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Cornbread Cookies with Honey Butter Frosting Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 66 reviews
  • Author: Gabriel
  • Total Time: 34 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

Description

Cornbread Cookies with Honey Butter Frosting combine a unique blend of sweet, buttery cookie dough with the rustic flavor of cornmeal, topped with a luscious honey buttercream frosting. These soft yet slightly crumbly cookies feature a delightful balance of textures and flavors, accented by a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a drizzle of honey, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 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 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 cornmeal for rolling: Add ⅓ cup cornmeal into a small bowl and set aside; this will be used later to coat the cookies before baking.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and kosher salt. Set this mixture aside for later incorporation into the dough.
  3. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  4. Cream butter and sugars: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat the 1 cup unsalted butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and honey for 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring air is incorporated for a tender texture.
  5. Add eggs and flavor: Mix in the two large eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined, maintaining the creamy consistency of the batter.
  6. Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which can make cookies tough.
  7. Scoop dough: Using a 3 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion heaping scoops of dough (approximately ¼ cup each) onto the prepared baking sheets, limiting to no more than six cookies per sheet for even baking.
  8. Roll in cornmeal: Gently roll each cookie dough ball in the reserved ⅓ cup of cornmeal to coat, then place back onto the baking sheets. Press each cookie down slightly with the bottom of a cup to flatten them gently.
  9. Bake cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 11-14 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly doughy. After baking, gently smack the baking sheet on the counter a few times to help the cookies settle and flatten further.
  10. Cool cookies: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets placed on wire racks. This helps them firm up and achieve the correct texture.
  11. Make honey buttercream frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the ½ cup unsalted butter, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), kosher salt, and half of the powdered sugar until a smooth paste forms.
  12. Add remaining powdered sugar: Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar, beating on low until incorporated. Then increase the speed and whip the frosting for one minute until smooth. If needed, add water one teaspoon at a time to reach a spreadable consistency.
  13. Frost and garnish: Pipe or spread the honey butter frosting over each cooled cookie, drizzle with honey, and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt for added flavor contrast and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Do not overbake the cookies; removing them when the centers are still slightly doughy ensures a soft texture.
  • Using room temperature ingredients helps achieve the best mixing and texture.
  • The optional cinnamon in the frosting adds a warm spice note but can be omitted for a simpler flavor.
  • Flaky sea salt as a finishing touch provides a delightful contrast to the sweet frosting.
  • Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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

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