No need to decorate these sugar cookies! Purple Sweet Potato Sugar Cookies are naturally purple, gluten-free, vegan, and sugar-free! You would never know that these thick & soft cookies are secretly healthy and loaded with fun!
Are you one of those sugar cookie people? I have a lot of mixed feelings about sugar cookies and I’m not sure where I fall on the love or indifference spectrum. You see, in my mind, there are 3 types of sugar cookies. Those famous soft thick bakery sugar cookies with frosting (seem more like discs of cake though), the soft chewy ones you make at home to decorate for various holidays, or those not soft, sad, no flavor, gross kind of sugar cookies that kids would bring in on there birthdays in elementary school since their mom thought it was a “healthier” choice than cupcakes.
You see, I have a lot of expectations and assumptions about what a good sugar cookie should be if I’m going to put that thing in my mouth. It has to be soft, chewy and have flavor. For get crunchy sugar cookies. That is the worst cookie that could be made crunchy. Ack! My number one though, is it must have flavor! It’s hard to place a sugar cookies flavor. Yes, the vanilla extract and the sweet sugar, but those are rather bland if that’s all you have. But I’ve been feeling a bit in need of a sugar cookie after so many of you told me those were your favorite cookie of the season.
Many of you said the reason for this festive favorite was more for that fact that you get to whip out all the cookie decorations. Frosting, gels, sprinkles, glitter, etc. Well sure, that’s a great way to play up so boring neutral colored black slate cookies. BUT, if you just want a sugar cookies, a nice soft, flavorful sweet bite, without any more fuss, and would also be perfect anytime of year, then I have your solution right here my friends! I can’t really keep it a secret either, you can tell from the title, and the color of these sweet delights.
That’s right! The Purple Sweet Potato is back again! With the very few I’ve gotten so far this year, I’ve been holding myself back from just eating them straight, and trying to save them for fun recipes instead. (It’s hard…very hard!) Cookies seemed like a great use to reward that forced hoarding and appease the random sugar cookie craving I felt. Plus I think these will be a new favorite sugar cookie for you too. No need for decorations since the magic is right in the potato. This is when letting the natural ingredient shine becomes that sage advice.
These purple sweet potato sugar cookies are also NOT bland. They are naturally sweet from the magic that is a Stokes Purple Sweet, plus the lovely stevia syrup and my favorite baking erythritol to coat these bad boys in. So they’re actually sugar-free, wooo what!? Nor are they bland on festive color (is purple festive?). I guess purple can be festive for any holiday, right? Just a fun color for Christmas, a lucky color for New Years, eh, we’ll make it work! I do know that these are my new favorite sugar cookies. So soft, thick, and uniquely flavored, and they really are sweet! Sugar cookie conundrum no more! This girl is a PURPLE sugar cookie fan through and through, and you will be too 😉
Purple Sweet Potato Sugar Cookies
Purple Sweet Potato Sugar Cookies
No need to decorate these sugar cookies! Purple Sweet Potato Sugar Cookies are naturally purple, gluten-free, vegan, and sugar-free! You would never know that these thick & soft dessert cookies are secretly healthy and loaded with fun!
- Yield: 8-10 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup Arrowroot Starch
- 1/2 Cup Millet Flour
- 2 Tsp Baking Powder
- 1 Packed Cup Purple Sweet Potato Mash*
- 2 TB Stevia Syrup
- 1/2 Tsp Pure Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 Cup Unsweetened Non-Dairy Milk (I used almond)
- 1/4 Cup Erythritol
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the arrowroot, millet flour, baking powder, and potato mash. Mash everything together with a fork (your hands work better!) and knead into a well mixed dough.
- Next, add the stevia syrup, vanilla, and milk. Knead again until all is well incorporated.
- Prepare a baking sheet with a Silpat or parchment paper. Pour the erythritol on a plate and set aside as well.
- With the dough, form 8-10 balls with you hands, then flatten them a bit before fully coating each side in the erythritol and then placing on the baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies for 15-20 minutes (mine were done in 18). Remove and let cool.
Notes
Simply wash one large potato, make 2 slits in to the flesh, wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 3 minutes. Flip, and microwave another 3 minutes. Remove, slice open lengthwise and allow to cool a bit before scooping out the flesh.
The best gluten-free sugar cookies? Well, you know what I think, but you tell me after you make them yourself! I have a feeling these will make any sugar cookie lover or hater a fan, regardless! These cookies are everything you want and nothing that you don’t! So forget the bakery specials and crumbly bland school cookies, make these instead for any all all festive occasions and watch as smiles and joy fill the faces of everyone 🙂
Want more cookie? Try Soft Spiced Cocoa Pumpkin Cookies, Soft & Grainless Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies, Soft & Chewy Ginger Cookies, Chocolate Candy Cane Crunch Cookies.
