Holiday Crinkle Cookies: Buko Pandan, Strawberry, and Ube

The holidays are here, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a tray of colorful, festive cookies that are as delicious as they are stunning! These Holiday Crinkle Cookies are inspired by classic flavors—Buko Pandan, Strawberry, and Ube. The assortment of flavors brings a good mix of colors and sweet taste to the table! They’re so easy that anyone can make them!

Ingredients

For Each Flavor:

• 1 ¾ cups (223 grams) all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp (5 grams) baking powder

• 1 cup (198 grams) granulated sugar

• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature

• 1 large egg, room temperature

• ¼ tsp kosher salt

• Confectioners’ sugar, for coating

Flavor-Specific Ingredients:

Buko Pandan Crinkle Cookies:

• 2 tsp (8 grams) pandan extract

• 1 tsp (4 grams) coconut extract

• 1-2 tbsp milk (if needed)

Strawberry Crinkle Cookies:

• ½ cup (113 grams) strawberry jam

• 1 tsp (4 grams) strawberry extract

• ½ tsp (2 grams) pure vanilla extract

Ube Crinkle Cookies:

• ½ cup (113 grams) ube halaya (ube jam)

• 1 tsp (4 grams) ube extract

• ½ tsp (2 grams) pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the granulated sugar and unsalted butter.

2. Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Egg

1. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the egg. Mix until just combined.

2. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

Step 4: Add Flavor-Specific Ingredients

1. Divide the dough into three equal portions, or make them separately if you prefer.

   • For Buko Pandan: Add pandan extract and coconut extract. Mix until fully incorporated. Add 1-2 tbsp milk if the dough is too dry.

   • For Strawberry: Add strawberry jam, strawberry extract, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.

   • For Ube: Add ube halaya, ube extract, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined and the dough turns a uniform purple color.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients (from Step 1) to each flavor's wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined.

2. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix for an additional 30 seconds to ensure everything is fully incorporated.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

1. Cover each dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. Chilling helps the dough become easier to handle and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 7: Shape and Coat

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Place confectioners' sugar in a medium, shallow bowl.

3. Use a 3-Tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough into balls, dropping each one directly into the confectioners’ sugar.

4. Toss until the dough balls are generously coated. Shake off any excess sugar.

Step 8: Bake

1. Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving at least 3 inches of space between them.

2. Bake one flavor at a time for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.

3. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

These Holiday Crinkle Cookies are the perfect addition to your festive baking lineup. With vibrant colors and unique flavors like Buko Pandan, Strawberry, and Ube, they’ll bring both beauty and taste to your dessert table. Whether you're gifting these cookies or savoring them yourself, they're sure to spread holiday cheer.