Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies

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Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies are the ultimate mash-up of cozy autumn baking and indulgent dessert comfort. Imagine soft, spiced cookies infused with creamy sweet potato and swirls of cinnamon brown sugar, finished with a sweet glaze that gives them that classic honeybun finish. Every bite is tender, fragrant, and lightly crisp on the edges—a cookie that feels like a hug from the inside out.

Perfect for holiday cookie trays, casual weekend baking, or gifting something unexpected, these cookies are as stunning as they are satisfying. If you’re already a fan of sweet potato pie or honeybuns, you’re about to fall in love. Bonus: they freeze beautifully and stay chewy for days, making them the kind of treat you’ll want to keep stocked year-round.

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What Kind of Sweet Potato Should I Use?

For the best flavor and texture, use roasted or baked sweet potatoes rather than boiled. Baking concentrates the natural sugars and moisture, giving the cookies a richer, sweeter taste. You can use canned sweet potato puree in a pinch, but make sure it’s 100% sweet potato and not a pie filling with added sugar or spices.

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Ingredients for the Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies

• 1 cup mashed roasted sweet potato (about 1 medium sweet potato)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the cinnamon swirl:

• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

For the glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp milk (or more as needed)
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

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How To Make the Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This helps create a soft texture in the finished cookies.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix in the mashed sweet potato, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined and smooth.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until a dough forms.

Step 4: Swirl in the Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon for the swirl. Gently fold this into the dough to create swirls—don’t overmix!

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop dough balls (about 2 tablespoons each) and place them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft.

Step 6: Add the Glaze

Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. While they cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make a glaze. Drizzle over cooled cookies for that classic honeybun finish.

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How to Serve and Store These Sweet Potato Cookies

These cookies are best served slightly warm with the glaze just set—perfect alongside a mug of coffee or spiced chai. You can also sandwich them with cream cheese frosting for an extra-decadent twist.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them (unglazed) for up to 2 months and glaze them fresh when ready to serve.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned sweet potato puree?

Yes, just make sure it’s plain 100% sweet potato and not the pie filling version.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely. Freeze them before glazing and add the glaze after thawing for best texture.

How do I get a strong honeybun flavor?

The cinnamon brown sugar swirl plus vanilla glaze mimics the nostalgic taste of honeybuns. Adding a pinch of ground cloves or maple extract boosts it even more.

Are these cookies chewy or cakey?

They land right in the middle! The sweet potato keeps them moist and soft, while the edges have a light crispiness.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s formulated for baking.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Nope! These cookies bake beautifully without chilling, though you can refrigerate for deeper flavor.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved these Sweet Potato Honeybun Cookies, you might crave more unexpected flavors! Try these deliciously creative picks:

• Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies for a festive touch.
• Healthy Cookies Recipe to balance out the indulgence.
• Cinnamon Donut Bread if you’re craving a quick bread twist on cinnamon spice.
• Irresistible Pecan Pie Bites for gooey bite-sized sweetness.
• Peanut Butter Balls with Chocolate Rice Krispies to add crunch to your cookie rotation.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And don’t forget to let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go extra bold with the cinnamon swirl? Maybe used maple glaze instead? I love seeing all the creative spins on these sweet bites.

Follow more of my daily bakes on Pinterest: Nina Dishes.

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