There is something truly magical about combining the hearty, earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes with the comforting texture of oats in a cookie. The Sweet Potato Oatmeal Cookies Recipe offers a perfect balance of soft, chewy goodness with just the right hint of spice that will make you smile with every bite. Whether you’re craving a nutritious snack or a cozy fall dessert, these cookies deliver warmth and flavor in the most delightful way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Sweet Potato Oatmeal Cookies come together with simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a vital role. From the creamy mashed sweet potato that adds moisture and natural sweetness to the oats that provide chew and heartiness, every item is essential for that perfect cookie experience.
- 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato: Brings natural sweetness and moisture for a tender cookie texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Imparts deep caramel notes that complement the spices beautifully.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and assists with cookie structure.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to a soft crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances flavor depth with subtle warmth.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure and lightness for perfect chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps cookies rise just enough without spreading too much.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Warms up the flavor and gives a hint of spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty undertone, rounding out the spices.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats: Offers hearty chew and nutty flavor for a satisfying bite.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Introduces crunch and earthy richness.
- 1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional): Adds bursts of sweetness or melty indulgence depending on your preference.
How to Make Sweet Potato Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 Celsius). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and come off the tray effortlessly. Setting up your workspace properly always makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter along with brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and inviting. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, giving your cookies a tender texture and delightful crumb.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. Then fold in the mashed sweet potato, ensuring the mixture is smooth and uniform. The sweet potato enriches the dough with moisture and a natural sweetness that shines through in every bite.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This blend not only provides structure but also layers the subtle warmth and depth of spice that makes these cookies truly special.
Step 5: Mix Dry into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. You want to maintain a tender softness, so be gentle here.
Step 6: Fold in Oats and Extras
Fold the oats into your cookie dough for that signature chewy texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is the moment to toss in chopped nuts for crunch or raisins or chocolate chips for sweet surprise pockets. These little additions can take your cookies to the next level.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Using a tablespoon, drop rounded mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart so they have room to spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the centers have set, signaling perfectly baked cookies that are soft and chewy.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up just enough while still maintaining their tender, melt-in-your-mouth charm.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, try dusting your cookies lightly with cinnamon sugar or drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate on top after baking. This elevates their visual appeal and adds layers of flavor that make each bite even more delightful.
Side Dishes
These cookies are wonderful alongside a warm cup of chai tea or a creamy latte, as the spices in your drink will perfectly complement the cookie’s cozy notes. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress at your next gathering? Arrange your Sweet Potato Oatmeal Cookies on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh apple slices and a bowl of whipped cream or honey for dipping. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a cinnamon-spiced cream cheese filling for a decadent twist everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies stay fresh for up to five days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Keeping them sealed ensures they maintain their soft and chewy texture without drying out.
Freezing
Want to enjoy these treats later? Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months, ready to thaw whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
To bring your cookies back to fresh-baked warmth, simply microwave them for 10-15 seconds or warm briefly in an oven set to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. This revives their softness and enhances their inviting aroma.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potato puree instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned sweet potato puree works well and saves prep time. Just make sure it’s plain and not seasoned for the best cookie results.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking to make them gluten-free.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
Try replacing the butter with a plant-based alternative and the egg with a flax egg or store-bought egg replacer. These swaps will keep the cookies moist and delicious.
What makes sweet potato a good ingredient for cookies?
Sweet potato adds natural sweetness, moisture, and a lovely orange hue, plus it’s packed with nutrients, making your cookies healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Can I omit nuts and raisins?
Yes! The nuts and raisins are optional and can be left out or replaced with ingredients like chocolate chips or dried cranberries to suit your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Sweet Potato Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is your answer. It’s a charming blend of cozy flavors and textures that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply treating yourself. Trust me, once you try these cookies, they’ll become a treasured favorite in your baking repertoire.
Print
Sweet Potato Oatmeal 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
These Sweet Potato Oatmeal Cookies combine the natural sweetness and moisture of mashed sweet potatoes with hearty oats and warm spices to create a soft, wholesome treat. Perfect for fall or anytime you crave a comforting, nutritious cookie, they offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures with optional nuts or raisins for added bite.
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 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed sweet potato into the creamed mixture, stirring until the combination is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough.
- Add Oats and Optional Mix-ins: Stir in the old-fashioned oats and, if desired, chopped nuts and/or raisins or chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake and let them finish setting on the baking sheet after removing from the oven.
- These cookies freeze well and can be enjoyed as a convenient snack or breakfast treat.
- Use canned sweet potato puree as a time-saving alternative to cooking and mashing fresh sweet potatoes.
