Tired of the same old cookies? Craving something both delicious and nutritious? Then look no further! These sweet potato cookies are the perfect answer. They're surprisingly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and offer a healthier twist on a classic treat. This recipe is perfect for those looking for quick dinner ideas or simply a delightful homemade cooking project. Prepare to be amazed by how incredibly moist and flavorful these cookies are – they're guaranteed to become a new favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato (about 1 medium sweet potato)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash and pierce a medium sweet potato several times with a fork. Microwave on high for 5-7 minutes, or until easily pierced with a fork. Let cool slightly, then peel and mash thoroughly.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but you can certainly do it by hand with a little elbow grease.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and mashed sweet potato until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. If using add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, gently fold them in now.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie as they will spread slightly during baking.
Step 7: Baking Time
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
Step 8: Cooling and Serving
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delicious and healthy sweet potato cookies!
Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Cookies:
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use fresh sweet potatoes: The flavor of the sweet potato is key to these cookies. Fresher is always better!
- Adjust sweetness to your liking: If you prefer less sweet cookies, reduce the amount of sugar slightly.
- Get creative with add-ins: Feel free to experiment with different add-ins, such as raisins, chopped pecans, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.
Variations:
- Spiced Sweet Potato Cookies: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
- Pumpkin Sweet Potato Cookies: Combine the sweet potato with pumpkin puree for a unique fall flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-180 (depending on add-ins)
This recipe offers a fantastic way to incorporate healthy ingredients into a beloved dessert. The sweet potato adds natural sweetness and moisture, making these cookies a guilt-free indulgence. These easy recipes are perfect for beginner bakers, and the delicious dishes are sure to impress even experienced cooks. Enjoy!