These Cinnamon Sweet Potato Breakfast Cookies offer a deliciously warm and comforting start to your day. Packed with sweet potatoes, oats, and a hint of cinnamon, they’re perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome treat without the guilt. The addition of nuts and dried fruits adds texture and extra nutrients, making these cookies not just a breakfast snack but a satisfying choice for any time of day.
What makes this recipe even better is its versatility. You can easily swap ingredients to match your dietary preferences or what’s available in your pantry. Whether you go for a nut-free version or add your favorite dried fruits, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Plus, they make an excellent make-ahead snack, perfect for busy mornings or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
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1 cup rolled oats
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1/4 cup almond flour
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1/4 cup coconut flour
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 tablespoons maple syrup
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1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
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1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
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1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Steam or boil the sweet potatoes until soft, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and mash them.
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In a large bowl, combine the oats, almond flour, coconut flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
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Add the mashed sweet potatoes, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and applesauce to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
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Stir in chopped pecans and raisins, if using.
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Scoop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, flattening them slightly to form cookie shapes.
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Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.
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Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 18 minutes | Total Time: 28 minutes
Kcal: 120 kcal per cookie | Servings: 12 cookies
The Cinnamon Sweet Potato Breakfast Cookies are a delicious and nutritious way to kickstart your day. Perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a warm, comforting breakfast or a satisfying snack that doesn’t compromise on health. These cookies are packed with wholesome ingredients that offer a balance of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and proteins, making them an ideal choice for a busy morning. Not only do they fill your kitchen with the delightful aroma of cinnamon and sweet potato, but they also provide you with lasting energy and nutrition that will keep you going through your day.
Why Sweet Potatoes for Breakfast?
Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse. They are rich in fiber, vitamins (especially Vitamin A and C), and minerals such as potassium. Unlike regular potatoes, sweet potatoes are complex carbohydrates, meaning they release energy slowly, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels and keep you feeling fuller for longer. Incorporating sweet potatoes into breakfast is a great way to get an early dose of essential nutrients and antioxidants.
Moreover, the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes makes them an excellent base for breakfast treats like these cookies. The subtle sweetness pairs beautifully with the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, creating a comforting flavor profile that’s perfect for the fall season or anytime you’re craving something cozy and wholesome.
The Power of Oats and Almond Flour
Oats are another key ingredient in these cookies. They are an excellent source of soluble fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which has been shown to support heart health by reducing cholesterol levels. Oats also provide steady energy and help maintain stable blood sugar levels. By incorporating oats into these cookies, you’re adding not only a heart-healthy component but also a satisfying texture that makes every bite feel substantial.
Almond flour adds an extra layer of richness and depth to the cookies. Unlike regular flour, almond flour is gluten-free and lower in carbohydrates. It provides a nutty flavor and a slightly denser texture, which pairs perfectly with the lightness of oats and the earthiness of sweet potatoes. The combination of almond flour and oats makes these cookies a great option for those on gluten-free or low-carb diets.
The Role of Spices in Flavor Development
Cinnamon is the star spice in this recipe, bringing warmth and sweetness to the cookies. Known for its antioxidant properties, cinnamon is not only a flavorful spice but also a health booster. It has anti-inflammatory effects, supports digestive health, and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Paired with the warming flavors of nutmeg and ginger, the spices in these cookies create a cozy, aromatic treat that is perfect for early mornings.
In addition to their flavor benefits, these spices also offer an array of health benefits. Nutmeg has been traditionally used to aid digestion, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation, while ginger helps with digestion, reduces nausea, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Together, these spices form a trifecta of flavor and health benefits that make these cookies not only delicious but also good for you.
The Benefits of Maple Syrup and Applesauce
Maple syrup is used as a natural sweetener in this recipe, providing a rich, caramel-like flavor without the use of refined sugars. Unlike processed sugars, maple syrup contains small amounts of beneficial nutrients such as manganese, zinc, and antioxidants. While it’s still a form of sugar and should be consumed in moderation, using maple syrup instead of refined sugar is a healthier alternative.
Applesauce, another sweet ingredient in this recipe, contributes both sweetness and moisture to the cookies. It’s a great way to reduce the need for additional fats, making the recipe lighter while still delivering a soft and chewy texture. Applesauce is also rich in dietary fiber and antioxidants, which further boosts the nutritional profile of these cookies.
Making Them Vegan and Customizable
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily make these cookies vegan by choosing plant-based ingredients. For example, you can swap the eggs with a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, allowed to sit for a few minutes to thicken). The recipe already calls for maple syrup and applesauce, both of which are vegan-friendly, so there’s no need for adjustments there.
You can also customize these cookies based on your personal preferences or dietary needs. If you’re allergic to nuts or prefer not to use them, simply omit the pecans. You can also substitute raisins with other dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or figs for a different flavor profile. If you prefer to make these cookies more indulgent, you could even add dark chocolate chips for a richer treat.
Additionally, you can adjust the level of sweetness to suit your taste. If you prefer a less sweet cookie, you can reduce the amount of maple syrup or replace it with a stevia or monk fruit-based sweetener.
Perfect for Meal Prep and On-the-Go Breakfast
These Cinnamon Sweet Potato Breakfast Cookies are perfect for meal prepping. If you have a busy week ahead, you can make a batch of these cookies on a Sunday and have a healthy breakfast ready to grab on the go each morning. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage. Simply thaw and reheat for a quick, comforting breakfast that requires minimal effort.
Because these cookies are portable, they’re also a great option for packing in lunchboxes, taking to work, or having as an afternoon snack. They’re satisfying enough to stave off hunger without being too heavy, making them the perfect mid-morning or afternoon treat.
A Delicious and Nutritious Alternative to Traditional Breakfasts
Traditional breakfast foods like pastries, muffins, and pancakes can often be high in sugar and refined flour, which can lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes. These Cinnamon Sweet Potato Breakfast Cookies offer a more balanced alternative that is both sweet and satisfying but without the sugar overload. By choosing wholesome, nutrient-dense ingredients like sweet potatoes, oats, and almond flour, you’re not only fueling your body with essential nutrients but also setting yourself up for sustained energy throughout the day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Cinnamon Sweet Potato Breakfast Cookies are a perfect addition to your breakfast or snack rotation. They combine the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes, the warmth of cinnamon and spices, and the wholesome texture of oats and almond flour. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a healthy dessert, these cookies are versatile enough to suit any occasion.
Not only do they provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, but they also offer a satisfying, indulgent taste without the added sugars and unhealthy fats found in traditional baked goods. So, next time you’re craving something sweet but want to stay on track with your healthy eating goals, reach for one of these Cinnamon Sweet Potato Breakfast Cookies. They’ll satisfy your sweet tooth and fuel you for the day ahead.