Ube Crinkle Sandwich Cookies with Creamy Coconut Filling

Hey, see this bright purple cookie? Wow, it pops, um, big time. I just had to share. It’s my ube crinkle sandwich. Sweet yam makes the fun color, you know. The sugar cracks, crunch, then soft. Now, we add thick coconut cream inside. It tastes like a warm island hug, like, so good. I can’t stop after one. So, want to try? Come bake with me. Let’s make cookie joy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unexpectedly Addictive: That earthy, nutty ube flavor meets sweet, creamy coconut for a flavor combo that hits just right.
• Visually Stunning: The vibrant purple cookies with powdered sugar cracks are as beautiful as they are delicious.
• Perfect Texture: Crackly outside, soft and chewy inside—then filled with a smooth coconut cream.
• Tropical Twist: The coconut cream adds a gentle island vibe to a classic cookie style.
• Freezer-Friendly: You can make them ahead and store for later (if they last that long).

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus 1 hour chill time)
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: Around 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 20–24 sandwich cookies
Difficulty Level: Beginner-friendly, but makes you look like a pro

These cookies are soft, colorful, and lightly sweet—great for people who love fun baking projects with rewarding results. The dough is sticky before chilling, so don’t skip the fridge time. And don’t be shy with the powdered sugar—more coating = better crinkles.

Required Kitchen Tools

Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

• Mixing Bowls (medium and large)
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
• Rubber Spatula
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Cookie Scoop or Spoon
• Wire Rack
• Whisk
• Fine Mesh Sifter (for powdered sugar coating)
• Offset Spatula (optional, for spreading the filling)

Ingredients

For the Ube Crinkle Cookies

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Ube halaya (purple yam jam) or ube extract
• Vanilla extract
• Purple food coloring (optional)
• Powdered sugar (for rolling)

For the Creamy Coconut Filling

• Unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar
• Coconut cream (or heavy cream with coconut extract)
• Vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Ube Cookie Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2–3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer.
2. Add the Wet Ingredients
   Beat in the eggs one at a time. Then mix in the ube halaya (or extract), vanilla, and a few drops of purple food coloring, if using. The dough should turn a deep purple.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Mix It All Together
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix. The dough will be sticky, and that’s exactly what you want.
5. Chill the Dough
   Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up so it’s easier to roll.

Bake the Crinkle Cookies

6. Preheat and Prep
   Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out dough and roll into balls (about 1 tablespoon each).
7. Roll in Powdered Sugar
   Generously roll each dough ball in powdered sugar. Make sure they’re completely coated for that classic crinkle effect.
8. Bake
   Bake until the cookies have puffed up and cracked on top, about 10–12 minutes. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Creamy Coconut Filling

9. Beat the Butter
   In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth.
10. Add the Sugar and Flavor
    Gradually add powdered sugar, then beat in the coconut cream and vanilla. Mix until light, fluffy, and smooth. Adjust the consistency with a bit more sugar or cream as needed.

Assemble the Sandwich Cookies

11. Pair and Fill
    Match cookies into similar-sized pairs. Spread or pipe coconut filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then gently press a second cookie on top to create a sandwich.
12. Serve or Chill
    Enjoy immediately, or refrigerate for a firmer texture. The flavors deepen even more after a few hours!

Serving Suggestions

• Sweet Gift Idea: Wrap a few sandwich cookies in parchment and tie with string for a thoughtful homemade treat.
• Party Platter Favorite: Stack them high on a colorful dessert tray next to tropical fruits or macarons for a pop of color.
• With Afternoon Tea: These cookies pair beautifully with a light jasmine or coconut tea for a calming midday break.
• Post-Dinner Delight: Serve chilled with a scoop of coconut or ube ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Room Temp: Keep cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days if you like them a little firmer and cool.
• Freezer Friendly: You can freeze the cookie dough (before baking) or the assembled sandwich cookies. Just thaw before enjoying.
• Make-Ahead: Both cookies and filling can be made 1–2 days ahead. Assemble right before serving for the best texture.

Easy Variations

• No Coconut? Swap the coconut cream with regular heavy cream and add a touch of almond or vanilla extract.
• Make It Vegan: Use plant-based butter and coconut cream alternatives. Try aquafaba in place of eggs.
• Add Crunch: Stir in a bit of toasted coconut or crushed macadamia nuts to the filling for extra texture.
• Go Fruity: Mix a spoonful of raspberry jam into the coconut filling for a hint of tartness.

Tips for Success

• Don’t skip chilling the dough—this keeps your cookies from spreading too much.
• Use gel food coloring for a deeper purple hue without thinning the dough.
• Let cookies cool completely before filling, or the buttercream will melt.

Nutrition Information (Per Sandwich Cookie — Approximate)

• Calories: 220
• Fat: 11g
• Sugar: 19g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Protein: 2g

(Note: May vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Conclusion

These Ube Crinkle Sandwich Cookies bring together cozy baking vibes and tropical flavor in every bite. They’re colorful, unique, and totally crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re a ube lover or just cookie curious, this recipe is one of those sweet little wins you’ll want to make again and again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these without ube halaya?
Yes. Ube extract works just fine—just adjust the amount to your taste and add extra flour if the dough seems too loose.

Can I use a different filling?
Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting or even plain buttercream work great if coconut isn’t your thing.

Do they have to be purple?
Not at all. The color’s for fun. You can leave out the food coloring, and they’ll still taste amazing.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes—this dough doubles well. Just be sure to chill in batches so the cookies bake evenly.