Mastery: Pro Techniques for Success

Let’s walk through the recipe step-by-step, with some extra tips and tricks to ensure your Ube Crinkle Sandwich Cookies turn out perfectly every time. Don’t worry, I’m here to guide you!

• Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is important for even rising.
• Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for this step. This process incorporates air into the dough, which helps to create a light and tender cookie.
• Step 3: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Ube Extract. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Add ube extract and food coloring (if using). Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
• Step 4: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
• Step 5: Chill the Dough. Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle. As mentioned before, chilling is crucial!
• Step 6: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Step 7: Coat with Powdered Sugar. Place powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll the chilled cookie dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the powdered sugar, coating completely. Make sure each cookie is well covered for those amazing crinkles.
• Step 8: Bake. Place the coated cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are cracked. Watch them carefully to avoid overbaking!
• Step 9: Cool. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking.
• Step 10: Make the Coconut Cream Filling. While the cookies are cooling, prepare the coconut cream filling. In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the shredded coconut.
• Step 11: Assemble. Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of coconut cream filling on the bottom of one cookie and top with another cookie to create a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining cookies and filling.

Creative Variations: Make It Your Own

One of the best things about baking is the opportunity to get creative and customize recipes to your own tastes. Here are some fun variations you can try with these Ube Crinkle Sandwich Cookies:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Fold chocolate chips (white, milk, or dark) into the cookie dough for a chocolatey twist.
• Experiment with Extracts: Try adding other extracts like almond, coconut, or even pandan for different flavor combinations.
• Sprinkle with Coconut Flakes: Before baking, sprinkle the cookies with shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
• Use Different Fillings: Get creative with the filling! You can use other creams, jams, or even Nutella. A guava paste filling would be a delicious Filipino-inspired alternative.
• Make Mini Cookies: Roll the dough into smaller balls for bite-sized cookies. Adjust the baking time accordingly.

Remember that all variations should remain halal-compliant. When considering a new ingredient, be sure to verify its halal status before incorporating it into your recipe.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With Ube Crinkle Sandwich Cookies

These Ube Crinkle Sandwich Cookies are delicious on their own, but they can be even more enjoyable when paired with the right beverage or dessert.

• Coffee or Tea: A classic pairing! The rich, creamy filling complements the bitterness of coffee or tea perfectly.
• Iced Milk: A refreshing choice, especially on a warm day.
• Halo-Halo: A traditional Filipino shaved ice dessert with a mix of sweet beans, fruits, jellies, and leche flan. These cookies would be a delightful addition!
• Ube Ice Cream: Double down on the ube flavor with a scoop of ube ice cream!
• Champorado: A sweet chocolate rice porridge, a popular Filipino breakfast or snack.

For a special occasion, you could also serve these cookies with a sparkling non-alcoholic grape juice. The bubbles add a festive touch and complement the sweetness of the cookies.

Storage Secrets: Keep It Fresh and Delicious

To keep your Ube Crinkle Sandwich Cookies fresh and delicious for as long as possible, follow these storage tips:

• Store in an Airtight Container: Store the assembled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will prevent them from drying out and becoming stale.
• Refrigerate: The cookies are best stored in the refrigerator due to the cream filling.
• Enjoy Within 2-3 Days: The cookies are best enjoyed within 2-3 days of making them. After that, the filling may start to soften and the cookies may lose some of their freshness.
• Freeze Unfilled Cookies: You can freeze the unfilled cookies for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them completely before filling.

Health Benefits: Why This Ube Crinkle Sandwich Cookies is Good for You

While these cookies are definitely a treat, they do offer some potential health benefits, especially compared to other desserts:

• Ube is Rich in Antioxidants: Ube is a good source of antioxidants, which help protect your body against damage from free radicals.
• Source of Fiber: Ube contains dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes gut health.
• Source of Vitamins: Purple yams are packed with Vitamin A and Vitamin C.
• Provides Energy: As with most desserts, it is packed with energy for those with active lifestyles.

Of course, moderation is key! Enjoy these cookies as part of a balanced diet.

Troubleshooting: Fix Common Mistakes

Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are some common problems you might encounter when making Ube Crinkle Sandwich Cookies and how to fix them:

• Cookies are Spreading Too Much: The dough wasn’t chilled long enough. Next time, chill it for at least 30 minutes, or even longer. You can also try adding a tablespoon or two of extra flour to the dough.
• Cookies are Too Dry: You may have overbaked them. Keep a closer eye on them in the oven and remove them as soon as the edges are set.
• Cookies are Not Crinkling: You may not have coated them with enough powdered sugar. Make sure to roll each ball thoroughly in the powdered sugar.
• Filling is Too Runny: You may have over-beaten the heavy cream. Be careful not to over-beat it. You can also try adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to the filling to thicken it up.
• Cookies are Sticking to the Baking Sheet: Make sure to line the baking sheet with parchment paper.

I’ve been there! It’s all part of the learning process. Don’t be discouraged if your first batch isn’t perfect. Keep practicing, and you’ll get there!

Expert Answers: Your Burning Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Ube Crinkle Sandwich Cookies:

• Can I use fresh ube instead of ube extract? While you can use fresh ube, it’s more difficult to work with and may not provide as consistent of a flavor or color. You’ll need to steam or boil the ube until tender, then puree it. Adjust the amount of flour in the recipe as needed to compensate for the added moisture.
• Can I make these cookies vegan? Yes! You can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative, the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water), and the heavy cream with coconut cream. Be sure to use vegan powdered sugar.
• Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
• Where can I buy ube extract? You can find ube extract at most Asian grocery stores or online retailers like Amazon.
• Are these cookies gluten-free? This recipe is not gluten-free, but you can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.

Have more questions? Feel free to leave a comment below! I’m always happy to help.

More Amazing Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this Ube Crinkle Sandwich Cookies recipe, you’ll definitely want to check out these other delicious treats from RecipesWithClara:

• Classic Leche Flan: Silky Smooth Filipino Custard – A rich and decadent Filipino dessert that’s sure to impress.
• Ube Halaya: Creamy Purple Yam Dessert – A smooth and creamy ube dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
• Buko Pandan Salad: Refreshing Filipino Delight – A refreshing and flavorful Filipino salad with young coconut, pandan jelly, and tapioca pearls.
• Cassava Cake: Chewy and Sweet Filipino Treat – A moist and chewy cassava cake that’s a popular Filipino snack.
• Mango Float: No-Bake Filipino Dessert – An easy and delicious no-bake dessert with layers of graham crackers, whipped cream, and ripe mangoes.
• Puto Cheese: Steamed Filipino Rice Cakes – Soft and fluffy steamed rice cakes with a cheesy topping.

I hope you enjoy trying these recipes! Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on social media for more delicious recipes and baking tips. You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest – just search for RecipesWithClara! Be sure to share your baking creations with me by tagging @RecipesWithClara and using the hashtag #RecipesWithClara. I can’t wait to see what you bake! If you like my Ube Crinkle Sandwich Cookies, check out my other dessert recipes on RecipesWithClara.

Happy baking!

Share the love! If you loved this recipe, please give it a star rating below and leave a comment. Your feedback helps other readers discover this recipe. Thanks!