Cornbread Cookies with Honey Butter Frosting Recipe
These Cornbread Cookies with Honey Butter Frosting combine the rustic flavor of cornmeal with a tender, buttery cookie, topped with a luscious honey-infused buttercream frosting. Slightly crispy on the edges and soft in the center, these cookies are rolled in extra cornmeal for a unique texture and finished with a drizzle of honey and flaky sea salt for the perfect sweet and savory balance.
- Author: Dylan
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cookies
- 1 cup cornmeal (plus extra ⅓ cup for rolling)
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Honey Buttercream Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing
- Prepare the Cornmeal: Add ⅓ cup cornmeal to a separate bowl and set aside for rolling the cookies later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and kosher salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 350℉ (177℃) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat together 1 cup unsalted butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and honey for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring good aeration for tender cookies.
- Add Eggs and Flavoring: Beat in the eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract, mixing just until combined to maintain a tender texture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix which can make cookies tough.
- Shape Cookies: Use a 3 tablespoon cookie scoop to drop heaping scoops (about ¼ cup each) of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, placing no more than 6 cookies per sheet for even baking.
- Roll in Cornmeal and Flatten: Roll each cookie dough ball through the reserved ⅓ cup cornmeal, then place back onto the baking sheet. Gently press down each cookie with the bottom of a cup to slightly flatten them for even cooking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 11-14 minutes, until edges are set but centers still look slightly doughy. Avoid baking past 14 minutes to maintain a soft center.
- Cool and Set: After baking, firmly tap the baking sheet on the counter a few times to help cookies settle and flatten. Let cookies cool completely on the baking sheets placed on wire racks to avoid breakage and ensure proper texture.
- Prepare Honey Buttercream Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat ½ cup unsalted butter, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), kosher salt, and half of the powdered sugar until it forms a paste.
- Add Remaining Powdered Sugar: Add remaining powdered sugar and beat on low until combined. Increase speed and whip for one minute until smooth and fluffy. Adjust the consistency by adding 1 teaspoon water at a time until spreadable.
- Frost Cookies: Pipe or spread the honey buttercream frosting onto cooled cookies. Drizzle with additional honey and finish each cookie with a pinch of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness.
Notes
- Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing for best texture.
- Do not overbake cookies; remove when edges are set but centers remain slightly soft for a tender bite.
- Rolling the dough in cornmeal before baking adds a delightful crunch and unique texture.
- Optional cinnamon in frosting adds warm spice but can be omitted for a pure honey flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Keywords: cornbread cookies, honey butter frosting, sweet cookies, cornmeal cookies, homemade cookies, fall dessert, buttercream frosting