So tell me:
+ Are you a sugar cookie fan?
+ If you were a cookie, what type of cookie would you be? You know, I think I’d be an oatmeal cookie. A bit misunderstood, an old soul, not the most polished, but once you get to know ’em, you fall in love!
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Miz Helen says
I can’t wait to try your awesome cookies. Thanks so much for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you!
Andrea says
These look delicious! My 8-month-old loves sweet potatoes – I haven’t thought of turning them into a cookie, but I may modify this recipe for his first birthday as a treat 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
He can be eating as many cookies as he wants 😉
Audrey @ Unconventional Baker says
Bahaha, you lil’ granma — love it, Miss oatmeal cookie 🙂 Love your purple take on these sugar cookies too.
I think I’d be a caramel sandwich cookie, or an almond crescent cookie. I may be biased towards these though as I’ve been eating heaps of them lately 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Bahaha! And those are some fancy sounding cookies 😉 But when I think of you, fancy and sophisticated always come to mind!
Katie says
Wow, just the fact that these fun cookies are purple is enough for me! I do love sugar cookies, I’m a super traditionalist, and I’d have to say I’d be some type of brownie with peppermint frosting, that’s my fav! Thanks for sharing, pinned!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, a brownie is a good choice 😉 Chocolate and mint….that’s even better 😉
Sandy Sandmeyer says
These are really pretty cookies! I never knew you could make cookies from sweet potatoes or that they came in a purple variety.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, thanks!
Pili says
Love they are free of any processed sugar, I will try making some. Can I use any kink of starch?
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You could probably do tapioca (I’ve only done these with arrowroot though).
Whitney Mullennex says
This is such an exciting recipe! I’ve had purple sweet potatoes once…and love them. But it was at a restaurant. Where do you buy yours? If I can find them, I would love to try this recipe out! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Can’t find any in my grocery this year, but they can show up anywhere! Just be on the look out!
Nikki says
I bought some online through Grub Market for a pretty good price.
Nikki says
The store-bought sugar cookies with icing are the worst! They just crumble and have no flavor. But these — these look good! I love the idea of pairing sweet potatoes in a sugar cookie, especially with such a fun color. Pinning for later.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you Nikki!
Lins @Boo & Maddie says
These look amazing, I’ve never seen purple sweet potatoes before (or mash for that matter!) I’ll have to keep my eyes open and try to recreate them X
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You’ll love them!
Mandy says
I feel SOOOOO awful! I very rarely check my spam folder in my email and when I did this morning, all of the emails notifying me of your latest posts were there 🙁 So bummed! I’ll be spending time over the next few days catching up…so, I apologize in advance for all the comments. These cookies look incredible and how creative are you?!?!? I never would have thought to make a cookie using purple sweet potato…or potato, period! They look delicious! <3
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You’re so sweet! Hahaha! No worries!!! My posts aren’t going anywhere and are always here for you when you get a chance to read them!!!
I wish I could send you these cookies!!!!
Lauren says
Yum! I am on the look out now for purple sweet potatoes!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Be on high alert!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
Wow how creative and fun!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks!
Mel says
I love purple sweet potato, but it’s hard to get your hands on it in the UK. Thanks for sharing your lovely recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It’s hard to get your hands on in NJ too 😛
Mera says
I love this recipe. We are also vegan and gluten-free over here and yes the kids are becoming interested in baked goods, which I really don’t do, unless they are very simple and very natural and these are definitely happening at least by new year’s eve! Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Well do this with the kiddos and they will love it and have so much fun!!!
Linda says
Looks delicious! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you!
Amberjane says
Wow love the purple cookies!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You bet!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
So… I had a lot of purple sweet potatoes in Hawaii. Loved them so much that I’m looking up seeds to grow my own in the spring :-)) I am positive I will love your cookies!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Omg!! If you find a place to buy seeds, let me know ASAP!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says
Love these purple cookies! Real food is so beautiful.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
That is it!
Kellen says
I’ve never had a sweet potato cookie but I’m a big fan of purple sweet potatoes! I can’t wait to try these!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Purple is the only ones worthy enough for cookies 😉
Cayanne Marcus says
Okay I am the only one who just wanted to bite into one of those cookies and get an inside shot?! They look SO fluffy I just am dying to open it up and have my taste buds go crayyy
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Hahaha! I’m glad they’re enticing you so 😉 Time to whip up a batch…or two!
Cathleen @ A Taste Of Madness says
Okay, I really need to find some purple sweet potato! Also, sweet potatoes in sugar cookies?? What a great idea!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Makin’ them extra “sweet” 😉
Emilie @ Emilie Eats says
I need to get my hands on some purple sweet potatoes!! These look SO good – and healthy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes!! Thank you sweetheart!
