Sweet Potato Donut Recipe: A Unique Holiday Treat

Who says sweet potatoes are only for casseroles and pies? This holiday season, surprise your family and friends with a unique and delicious treat: sweet potato donuts! These fluffy, spiced donuts are the perfect blend of sweetness and warmth, making them an ideal addition to your festive celebrations. Whether you're serving them at a holiday brunch or enjoying them as a cozy snack, these sweet potato donuts are sure to become a new holiday favorite.

Ingredients:

For the Donuts:

• 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1/2 cup whole milk

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons milk

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Optional: a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork and bake until soft, about 45 minutes. Let them cool, then peel and mash until smooth.

2. Make the Donut Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.

3. In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and mashed sweet potatoes until well combined.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

3. Bake the Donuts

1. Spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about three-quarters full.

2. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.

3. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Glaze the Donuts

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract (add the cinnamon or nutmeg, if using).

2. Dip the top of each cooled donut into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack to set.

These sweet potato donuts are a delightful twist on traditional holiday treats. The combination of sweet potatoes and warm spices makes them perfect for the season, and the light glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness. Enjoy these donuts with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee, and savor the festive flavors.

Happy holidays and happy baking!