If you have been on the lookout for a cozy, sweet treat that combines autumn warmth with a touch of indulgence, this Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies Recipe is going to be your new favorite! These cookies are a delightful fusion of tender, subtly spiced sweet potato dough enveloping a cinnamon-sugar swirl, all topped with a luscious honey glaze. Every bite delivers that perfect balance of soft texture, sweet warmth, and a little hint of honeyed magic that feels like a gentle hug from the inside out. They are simple enough to make any day special and charming enough to impress at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for this recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Each component plays a unique role: the sweet potato adds moisture and natural sweetness, spices bring cozy flavors, and the honey glaze finishes everything with a glossy, irresistible shine.
- 1/2 cup mashed sweet potato: Brings moisture and natural sweetness that keeps the cookies soft.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure builder that holds everything together perfectly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create that soft, tender cookie texture.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Infuses deep caramel notes essential to the classic honeybun flavor.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Contributes just the right balance of sweetness without heaviness.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients and helps achieve a soft and chewy bite.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and a subtle hint of fragrant sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Gives a gentle lift and lightness to the cookies.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda to ensure a perfect rise.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Brings that quintessential warm spice note to the dough.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a subtle, nutty spiciness for depth.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for swirl): Creates a sweet cinnamon swirl that surprises with every bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for swirl): Essential for infusing the swirl with classic honeybun flavor.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: The base for a smooth, glossy glaze.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Adds natural sweetness and that signature honeybun touch to the glaze.
- 1 tablespoon milk: Helps the glaze reach a perfect drizzle-friendly consistency.
How to Make Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by creaming together the unsalted butter with both the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is critical because it introduces air that helps the cookies rise and ensures a tender bite that melts in your mouth.
Step 2: Add Sweet Potato, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, incorporate the mashed sweet potato, egg, and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar. The mashed sweet potato not only deepens the flavor but infuses natural moisture, giving these cookies their soft texture with a delightful subtle sweetness.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These spices provide that unmistakable warmth and seasonal charm, while the leavening agents ensure a perfect rise. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined—you want to avoid overmixing to keep these cookies tender.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl and Form Cookies
Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl in a small bowl. Then scoop 2-tablespoon balls of dough, flatten them slightly, spoon a bit of the swirl mixture into the center, fold the edges over, and roll back into balls. This swirling method delivers that gooey, cinnamon goodness inside every cookie bite, much like the honeybun inspiration behind this recipe.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on a lined baking sheet to give them room to spread. Bake at 350°F for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Let your cookies cool completely on a wire rack—the wait will be worth it, promise!
Step 6: Drizzle the Honey Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, honey, and milk until smooth and pourable. Drizzle this heavenly glaze atop your cooled cookies, allowing it to set for that perfect glossy finish that snaps the flavors together with a sweet, sticky kiss.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, consider sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon or a few finely chopped pecans on top of the glaze before it sets. This little addition adds subtle texture and an inviting aroma that complements the sweet potato and honey so beautifully.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine perfectly alongside a cup of warm chai tea or a frothy latte. The spices in the drink harmonize with the cinnamon and nutmeg in the cookies, uplifting the cozy, comforting vibe of each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies on a rustic wooden platter with a dusting of powdered sugar around the edges, or stack them in a mason jar tied with a ribbon for an adorable gift idea. You could even sandwich some cream cheese frosting between two cookies to transform them into mini cookie cakes that are bound to wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days, making them perfect for quick snacks or sharing with friends.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the unglazed cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw and add the glaze fresh to enjoy that perfect drizzle.
Reheating
Warm your cookies gently in a microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 minutes to refresh their soft, chewy texture. Just add the glaze afterward, and it will taste like they came straight from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potato instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure your canned sweet potato is well-drained and mashed smoothly before measuring. It will save prep time without compromising flavor or texture.
What can I substitute if I don’t have honey for the glaze?
Maple syrup or agave nectar make great substitutes. They lend their own unique sweetness but keep that glossy, lovely finish on the glaze.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This particular Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies Recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, swap in your favorite gluten-free flour blend, but note that the texture may vary slightly.
Can I make these vegan?
To make them vegan, substitute the butter for a plant-based margarine and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) in place of the egg. Also, choose maple syrup instead of honey for the glaze.
Why are the cookies sometimes flat after baking?
Make sure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh and measure ingredients accurately. Also, don’t overmix the dough; a delicate touch keeps the cookies light and puffy.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies Recipe is like inviting a little sweetness and warmth into your kitchen and heart. Their soft, spiced dough paired with the cinnamon swirl and honey glaze creates something truly special that’s easy to fall in love with. Whether for a cozy afternoon snack, a festive gathering, or simply to brighten your day, these cookies are sure to become a beloved favorite. So roll up your sleeves and treat yourself to this comforting delight—you won’t regret it!
Print
Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies, a unique twist on classic cookies combining the natural sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes with warm spices and a honey-glazed finish. Soft, moist, and bursting with cinnamon and nutmeg flavors, these cookies offer a comforting treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup mashed sweet potato
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Swirl Filling
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Honey Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light in texture, which will help create a tender cookie.
- Add Sweet Potato, Egg, and Vanilla: Mix in 1/2 cup mashed sweet potato, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the wet ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated to avoid overworking the dough.
- Prepare the Swirl Filling and Form Cookies: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Scoop 2-tablespoon portions of dough, flatten them slightly, then add a spoonful of the swirl mixture to the center. Carefully fold the edges over the filling and roll the dough back into balls.
- Bake the Cookies: Arrange the cookie balls on a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 11–13 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare and Drizzle Glaze: Whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 tablespoon milk until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled cookies and allow it to set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the mashed sweet potatoes are smooth and free of excess moisture for best cookie texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
- The glaze can be adjusted for consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- These cookies freeze well; freeze unglazed cookies and glaze after thawing.