Lee MacArthur says
Do you know if the purple yam paste from Hawaii will work if you can’t find any sweet potatoes locally? They look awesome.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Paste, meaning it’s already in puree form? Sure, I bet it would!
Lee MacArthur says
Just to let you know, you can order the paste from Amazon among other places. You might like to try the paste to see how it works.
Marla says
Hi Rebecca,
I love sweet potatoes especially the purle ones & this recipe sounds absolutely deliciousand filled with such healthy ingredients.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks Marla!
Diana says
I first had purple sweet potatoes when I was in Hawaii last year. Ever since I try to track these things down every time I go to the store. I can’t wait to try these cookies!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
They are just the BEST!!
Annmarie says
Seriously, such a creative idea!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks dear!
Nadia's Healthy Kitchen says
Ooo purple cookies! Yes please 😀 I bet they look even cuter inside? 😀 I’ve never come across a purple sweet potato. I really want to try one now! Send me some of these cookies, please? 😛
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I’ll send you cookies and some PSPs!
Harriet Emily says
Oh my goodness these cookies are genius Rebecca! Such a great way to use sweet potato – and I love that you chose purple, they have such a pretty colour. These look delicious!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I would never use normal yams! Haha!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
I need these in my life STAT! Purple sweet potatoes are my favorite thing ever. Well, favorite thing besides cookies obv. 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
That’s why we’ve got to just combine the 2 😉
Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says
These are my kind of cookie!! 🙂 Yum!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
And now they just got better!
Laura @PetiteAllergyTreats says
Now this is something I really am curious about! I love the purple sweet potatoes and always mean to create something other than just potatoes. Fantastic idea!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I told myself that this season, I wouldn’t just eat them all, but create fun recipes to share with them! They deserve the spotlight!
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness says
Mmmm these look like the classic Christmas crinkle cookies, but so much healthier!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
And purple 😉 Thanks dear!
Heidi Kokborg says
These cookies look so good! I love that you added sweet potato to them – I simply have to try them…
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I hope you do! Thanks Heidi!
Michelle says
Oh wow!! Purple sweet potatoes! I’ll have to keep my eyes open for these. And what a great idea to use them in a cookie. I’ve been obsessed with adding beans to cookies lately.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I’ve still never made any beany baked goods!! Crazy for me not to!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
So darn adorable! I’ve never had a purple sweet potato. I can’t seem to find them anywhere!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you! They are hard to find (I’ve only been able to get mine when Frieda’s sends them to me this year). But when you do randomly find them, it’s a pot of gold and you must buy them ALL!
Steph @ The Grateful Grazer says
Sugar cookies were always my fave – and yep, they definitely need to be chewy! These look delish, as usual, Rebecca! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Chewy always and forever!!! Thanks Steph!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
My boys would think these cookies were the COOLEST thing ever! Love this!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, well they are 😉 Thanks dear!
Min says
I honestly prefer purple or Japanese (have you tried these) sweet potatoes over the orange ones! Yum! What a clever idea. If I was a cookie, one thing is for certain. There’s gotta be some chocolate chips!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Girl, I LIVE on Japanese sweets! I really don’t like normal American orange yams. They are so wet and…just not good. Once you taste the wonderful texture, density, and flavor of Purple or Japanese, you NEVER go back!!!
Yes, there should always be some chocolate 😉 I think I’d need some chocolate in me too!
Lauren says
I love purple sweet potatoes! How fun are these cookies?!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Every time you use PSP, you’re going to have a fun recipe 😉
Nutmeg Nanny says
I love the color in purple sweet potatoes and it totally shown through in these cookies…yum!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Their greatest feature 😉
Dee Dee (My Midlife Kitchen) says
Funnily enough, I just bought my first purple sweet potatoes! And now I have a fun and sweet recipe to use them with! Great timing. :o)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I hope you bought more than one 😉
Dee Dee (My Midlife Kitchen) says
I bought 5. Watch out now!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
YES!!!!
Farrah says
I love purple sweet potatoes, and the fact that you made em’ into sugar cookies! <3! These are gorgeous!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Gotta make our favorite “sweets” even sweeter 😉
Sandi (@sandigtweets) says
Fabulous purple color…it makes these cookies special 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Totally 😉 Color is always a good thing!
Robyn @ Simply Fresh Dinners says
I just had to come see these magic purple cookies, Rebecca! Such a great recipe and they look so delicious. Only in the last couple of years have I developed a sweet tooth so I’ve decided I need to learn how to bake finally, lol. These look like the perfect place to start. Kids must go crazy for these fun treats. Great job!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you dear!!
I have like no sweet tooth, so my baked goods are never overly sweet! These will be perfect though and were even approved by my HUGE sweet tooth momma 😉
Sarah says
Oh I’m intrigued, I can’t say I’ve ever had a potato cookie, definitely not a purple potato cookie!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
That needs to change 😉
Chandice says
What a fun recipe!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you!
