Sweet Potato Cookies

Sweet Potato Cookies are a traditional Zimbabwean sweet treat made from mashed sweet potato, brown sugar and cinnamon. They are very easy to make and delicious to eat. Because sweet potatoes are naturally sweet less refined sugar is required in the recipe. Sweet potatoes are also packed with vitamins making these a good alternative to other biscuits for kids.

I bake my sweet potatoes in the microwave, leave to cool, cut in half and then scoop out the flesh for this recipe. You can boil them if you prefer, or just use leftover sweet potato mash from a previous meal.

Time:  20 mins hands on time + 2 hours cooking time
Cost:  4p per serving*
Calories:  82 per serving*

*Based on 15 cookies per batch

This recipe is based on one by Paula Deen. 

Makes 12 - 15 Sweet Potato Cookies:

• 250g self-raising flour
• 60g demerara sugar
• 250g cooked sweet potato
• 50g butter or margerine 
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Splash of milk (optional)
• Extra butter & sugar for topping (optional)

1. Pre-heat the oven to gas mark 7 / 220 C
2. Mash the sweet potato and sugar together in a large bowl.
3. Add the flour, sugar & cinnamon and mix to a smooth dough. If the dough is too stiff, add some milk, if too wet, add a little more flour.
4. Pop the dough on a floured surface and knead for a couple of minutes. Roll out approximately half a centimetre thick and use a cookie cutter to cut out cookies. Roll up the scraps of dough and repeat until it's used up.
5. Place the cookies on a greased tray. If you like, brush with melted butter and sprinkle on a little brown sugar.
6. Bake for 10 - 15 minutes until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack and enjoy!