Print

Cornbread Cookies with Honey Butter Frosting Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 127 reviews

These Cornbread Cookies with Honey Butter Frosting offer a delightful twist on traditional cookies by combining the hearty texture of cornbread with a sweet, creamy honey buttercream. Rolled in cornmeal for extra crunch and topped with a smooth honey-infused frosting and flaky sea salt, these cookies are perfect for those who love a balance of sweet and savory flavors in their baked treats.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 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

Cookie Dough

  • 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 Butter 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 garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cornmeal: Add ⅓ cup cornmeal to a small bowl and set aside for rolling the cookies later.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together 1 cup cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and kosher salt until well combined. Set aside.
  3. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  4. Cream Butter, Sugars, and Honey: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or using a hand mixer, beat the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and honey together for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time and vanilla extract to the mixture, beating until fully combined and smooth.
  6. Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
  7. Scoop Dough and Roll in Cornmeal: 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 six cookies per sheet. Roll each dough scoop in the reserved ⅓ cup cornmeal, then place back on the baking sheet. Gently press down each cookie with the bottom of a cup to slightly flatten.
  8. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 11-14 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly doughy. Remove from oven and gently smack the baking sheets on the counter a few times to help the cookies fall flat. Avoid baking beyond 14 minutes to prevent overcooking.
  9. Cool Cookies: Transfer the baking sheets to a wire rack and allow the cookies to cool completely on the sheets before frosting.
  10. Make Honey Buttercream: In a mixing bowl, beat together the unsalted butter, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), kosher salt, and half of the powdered sugar until a thick paste forms. Add the remaining powdered sugar and beat on low speed until combined, then increase speed and whip for one minute until smooth and fluffy. Add water one teaspoon at a time as needed to reach spreadable consistency.
  11. Frost and Garnish: Pipe or spread the honey buttercream generously on top of each cooled cookie. Drizzle with additional honey and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt for contrast and extra flavor.

Notes

  • Do not overbake the cookies; they should have set edges and slightly doughy centers for the best texture.
  • Rolling the cookie dough balls in cornmeal adds a pleasing crunch and reinforces the cornbread flavor.
  • Use room temperature butter and eggs to ensure proper mixing and texture.
  • The cinnamon in the frosting is optional but adds a warm spice note that complements the honey well.
  • Make sure to cool the cookies completely before frosting to prevent melting the buttercream.

Keywords: cornbread cookies, honey butter frosting, cornbread dessert, soft cookies, sweet cornbread, homemade cookies, fall baking, honey frosting

Find it online: https://savorandsimmer.com/cornbread-cookies-with-honey-butter-frosting-recipe/