Save These cinnamon sweet potato cookies come together in just five minutes of prep and make quick use of leftover mashed sweet potato for unbelievably soft and spiced treats. They are the kind of cozy cookie that feels perfect with a cup of tea or as an afterschool snack and my family devours them every fall. I love how the sweet potato keeps them moist for days.
I first tried these cookies when we had extra mashed sweet potato after Thanksgiving. Now, every time I bake them, my kids come racing into the kitchen as the scent of cinnamon fills the house.
Ingredients
- Mashed sweet potato: adds natural sweetness and moisture Choose one baked until forktender and cooled for easier mixing
- Allpurpose flour: the base for pillowy soft cookies Use a trusted fresh flour for best results
- Brown sugar: for depth and caramel notes Choose dark brown for a richer taste
- White sugar: keeps the cookies tender and sweet
- Unsalted butter: softened for blending into a creamy batter Quality butter gives the best flavor
- Egg: binds everything for just the right texture
- Vanilla extract: enhances the sweetness and aroma Pure vanilla is best if you have it
- Ground cinnamon: the star spice bringing cozy warmth Use fresh cinnamon for bigger aroma
- Baking soda: for gentle lift and softness Make sure it is not expired
- Ground nutmeg: adds a hint of classic spice Freshly grated if possible
- Salt: balances the flavors opt for fine sea salt or kosher
- Optional chopped pecans or walnuts: for crunch and nuttiness Choose freshly cracked nuts for peak flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment and preheat the oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit so nothing sticks and the cookies bake evenly
- Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- Beat together softened unsalted butter with brown sugar and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy This can take about two minutes and gives your cookies a delicate texture
- Mix in Wet Ingredients:
- Add the egg vanilla extract and mashed sweet potato to the creamed mixture then beat until everything is smooth and completely incorporated The sweet potato should blend right in creating a soft orange batter
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk together allpurpose flour ground cinnamon baking soda nutmeg and salt in a separate bowl This spreads the spices and leavening evenly through the dough
- Add Dry to Wet:
- Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients in batches Stop as soon as you no longer see flour to avoid overmixing Fold in optional nuts with a spatula at the end for extra crunch
- Scoop the Dough:
- Use a spoon to drop equal sized mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet Space them out to allow the cookies room to grow as they bake
- Bake the Cookies:
- Place in the oven and bake for ten to twelve minutes or until the edges are just turning golden and the centers look set Every oven is a little different so check at the ten minute mark
- Cool and Enjoy:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for five minutes to firm up before moving them to a wire rack where they will finish setting Enjoy them warm for the softest bite
Save My favorite part of these cookies is the bits of caramelized sweet potato peeking out in every bite Sometimes my kids help scoop the dough and they always sneak raw dough tastes with wide grins These cookies have become a quick fix for sweet cravings and family gatherings alike
Storage Tips
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature and they stay moist for three to four days For longer storage freeze the cookies in a zip top bag and thaw at room temperature when needed
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap out the butter for coconut oil if you are dairy free and try half whole wheat flour for extra fiber For the nuts sunflower seeds work in a pinch and golden raisins add a nice twist
Serving Suggestions
These cookies shine at breakfast with Greek yogurt or as an afternoon tea treat Stack them up at bake sales or wrap in parchment for sweet lunchbox surprises
Save Bake a batch of these cookies whenever you want a quick cozy treat You will love their sweet warmth and how happy they make everyone who tries them