Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools. I recommend having a large bowl, a whisk, measuring cups, and a polvoron mold (though you can also shape them with your hands if you don’t have one).
In the large bowl, combine the purple yam powder, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk everything together until you have a uniform mixture. The bright purple hue should be a sight to behold.
Now, let’s add the melted butter and vanilla extract to your dry mix. Use a spatula for stirring. The warmth from the butter should start bringing the mixture together. It can turn a little crumbly — that's what we're after!
Scrape the mixture onto a clean countertop. Using your hands, knead it gently until it forms a cohesive dough that holds together nicely. This step should not take long.
Take a handful of the dough and press it into your mold. Don’t be shy; pack it in firmly. If you're using your hands, shape them into small, tight balls or oval shapes.
For a firmer finish, wrap your shaped polvoron in wax paper and place them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help them hold their shape during serving.
Serve immediately or store them for later. You can enjoy these treats with friends, family, or as a sweet snack when you need a lift.