Sweet Potato Cookies Recipe
I can’t wait to share my Brown Butter Pumpkin Blondies Recipe with you — it’s become a fall favorite in my kitchen for a reason. These blondies are wonderfully moist and packed with cozy autumn flavors that feel like a warm hug on a chilly day. The secret? That nutty, caramel-y depth from browning the butter perfectly complements the pumpkin and spices, making every bite a little piece of pumpkin-spiced heaven.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a casual weekend treat, or just because pumpkin deserves some love year-round, this Brown Butter Pumpkin Blondies Recipe hits all the right notes. Plus, they’re super straightforward to make, and I’ll walk you through the little tricks so yours turn out just as amazing as mine have every time.
Why This Recipe Works
- Brown Butter Magic: Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates these blondies far beyond your average pumpkin treat.
- Balanced Sweetness: The combination of brown sugar and white chocolate chips brings depth without overpowering the pumpkin’s earthy notes.
- Perfect Texture: The blondies bake up soft and slightly gooey in the center, thanks to the careful mixing and bake time recommendations.
- Easy to Customize: You can swap spices, chocolates, or toppings without losing the essence of the recipe, making it adaptable for any occasion.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The ingredient list here strikes a perfect balance between rich, cozy flavors and simple pantry staples. I always recommend quality butter and fresh spices to really make your Brown Butter Pumpkin Blondies Recipe shine. Here’s why each part is key:
- Unsalted Butter: Browning it slowly brings out deep caramel notes, essential for that toasty, nutty flavor beneath the pumpkin.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a warm sweetness that pairs beautifully with spices.
- Pumpkin Puree: Keeps the blondies tender and imparts that unmistakable pumpkin flavor; make sure to use 100% pumpkin, not pie filling.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add structure without drying out the blondies.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and brings out the sweetness naturally.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives the blondies their body; sift it for best results to avoid lumps.
- Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and helps intensify the other flavors.
- Ground Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg: These spices build that classic pumpkin spice profile you know and love.
- Baking Powder: Helps the blondies rise just enough so they’re soft but not cakey.
- White Chocolate: Adds pockets of creamy sweetness; I prefer chunks over chips for noticeable bites.
- Pumpkin Seeds: Give a delightful crunch and nutty contrast when sprinkled on top.
- Flaky Salt (optional): A sprinkle on top balances sweetness and amps up flavor complexity.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Brown Butter Pumpkin Blondies Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you like a bit more spice or want to try a different kind of chocolate, the base recipe is forgiving and flexible.
- Chocolate Variations: I once swapped white chocolate for semi-sweet chips and loved the slight bitterness it added alongside the pumpkin sweetness.
- Nut-Free Version: Simply skip the pumpkin seeds or swap for sunflower seeds if you want crunch without nuts.
- Extra Spice Kick: Feel free to boost the cinnamon and ginger a smidge if you want a more pronounced pumpkin spice vibe.
- Swirls and Mix-Ins: Swirling in a bit of cream cheese or folding in chopped pecans can take these blondies to another level.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Brown Butter Pumpkin Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter to Perfection
Start by melting your butter over medium heat, stirring frequently. You’ll see it foam up and then gradually turn golden brown with little flecks at the bottom of the pan — that’s exactly what you want! It usually takes 5-7 minutes. Be patient here because this step is where the rich, nutty flavor comes from. Once browned, immediately transfer the butter into a large bowl to stop cooking.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients Together
While the butter cools slightly, stir in the brown sugar and pumpkin puree into the warm butter until smooth. Then whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until everything’s silky and combined. This mix should feel rich and thick — it’s the heart of our blondies.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
Whisk together the flour, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and baking powder in a separate bowl. This ensures the spices and leavening are evenly distributed, so every bite tastes consistent.
Step 4: Gently Mix Dry into Wet
Add your dry ingredients to the wet, folding carefully just until combined. It’s crucial not to overmix here — overmixing leads to tougher blondies, and we want tender, soft bars instead. Folding in the white chocolate last will keep those melty chunks intact and noticeable.
