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Cornbread Cookies with Honey Butter Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 117 reviews

These Cornbread Cookies with Honey Butter Frosting combine the rustic, slightly sweet flavor of cornbread with a rich, creamy honey butter frosting. Perfectly soft-centers with a lightly crispy edge and topped with a luscious honey-infused buttercream, these cookies offer a unique twist on classic comfort flavors. The light dusting of flaky sea salt on top balances the sweetness, creating a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the 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

For the Honey Butter Frosting

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • Flaky sea salt (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and kosher salt until evenly combined. Set aside. Separately, place ⅓ cup cornmeal in another bowl for rolling the dough later.
  2. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick during baking.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat the unsalted butter, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and honey together on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the dough.
  5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: On low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
  6. Form and Roll Cookies: Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, drop heaping scoops of dough (about ¼ cup each) into the reserved bowl with ⅓ cup cornmeal and roll them until coated. Place the rolled dough balls back on the prepared baking sheets, spacing no more than 6 cookies per sheet. Press each cookie slightly with the bottom of a cup to flatten gently for even baking.
  7. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 11-14 minutes. Look for set edges while the centers remain slightly doughy. Do not bake beyond 14 minutes to prevent the cookies from drying out.
  8. Cool Cookies: Once baked, remove from the oven and gently smack the baking sheets on the counter a few times to help the cookies relax and flatten. Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheets placed on a wire rack.
  9. Make Honey Butter Frosting: Beat together the softened butter, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), kosher salt, and half of the powdered sugar until a smooth paste forms. Add the remaining powdered sugar and mix on low speed to combine, then increase speed and whip for one minute until fluffy. Add water, one teaspoon at a time, to achieve a spreadable consistency.
  10. Frost and Garnish Cookies: Pipe or spread the honey butter frosting on top of each cooled cookie. Drizzle a little extra honey over the frosting and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors.

Notes

  • Room temperature ingredients help create a smoother dough and better texture in cookies.
  • Do not overbake the cookies; they should appear slightly underbaked in the center for softness.
  • Rolling dough balls in cornmeal adds a delicate texture and subtle crunch to the cookie exterior.
  • Cinnamon in the frosting is optional but adds a nice warm spice note that complements the honey and cornmeal.
  • Use flaky sea salt as a finishing touch for a perfect balance between sweet and salty flavors.

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

Find it online: https://annakocht.com/cornbread-cookies-with-honey-butter-frosting-recipe-2/