If you’re dreaming of a cookie that perfectly captures cozy, comforting flavors with a delightful twist, then the Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies Recipe is just what you need. These cookies bring together the natural sweetness and tender texture of mashed sweet potato with warm spices and a luscious honey glaze, creating an irresistible treat that feels both homemade and special. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special occasion, or simply because, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your cookie jar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just the right ingredients is key to nailing the perfect balance of soft, sweet, and spiced in this recipe. Each item plays a starring role, from the creamy mashed sweet potato that adds moisture and subtle warmth, to the comforting blend of cinnamon and nutmeg that fills each bite with cozy spice. The combination of sugars gives depth and a caramel-like richness, while the honey glaze adds that beautiful glossy finish and a hint of floral sweetness.
- 1/2 cup mashed sweet potato: This is the heart of the recipe, lending moisture and natural sweetness that keep the cookies wonderfully tender.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together, giving the cookies structure and bite.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Creamy and rich, butter adds flavor and helps create that tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds molasses notes and a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with the perfect texture.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture to keep the cookies soft.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with its sweet aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become light.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Provides additional lift and fluffiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Brings warm, cozy spice throughout the dough.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty spice note that complements the sweet potato.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for swirl): For the sweet, spiced filling that makes each cookie a delightful surprise.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for swirl): Combined with sugar to create that irresistible cinnamon swirl in the center.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: The base for the delicate honey glaze on top.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Adds natural floral sweetness to the glaze.
- 1 tablespoon milk: Thins the glaze just enough for the perfect drizzle.
How to Make Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by beating together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, ensuring your cookies have an invitingly soft texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.
Step 2: Add Sweet Potato and Vanilla
Next, mix in the mashed sweet potato, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The sweet potato adds a lovely natural sweetness and moisture that keeps these cookies tender and slightly cake-like, making them stand out from your usual cookie lineup.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. The spices bring a warm depth, while the baking agents ensure your cookies rise nicely to that perfect honeybun softness.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl in a small bowl. This filling is the secret star, giving each cookie a sweet and spiced surprise in the center that makes it feel like a homemade honeybun in cookie form.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out 2-tablespoon balls of dough and flatten them slightly. Add a spoonful of the cinnamon swirl mixture right in the center, fold the cookie edges over to seal in the filling, and roll it back into a ball. Place the cookies two inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to give them room to spread just enough.
Step 6: Bake and Glaze
Bake the cookies at 350°F for 11 to 13 minutes, or until their edges are set and golden. Once cooled completely, whisk together powdered sugar, honey, and milk to make a silky glaze. Drizzle this over the cookies to add a glossy, sweet finish that perfectly complements the warm spices and tender texture.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these cookies, consider sprinkling a tiny pinch of cinnamon or a few finely chopped pecans on top of the glaze for extra texture and a touch of nuttiness. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a charming, snowy effect that’s perfect for fall or winter gatherings.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, chai tea, or a warm glass of milk. Their sweet, spiced flavor perfectly complements the comforting warmth of these drinks, making snack or dessert time feel indulgent and welcoming.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, stack a few Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies with layers of whipped cream or lightly sweetened cream cheese in a glass for an easy dessert parfait. Alternatively, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn your cookies into a special treat for guests or family celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to four days, perfect for enjoying throughout the week without losing any of their charm.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, freeze the baked and cooled cookies by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to three months and thaw quickly to enjoy anytime.
Reheating
To bring frozen or stored cookies back to life, warm them gently in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This revives the soft texture and melts the glaze just slightly, making them taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potato instead of fresh for this recipe?
Yes, canned mashed sweet potato works perfectly as a convenient substitute. Just be sure it’s pure mashed sweet potato without any added flavors or sugars to keep the cookie texture and taste consistent.
What if I don’t have nutmeg? Can I skip it?
Absolutely! While nutmeg adds a lovely warmth, you can omit it if needed. The cinnamon and vanilla will still provide plenty of cozy flavor, so your cookies will remain delicious.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. This swap will help maintain the cookie’s texture and structure without compromising taste.
How do I make sure the cinnamon swirl stays inside?
Gently folding the dough edges over the cinnamon sugar mixture and rolling it back into a ball is key. Don’t overfill to avoid leaks, and make sure the edges seal tightly. This technique traps the swirl perfectly within each cookie.
Is it possible to make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free butter substitute like margarine or coconut oil and substitute milk in the glaze with any plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk. The cookies will still be tender and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
Making the Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm hug baked right into a cookie. Perfect for sharing or savoring all to yourself, these cookies bring together simple ingredients in a way that feels both special and comforting. I truly encourage you to try this recipe soon—each bite is a little celebration of sweetness, spice, and that homemade magic we all crave.
Print
Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies are soft, moist, and spiced treats featuring mashed sweet potato blended into a cinnamon and nutmeg spiced dough with a sweet brown sugar swirl. Topped with a honey glaze, these cookies offer a warm, comforting flavor reminiscent of classic honeybuns, perfect for a cozy dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup mashed sweet potato
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Swirl Filling
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Honey Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Blend in 1/2 cup mashed sweet potato, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, mixing until the batter becomes smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully combined into a soft dough.
- Prepare Swirl Mixture and Shape Dough: Mix 1/4 cup brown sugar with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Scoop 2-tablespoon balls of dough, flatten each slightly, place a spoonful of the cinnamon sugar swirl in the center, fold the edges over the filling, and roll back into smooth balls ensuring the swirl is enclosed.
- Bake Cookies: Arrange the dough balls spaced 2 inches apart on a lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 11–13 minutes, or until the cookie edges are set and lightly golden. Remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: Whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 tablespoon milk until smooth. Drizzle the honey glaze over the cooled cookies and allow it to set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the mashed sweet potato is cooled before adding to prevent curdling the butter mixture.
- Adjust the amount of milk in the glaze if needed to achieve a drizzle consistency.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
- Do not overbake to keep the cookies soft and moist.