Kristy @ Southern In Law says
You are the queen of purple sweet potatoes! These are so fun!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you Kristy!!!
tessa@tessadomesticdiva says
Love the purple!! I have been wanting to make a sweet potato bread with the purple variety, just haven’t gotten around to it!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
That would be so fun!
Brittany says
I am so intrigued by these cookies! I need to make them to satisfy my curiosity! I definitely prefer the soft, moist and chewy sugar cookies over the hard crunchy ones. These look like they fit the bill perfectly. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Perfect, perfect! You will love these dear, as “strange” as it may seem 😉
Kalinda says
How fun!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks!
Sam @ PancakeWarriors says
I need to make these asap!! I love purple sweet potatoes and have never baked with them!! These would be perfect for new years celebrations!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
YES!!! Purple fun to ring in the new year!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
WHAT THE WHAT holy cripes these are amazing. I finally found purple sweet potatoes the other day, but they were $6 A POUND.
Not going to happen.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
What!? Wow…well Just but at least one…and make these cookies!
Hayley Blake says
I’ve never made cookies with sweet potatoes but I LOVE purple sweet potatoes! I want to try this!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You’ll love them!
Dr. Jennifer Weinberg MD MPH | Simple Pure Whole Wellness says
These are going on my to-make Christmas cookie list! Love the beautiful purple hue as well.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you dear!
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit says
I had almost forgotten that there was still a purple cookie coming before the holidays, so you can only imagine how excited I was to see this when I woke up! They are beeeeeeautiful! Santa would probably never leave your house, he’d just wait till you woke up and demand you to make more purple cookies because everyone loves purple cookies. And plus I’m sure he gets tired of all those sprinkles and all that frosting! But these need nothing else, they are perfect <3
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I was told Santa’s favorite color isn’t red or green…it’s purple!!!! (Wait..when you mix the 2 red/green do you get purple?)
But thank you thank you my sweet dear! My hands were…purple after this one 😛 My hands are always getting dyed! They were brown from the candy canes, purple from these, nail polish from those mugs…and pretty much always stained with beets and turmeric 😛
Georgie says
Saw the title of this post and literally said out loud “saaay waaahhht?” these look amazing! Love the creativity you bring to all your recipes.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, thank you dear!! Always have to make food fun in every way!
Kat says
I seriously cannot believe that you made sugar cookies from sweet potatoes. You my friend, are crazy talented! WHile I am a cookie monster and won’t turn any down, I do have a soft spot for those homemade sugar cookies that you ice yourself. Though I typically don’t ice them and only add sprinkles, because this girl eats icing straight from the bowl. #noshame
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Hahaha, thank you sweetheart!
There really is not thing as a “bad” cookies, just certain ones are better than others 😉
See, I’d probably eat an entire tub of sprinkles before frosting! Hahahahaha!
Laura says
I’ve been seeing purple sweet potatoes pop up in a few recipes and had a few ideas for them, but can’t seem to find them in the store right now. I hope they show up soon. These look awesome Rebecca!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Once you get your hands on some…don’t waste anytime!!!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
Rebecca – why these are brilliant! Love the color and the fact that they are butter and refined sugar free! This means I get to eat these for breakfast – and lunch and dinner – right? 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You know I’m always a huge advocate for eating “desserts” for breakfast 😉 Thanks dear!
Annie Tucker says
Rebecca these are amazing! I love purple sweet potatoes! I’m a huge advocate of sugar cookies, I think they get overlooked, but they are personally my favorite!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Well then you’ll sure love these!
Raia says
Yep, the next time I see purple sweet potato in the market, this is what I’m doing with it. 🙂 I love the texture sweet potatoes give to cookies. 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
They are so thick and yummy!
Kate says
These look so fun! Would be a great opportunity to sneak in some extra veggies for my
Girls too!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
If you consider potatoes a vegetable, than sure!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma says
I’ll have to think about what type of cookie I’d be! I still have 2 purple sweet potatoes I think so might use one for cookies!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
DOOO ITTT!!!!!!!! Maybe you’ll realize you’re a purple sweet potato cookie in the process 😉
rachel @ Athletic Avocado says
such a great idea using sweet potatoes in cookies!!! yum!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks Rachel!
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says
I love all cookies! Haha. But I must admit, these purple sweet potato sugar cookies are so intriguing and makes me really wish I could find purple sweet potato at the local market. I have made sweet potato cookies before, so I know this would be a recipe for me!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Well that’s a given Ms. Cookie Writer 😉
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday says
I like soft/chewy sugar cookies with flavor (it’s kind of buttery and vanilla-y, I think), but I wouldn’t choose them over most cookies. Love your creative twist on them, though!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
My thoughts exactly! Sugar cookies would never be my #1 choice if there was chocolate or gingerbread!