Cookies for Breakfast? - Yes! Nourish Your Fall Mornings with Sweet Potato Oat Breakfast Cookies!

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Starting the day with a root vegetable at breakfast might sound unappealing but can be tastier than you think with these sweet potato breakfast cookies! I found this recipe last fall and have made them many times for family and friends who love them- many of them not liking sweet potatoes before. This recipe is free of any processed sugar, gluten-free, and can be vegan by replacing the eggs. 

Sweet potatoes have a natural sweetness that pairs with just about anything. They are nutrient dense and provide many health benefits including improved digestion, immunity boost, reduced inflammation, and aiding in weight management. Paired with oats in this recipe makes the benefits even greater- and you can eat them for breakfast! Pair with eggs, Greek yogurt, or protein of your choice for a balanced breakfast to start your day. 


The Benefits of Oats and Sweet Potatoes 
  • Heart Health: 
    • Soluble fiber in sweet potatoes lowers cholesterol levels
    • Beta-glucan, the soluble fiber in oats also lower cholesterol levels 
  • Digestive Health: 
    • Fiber in both oats and sweet potatoes act as a prebiotic to feed good bacteria in the gut 
  • Weight Management: 
    • The fiber content in oats and sweet potatoes helps feel fuller longer, which can aid in lower caloric intake
  • Immune Health: 
    • Phytochemicals in sweet potatoes help fight disease and boost the immune system by reducing inflammation
    • Oats are rich in minerals that are vital for immune function- zinc, iron, copper, and selenium
  • Blood Sugar Control:
    • Sweet potatoes have a medium glycemic index having less immediate impact on blood sugar 
    • Beta-glucan slows the breakdown of carbohydrates; their high magnesium content aids in regulation of blood sugar 
Sweet Potato and Oat Breakfast Cookies 
Makes 9 Servings 
2/3 cup sweet potato- cooked and mashed
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 cup unsweetened almond butter- or nut butter of your choice
2 cups rolled oats
2 large eggs- or 2 ripe mashed bananas to make it vegan 
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt 
Optional- 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/2 cup chocolate chips or inclusion of your choice- I like to add raisins!

1. Bake or boil sweet potato, allow to cool and then mash with a fork or potato masher.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a large bowl add mashed sweet potato, eggs (or bananas), almond butter, pure maple syrup, and mix until well combined.
4. Add in oats, cinnamon, salt, and any inclusions until a thick sticky dough forms- it is supposed to be stickier than normal cookie dough. 
5. Drop mounds of dough onto the lined baking sheet, press into desired size and shape- the dough will not spread or change form while baking.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. 
7. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10+ minutes before transferring. 
8. Enjoy!


-AH

original recipe and instructions: https://www.theroastedroot.net/5-ingredient-sweet-potato-oatmeal-cookies/#wprm-recipe-container-74547
https://www.verywellhealth.com/benefits-of-sweet-potatoes-7973361
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-benefits-oats-oatmeal









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