Sweet Potato Cookies

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

Sweet Potato Cookies combine the natural sweetness and moist texture of cooked sweet potatoes with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, creating a comforting treat perfect for fall or holiday gatherings. Their soft, flavorful profile makes them a delightful snack or dessert for all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter or margarine
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup cooked, mashed sweet potatoes
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 cups self-rising flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves

Instructions

  1. Cream together the butter and sugar until well blended.
  2. Add the cooked, mashed sweet potatoes, beaten egg, and vanilla; mix thoroughly.
  3. Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, salt, and self-rising flour until the dough is smooth.
  4. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet.
  5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes until golden.
  6. Allow to cool before frosting or serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can also replace the butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version. If you don't have self-rising flour, simply combine all-purpose flour with baking powder and salt. Adding chocolate chips or nuts can also elevate the cookie texture. This recipe is flexible, allowing you to experiment with spices like ginger or allspice.

Serving Suggestions

These sweet potato cookies are delightful on their own but can also be served with a cream cheese frosting for added sweetness. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a more complete meal, serve alongside a light salad or some fruit. Browse more American recipes for similar sweet treats to enjoy.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them, which may enhance their flavor. If you want to reheat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore their softness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet Potato Cookies contains roughly 978 calories, with 17g protein, 186g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (169% of the Daily Value), iron (92% of the Daily Value), and calcium (71% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 759mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).

978 kcal 49% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 17g 34% DV
Total Fat 33.5g 43% DV
Carbs 186.2g 68% DV
Fiber 47.3g 100% DV
Sugar 4.9g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 758.6mg 33% DV
Potassium 2767.1mg 59% DV
Cholesterol 156.7mg 52% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 47.5mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 37.7mg 42% DV
Calcium 928.4mg 71% DV
Iron 16.6mg 92% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned sweet potatoes can be used as a convenient substitute. Just make sure to drain and mash them well to remove excess moisture, which may affect the cookie's texture.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make these sweet potato cookies gluten-free, substitute the self-rising flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately for better structure.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help firm it up. You can also add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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