Sweet potato cookies are a delightful way to indulge your sweet tooth while also enjoying a healthy snack. These cookies not only satisfy your cravings but also offer the benefits of sweet potatoes, known for their rich source of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. They make for a tasty dessert option that both kids and adults will love. Plus, they can easily fit into your baking routine, providing a wholesome alternative to traditional cookie recipes.
Why We Love This Sweet Potato Cookies Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore sweet potato cookies. First and foremost, they are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert. Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and a nutritious twist, making these cookies feel less like a guilty pleasure and more like a responsible choice. The blend of both all-purpose and whole wheat flour gives them a unique texture, while the addition of spices like cinnamon and cloves fills your kitchen with an enticing aroma as they bake.
Moreover, these cookies are easy to prepare, requiring simple ingredients and minimal prep time. They’re perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros who want to whip up something quick and healthy. You’ll find that the recipe’s focus on wholesome ingredients creates a more balanced treat without sacrificing flavor. All in all, sweet potato cookies are the perfect way to enjoy a delicious baked good, all while giving your body some love.
Ingredients about Sweet Potato Cookies
To make your sweet potato cookies at home, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 medium sweet potato (approximately 8 ounces)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup lightly packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
How to Make Sweet Potato Cookies Directions
Making sweet potato cookies is a simple and rewarding process. Start by preparing your sweet potato. Clean and scrub it to remove any dirt. Pierce it all over with a fork, then roast it directly on the oven rack at a temperature of 400°F for about 40 minutes. You want it fork-tender, which typically means it should be soft in the thickest part. After roasting, allow it to cool down, and then peel off the skin. Measure out one cup of the soft, mashed sweet potato.
Next, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent your cookies from sticking. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together both the all-purpose and whole wheat flours, along with the baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, cloves, coriander, and kosher salt. This will ensure that all the dry ingredients are well blended.
In another bowl, beat together the eggs and light brown sugar until you achieve a thick and smooth consistency. Slowly mix in the canola oil, applesauce, and pure vanilla extract. Now it’s time to incorporate the star ingredient: gently fold in the sweet potato puree until it’s well combined.
Carefully add this sweet potato mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Fold everything together gently, making sure there are no streaks of flour but avoiding overmixing, which could affect the texture of your cookies. Once everything is well combined, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, adding a rich sweetness that complements the earthy flavors of the sweet potato.
To bake your cookies, drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately two inches apart. Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Cookies
Serving sweet potato cookies can be quite simple, yet there are numerous creative ways to enjoy them. These cookies are delicious on their own, but you might want to enhance your experience. One great way is to warm them slightly in the microwave before enjoying—they become soft and the chocolate chips ooze just a bit, creating a delightful texture and warmth perfect for any occasion.
Pair your cookies with a cup of herbal tea or a tall glass of cold milk for a comforting snack. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider plating these cookies together with other treats to create a sweet buffet. For an autumn-inspired treat, sprinkle some additional cinnamon on top before serving, or even drizzle some honey for added sweetness.
For those who enjoy meal prep, you could also batch cook these cookies and keep them stored in an airtight container for quick snacks throughout the week. They make a great addition to lunch boxes or as a post-workout snack.
Expert Tips: Sweet Potato Cookies
To make the most out of your sweet potato cookies, here are some expert tips to consider:
Select the Right Sweet Potato: Choose medium-sized, firm sweet potatoes. Look for ones that feel heavy for their size and have smooth skin without any blemishes.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature. This will help in achieving a smoother batter and ultimately a better-textured cookie.
Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cookie.
Use a Cookie Scoop: For more uniform cookies, consider using a cookie scoop. This helps them bake evenly and ensures consistency in your treats.
Chilling the Dough: If you have extra time, chill the cookie dough for 20-30 minutes before baking. This can intensify the flavors and improve the texture.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Add nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist.
Taste the Dough: Before baking, taste your dough. Adjust the sweetness or add more spices if you feel it needs enhancement.
How to Store Sweet Potato Cookies
Proper storage can extend the freshness of your sweet potato cookies, allowing you to enjoy them longer. Once your cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container. They will remain fresh at room temperature for about 3 to 5 days.
If you want to keep them for a longer time, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until they’re frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the refrigerator or heat briefly in the microwave.
Variation of Sweet Potato Cookies
One of the joys of baking is experimenting and customizing your recipes. Sweet potato cookies are no exception. Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft texture of the cookie.
- Dried Fruit: Incorporate raisins or dried cranberries to add a touch of chewiness and an extra layer of flavor.
- Oatmeal: Consider mixing in some quick oats for added texture and fiber, making your cookies even heartier.
- Pumpkin Spice: Replace some of the spices with pumpkin pie spice to create a fall-inspired version of your treat.
- Vegan Version: Substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water for a flax egg or replace the canola oil with melted coconut oil for a plant-based version.
FAQ
What are Sweet Potato Cookies?
Sweet potato cookies are delicious baked treats made with mashed sweet potatoes combined with flour, eggs, and flavorings, resulting in a soft, sweet cookie.
How can I ensure my Sweet Potato Cookies are soft?
Be careful not to overbake your cookies, and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps maintain their softness.
Can I make Sweet Potato Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the fridge, or bake the cookies ahead and freeze them for later enjoyment.
What can I pair with Sweet Potato Cookies?
These cookies pair wonderfully with milk, tea, or coffee. You might also enjoy them alongside yogurt for a more balanced snack.
Are Sweet Potato Cookies healthy?
While they are still a dessert, sweet potato cookies are often healthier than traditional cookies due to the inclusion of sweet potatoes, which add fiber, vitamins, and a natural sweetness.
Sweet Potato Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls:
- Baking Sheet
- Electric Mixer
Ingredients
- 1 medium sweet potato approximately 8 ounces, cooked and mashed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1½ tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp. ground cloves
- ¼ tsp. ground coriander
- ¼ tsp. kosher salt
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 cup light brown sugar lightly packed
- ¼ cup canola oil
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the sweet potato by roasting it at 400°F for about 40 minutes until fork-tender. Allow it to cool and then peel and mash it.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground coriander, and kosher salt.
- In another bowl, beat together the eggs and light brown sugar until thick and smooth. Mix in the canola oil, applesauce, and pure vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in the sweet potato puree until combined.
- Carefully add the sweet potato mixture into the dry ingredients and fold until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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