If you are looking for a cozy, flavorful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall, then this Sweet Potato Cookies Recipe is going to be your new go-to favorite. These cookies are wonderfully soft with a subtle sweetness that comes from naturally mashed sweet potatoes, paired with the crunch of pecans and a hint of vanilla. They are an unexpected spin on classic cookies that deliver both comfort and a delightful twist, making them a standout on any cookie tray or a warming snack with a cup of tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sweet Potato Cookies Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of moistness, sweetness, and texture that makes these cookies so special.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a rich sweetness and a slight molasses flavor that complements the sweet potato perfectly.
- White sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with cookie texture, creating a slight crisp edge.
- Baking soda: Essential for proper leavening, giving the cookies a tender, yet airy crumb.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the dough that holds everything together.
- Cooked, mashed sweet potatoes: The star ingredient; provides moisture, natural sweetness, and that gorgeous orange hue.
- Large eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness for a soft, chewy cookie.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Enhances flavor and ensures a tender texture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
- Chopped pecans: Bring a satisfying crunch and a nutty contrast that pairs beautifully with the sweet potato.
- Optional toppings (chopped pecans and turbinado sugar): For a decorative, crunchy finish and a touch of sparkle.
How to Make Sweet Potato Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to keep your cookies from sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Having this ready upfront will make the baking part feel like a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the light brown sugar, white sugar, baking soda, and the flour. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed, which is key for an even rise and no unpleasant metallic taste.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients and Nuts
Next, stir in the mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans. The dough will feel soft and slightly sticky—this is perfect. The mashed sweet potatoes keep the dough moist, while the nuts add that wonderful texture that elevates these cookies beyond ordinary.
Step 4: Scoop and Top
Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If you want, sprinkle some extra chopped pecans and turbinado sugar on top for a pretty and tasty finish that adds a little crunch and sparkle.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until they turn a lovely golden brown around the edges. The centers will stay soft, and the smell coming from your oven will be irresistible. Once done, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before indulging.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg on top just before baking can enhance the warmth of the cookies. Freshly chopped pecans or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can also add a festive touch if you’re serving them at a gathering.
Side Dishes
These cookies are fantastic paired with a hot cup of chai tea or a creamy latte. For a heartier snack, serve alongside a bowl of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange them on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of nuts and dried fruit for a beautiful fall-themed platter. You can also sandwich a layer of cream cheese frosting or marshmallow fluff between two cookies for an elevated dessert experience that friends will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Sweet Potato Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to three days—perfect for enjoying throughout the week without losing any of that delicious flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep these tasty treats longer, freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to three months, making them a wonderful make-ahead option for holiday gifting or quick snacks.
Reheating
To bring frozen cookies back to life, simply thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes or warm gently in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. This helps restore that soft, fresh-baked texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes! Canned mashed sweet potatoes work just fine and save prep time. Just make sure they are plain with no added spices or sugar for the best flavor balance.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which is not gluten-free. However, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend suited for baking if you need to avoid gluten.
Can I replace pecans with another nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds can be great alternatives if pecans aren’t your favorite or if you want a different crunch and flavor profile.
How do I make these cookies vegan?
To make this Sweet Potato Cookies Recipe vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs and use dairy-free butter. Vanilla extract is usually vegan, but always check your brand to be sure.
Why do my cookies turn out flat?
If your cookies spread too much, make sure your baking soda is fresh and that the dough isn’t too warm before baking. Chilling the dough briefly before scooping can also help maintain a better shape.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato Cookies Recipe is a delightful surprise that brings something uniquely comforting to your dessert table. The natural sweetness and tender texture will have you reaching for seconds, and they are sure to become a treasured recipe you return to year after year. So grab your ingredients and give these cookies a try—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Sweet Potato Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sweet Potato Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional cookies, combining the natural sweetness and moisture of cooked sweet potatoes with the crunch of pecans. Perfect for a cozy snack or dessert, these cookies are easy to make and bake to a golden brown, offering a soft texture and deliciously rich flavor.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked, mashed sweet potatoes
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or flavoring
Add-ins
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- Optional: chopped pecans and turbinado sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick silicone baking mat. This ensures the cookies do not stick and bake evenly.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the light brown sugar, white sugar, baking soda, and all-purpose flour until fully mixed. This creates the base dry mixture for the cookie dough.
- Add wet ingredients and nuts: Add the cooked mashed sweet potatoes, room temperature eggs, melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans to the dry mixture. Stir thoroughly to form a uniform cookie dough.
- Shape cookies: Using a small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. For added texture and sweetness, optionally sprinkle some additional chopped pecans and turbinado sugar on top of each cookie dough ball.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until they turn golden brown around the edges. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Cool and store: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Make sure the sweet potatoes are fully cooked and mashed until smooth for best texture.
- Using room temperature eggs helps the ingredients blend more easily.
- Sprinkling turbinado sugar on top before baking adds a nice crunch and extra sweetness.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft and fresh.
- These cookies can be frozen for longer storage; thaw at room temperature before serving.
