Mbatata (Malawian Sweet Potato Cookies)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mashed sweet potatoes *
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, (melted)
• 1 c unbleached all purpose flour
• 1/4 c brown sugar, (loosely packed)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 c raisins

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes and melted butter.

3. 3

   Add flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well until a soft dough forms.

4. 4

   Add the raisins and mix until incorporated.

5. 5

   Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead it a few times until the dough is solid enough to roll out.

6. 6

   Roll the dough 1/2 inch thick and cut the cookies with a cookie cutter (heart shaped is traditional). Place the cut cookies onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Re-roll and cut any remaining dough, until all the dough has been used.

7. 7

   Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, until firm and slightly springy when touched.

8. 8

   Remove the cookies from oven and let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes.

9. 9

   Remove the cookies from the baking sheet to finish cooling on a wire rack.