Step 5: Bake and Top
Pour the batter into your prepared 8×8 pan, smoothing it out with a spatula. I love scattering pumpkin seeds on top for that extra crunch and a sprinkle of flaky salt if you like that salty-sweet punch. Bake at 350ºF for 25-35 minutes until the blondies puff up and turn a luscious golden brown. It’s best to start checking around 25 minutes, so you don’t over bake — a slightly gooey center is a good thing!
Step 6: Cool and Cut Carefully
Once out of the oven, resist the urge to slice immediately. Let your Brown Butter Pumpkin Blondies Recipe cool completely in the pan so they set up perfectly and won’t crumble when you cut them. When cool, use a sharp knife to slice into bars, and get ready to enjoy!
Tips from My Kitchen
- Don’t Rush Browning: Keep your eyes on the butter to avoid burning — aim for a warm, golden brown color and that toasty smell.
- Pumpkin Purée Matters: Use pure pumpkin, not pie filling, to avoid extra sugar and spices that could throw off the balance.
- Check Early, Check Often: Oven times can vary, so start peeking at 25 minutes to catch that perfect slightly gooey center.
- Let It Cool Fully: Cutting too soon can cause crumbly bars, so patience here really pays off.
How to Serve Brown Butter Pumpkin Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few more pumpkin seeds on top of each blondie for extra texture and visual appeal. Sometimes I sprinkle flaky salt right after baking — a tiny sprinkle delivers a lovely contrast to the sweetness that I adore.
Side Dishes
These blondies are perfect with a big mug of coffee, chai tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent. For a festive brunch, I like serving them alongside turkey bacon or a spiced latte for that ultimate cozy spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I’ve cut these blondies into bite-sized squares and served them on a pretty platter dusted with cinnamon sugar. Another fun idea is layering them with whipped cream and caramel drizzle for a mini pumpkin blondie parfait — trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover blondies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They stay beautifully moist and fudgy, so no need to refrigerate unless your kitchen gets super warm.
Freezing
These blondies freeze wonderfully! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature and they’ll taste just as fresh and delicious.
Reheating
If you like your blondies warm, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or a toaster oven for a few minutes. This helps soften the chocolate and bring back that fresh-baked comforting vibe.
FAQs
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Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
I don’t recommend pumpkin pie filling because it often contains added sugars and spices that can throw off the flavor balance. Stick with plain pumpkin puree for the best results in this Brown Butter Pumpkin Blondies Recipe.
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How do I know when the blondies are done baking?
Look for golden brown edges and a puffed-up surface that’s set but still slightly soft in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs—not wet batter.
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What can I substitute for white chocolate?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks work great if you want a less sweet, more balanced flavor. You can even try butterscotch chips for a different twist!
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Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, preferably one that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture might be slightly denser but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Brown Butter Pumpkin Blondies Recipe is truly a hug in dessert form — simple to whip up, comforting to eat, and endlessly customizable to suit your taste or occasion. I love how each batch becomes a little celebration of fall flavors, perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying with a quiet moment and a cup of tea. Try it as soon as you can—I’m pretty sure it’ll become one of your go-to recipes, just like it did for me.
PrintSweet Potato Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully soft and flavorful sweet potato cookies made with mashed sweet potatoes, a blend of sugars, and chopped pecans. These cookies are perfect for a cozy treat or sharing at gatherings, offering a unique twist on traditional cookie recipes with the warm notes of sweet potato and vanilla.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked, mashed sweet potatoes
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or flavoring
Add-ins and Topping
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- optional: chopped pecans and turbinado sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick silicone baking mat. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the brown sugar, white sugar, baking soda, and all-purpose flour until well mixed.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Nuts: Add the mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until all ingredients are thoroughly combined to form the cookie dough.
- Portion the Dough: Using a small cookie scoop, drop the dough onto the prepared cookie sheet. If desired, sprinkle extra chopped pecans and turbinado sugar on top of each cookie dough ball for added texture and sweetness.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges.
- Cool and Store: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Ensure the sweet potatoes are cooked and mashed smoothly for the best texture in the cookies.
- Room temperature eggs help integrate the ingredients more easily and ensure even baking.
- To keep cookies fresh longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred or for a different flavor profile.
- If you want a softer cookie, reduce baking time slightly; for crispier cookies, add 1-2 minutes to baking time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 127 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 39 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 17 mg