If you’re looking for a cozy treat that feels like a warm hug in cookie form, you’ve got to try this Sweet Potato Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring the best of both worlds: the natural sweetness and vibrant orange color of mashed sweet potatoes married with melty chocolate chips for that perfect bite. They’re soft, chewy, and offer a subtle hint of cinnamon that quietly elevates the flavor. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just because you want something a little different yet utterly comforting, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sweet Potato Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe keeps things simple but flavorful, relying on a handful of staple ingredients that each play a key role in creating the perfect cookie texture and taste. From creamy butter to the naturally sweet mashed sweet potato, these ingredients come together to create that moist softness and just-right sweetness.
- Mash cooked sweet potato (1 cup): Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and beautiful color to the cookies.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides richness and helps the cookies stay soft and tender.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Brings deep caramel flavors and adds chewiness.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Balances sweetness and aids in browning.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors with its warm aroma.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Forms the base of the cookie dough providing structure.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise lightly for a tender crumb.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Works alongside baking soda to leaven the dough.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a warm, subtle spice twist complementing the sweet potato.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (3/4 cup): The star ingredient that delivers melt-in-your-mouth chocolate bursts.
How to Make Sweet Potato Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This simple step will save you from a sticky mess later on and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter with both the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture becomes light and creamy. This process aerates the butter and sugar, creating a smooth base that will help give your cookies a tender crumb and slight chew.
Step 3: Add Mashed Sweet Potato, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, add the mashed cooked sweet potato, egg, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix until everything is fully combined and smooth. Make sure your sweet potato is well-mashed and cooled so it blends seamlessly and doesn’t alter the dough’s texture.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. These dry ingredients are essential for balancing the moisture and creating that perfect cookie structure. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so keep it gentle.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Now, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout your dough. They add that delightful melty chocolate surprise in every bite, perfectly complementing the soft sweetness of the sweet potato.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Use a rounded tablespoon to drop dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown and the centers are just set. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps them firm up slightly without losing that coveted softness.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add a little extra flair, try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on the cookies just before baking for a salty-sweet twist. Shredded coconut or chopped toasted pecans also make fantastic garnishes that add texture and a touch of elegance to your presentation.
Side Dishes
These cookies are delicious enough to stand on their own but pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of chai tea, or even a cozy mug of hot cocoa. They make a perfect afternoon snack alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for a little indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching two cookies together with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swipe of cream cheese frosting for a show-stopping dessert. You can also crumble them over yogurt bowls or serve breaks as a sweet topping on pumpkin or butternut squash soup for a fun twist on presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and moist for up to five days, making them a wonderful treat to enjoy throughout the week. If you want to refresh them after a day or two, a quick zap in the microwave for about 10 seconds will bring back that freshly-baked warmth.
Freezing
You can freeze both the cookie dough and the baked cookies. For dough, scoop it onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To freeze baked cookies, place them in a single layer on a cookie sheet, freeze until firm, and then store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To revive frozen or refrigerated cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes or microwave briefly for 10-15 seconds. This will soften them up and bring out those comforting sweet potato and chocolate chip flavors as if they were freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potato instead of fresh?
Yes, canned sweet potato puree works fine as long as it’s plain with no added sugars or spices. Just make sure to measure out one cup and drain any excess liquid if necessary to avoid soggy dough.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This Sweet Potato Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe as provided is not gluten-free because it uses all-purpose flour. However, you could substitute a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking to make them gluten-free, but results may vary slightly in texture.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap the butter for a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, use a flax egg or chia egg in place of the regular egg, and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. Slight adjustments may be needed depending on your ingredients.
Why are my cookies flat or spreading too much?
If your cookies spread too much, make sure your butter isn’t too soft or melted when you start. Chilling your dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help. Additionally, check that you’re using the correct amount of flour, and your oven is at the right temperature.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and soft for about 4-5 days. Beyond that, they’re still good but might lose some of their tender texture.
Final Thoughts
When you bake this Sweet Potato Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe, you’re not just making cookies—you’re creating a cozy moment to savor, share, and enjoy. The sweet potato adds a nourishing sweetness and a beautiful touch of color that changes everything you thought you knew about chocolate chip cookies. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation. Happy baking!
Print
Sweet Potato Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully soft and moist sweet potato chocolate chip cookies that blend the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with classic semi-sweet chocolate chips, creating a wholesome and flavorful fall-inspired dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato (about 1 medium)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and creamy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the mashed sweet potato, egg, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until the batter is smooth and well combined, ensuring the sweet potato is evenly distributed.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt for even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the dough carefully to distribute them evenly throughout the cookie batter.
- Portion Dough: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set perfectly.
Notes
- Ensure the sweet potato is fully mashed and at room temperature before adding to the batter to maintain the proper texture.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunchy texture.
- These cookies keep soft and moist for several days when stored in an airtight container.
