Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies

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Why Make This Recipe

Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies are a delightful treat that blends the warmth of sweet potatoes with a hint of spiciness and sweetness. These cookies are not only delicious but also add a unique twist to traditional cookie recipes. Sweet potatoes are known for their rich flavor and numerous health benefits, making these cookies a slightly healthier option compared to regular cookies. They are moist, chewy, and perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.

The combination of sweet potatoes, cinnamon, and nutmeg in these cookies creates a cozy flavor that evokes the warmth of fall while making them perfect for any time of year. And with a creamy frosting to top them off, these cookies are not only satisfying to eat but also beautiful to display. Whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner, Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How to Make Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies

Creating these delicious cookies is a simple process that involves familiar ingredients and steps. Below, you’ll find a detailed guide on how to make Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies from start to finish.

Ingredients

To make Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (about 1 medium-sized sweet potato)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for frosting)
1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional topping)
1 tablespoon orange zest (optional)

Directions

Follow these steps to make your Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies:

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Use a mixer to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Next, add one large egg and one teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Beat until everything is well combined.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This helps to ensure that the leavening agents are evenly distributed in the dough.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can affect the texture of your cookies.
Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into balls that are about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place each ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread a little while baking.
Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden and the centers are set. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
Make the Frosting: While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a bowl, beat together 1/4 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon until smooth.
Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled completely, frost them with the prepared frosting. You can use a knife or a spatula to spread the frosting evenly on each cookie.
Add Finishing Touches: For an extra touch, sprinkle the frosted cookies with chopped pecans and some orange zest if desired. This adds a lovely crunch and a burst of fresh flavor to the cookies.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies

Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies are fantastic on their own but can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve them on a pretty platter at your next gathering or enjoy them as a simple snack during the day. Pair these cookies with a warm beverage, such as tea or coffee, and they will be a comforting treat. They are also a great option for holiday events or potluck dinners, as they are sure to impress your family and friends with their unique flavor and creamy frosting.

How to Store Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies

To keep your Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should remain good for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, which can extend their shelf life for about a week. Just ensure they are placed in an airtight container to minimize any moisture.

If you have leftover cookies that you won’t be able to eat within a week, freezing them is an excellent option. Allow the cookies to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. You can freeze the cookies for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them again, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave for a few seconds.

Tips to Make Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies

Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes: For the best flavor, use fresh sweet potatoes. Roast or steam them until soft, then mash them for your cookie dough. Canned sweet potatoes can also work but try to choose a high-quality option without added sugars.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Chill the Dough (Optional): If your kitchen is warm, you might want to chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it into balls. This can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Customize the Frosting: Feel free to experiment with the frosting! You can add cocoa powder for a chocolate version or use cream cheese in place of some of the butter for a tangy twist.
Add Spices: If you love warm flavors, consider adding a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the dough for more depth in flavor.

Variation

If you want to switch things up, consider adding different mix-ins to your Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies. Chocolate chips or a combination of dark and white chocolate can add richness. Dried fruits, such as cranberries or raisins, can also pair well with the sweet potato base.

Another fun variation is to make these cookies with a different frosting. Instead of a simple vanilla frosting, you could make a maple frosting by substituting maple syrup for some of the heavy cream. This would well complement the sweet potato flavor and bring a new twist to your cookies.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use other types of potatoes?
A: While sweet potatoes are recommended for their unique flavor and sweetness, you can experiment with other types like butternut squash or even regular potatoes. However, this may result in a different texture and taste.

Q2: Can I make the cookies vegan?
A: Yes, you can make vegan Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies by substituting the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let sit for a few minutes) and using vegan butter in the recipe.

Q3: What can I use instead of pecans?
A: If you don’t like pecans, you can use any nuts you prefer, such as walnuts or almonds. You could also skip the nuts altogether if you prefer nut-free cookies.

Q4: How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
A: The cookies are done when the edges are set and golden brown, and the center is soft but not wet. They will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, so make sure not to over-bake them.

Q5: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar ingredient to help mimic the structure of traditional flour.

Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies provide not just a delightful treat but also a wonderful baking experience. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these cookies are a perfect addition to any occasion. Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious cookies!

Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies

Print Recipe

Delightful cookies blending sweet potatoes with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with creamy frosting for a unique twist on traditional recipes.

Author: franck
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (about 1 medium-sized sweet potato)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for frosting)
1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional topping)
1 tablespoon orange zest (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and beat until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Roll the dough into balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting by beating together the softened butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until smooth.
Once cooled, frost the cookies and sprinkle with chopped pecans and orange zest if desired.