Description
Delight in the unique flavor of Cornbread Cookies with Honey Butter Frosting, a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and buttery textures. These cookies feature a tender crumb rolled in cornmeal for a delightful crunch and are topped with a luscious honey buttercream frosting accented by flaky sea salt. Ideal for a special treat or dessert that combines classic cornbread elements with rich cookie indulgence.
Ingredients
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 garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the cornmeal for rolling: Add ⅓ cup cornmeal to a small bowl and set aside to be used later for rolling the cookie dough.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup cornmeal, 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 3 tablespoons cornstarch, and ¾ teaspoon kosher salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate even baking.
- Cream butter and sugars: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat 1 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup light brown sugar, ½ cup granulated sugar, and ¼ cup honey together for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined, careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape the cookies: Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, drop heaping scoops of dough (about ¼ cup each) onto the prepared baking sheets, limiting to no more than 6 cookies per sheet to allow proper spreading.
- Roll in cornmeal and flatten: Gently roll each cookie dough ball through the reserved ⅓ cup cornmeal, then place them back on the baking sheet. Press each cookie slightly flat with the bottom of a cup to create a uniform shape.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 11-14 minutes until the edges are set and the centers appear slightly doughy. After removing from the oven, gently smack the baking sheet on the counter a few times to help the cookies settle and flatten.
- Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet placed on a wire rack. This ensures they finish setting without becoming hard.
- Make the honey buttercream: In a mixing bowl, beat ½ cup unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon cinnamon (if using), ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and half of the powdered sugar until a thick paste forms.
- Finish the frosting: Add the remaining powdered sugar and mix on low speed until combined. Then increase the speed and whip for 1 minute until smooth and creamy. Add water 1 teaspoon at a time if necessary to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Frost the cookies: Pipe or spread the honey buttercream frosting generously on each cooled cookie.
- Garnish: Drizzle a little honey over the frosted cookies and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt for a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Notes
- Do not overbake the cookies; remove them when the edges are set but centers remain slightly soft to maintain a tender texture.
- Room temperature eggs and butter ensure the batter mixes evenly and yields the best texture.
- If frosting is too thick, add water gradually to loosen it up until desired spreading consistency is reached.
- For stronger cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon slightly or omit completely for a milder frosting.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate the frosted cookies for longer freshness.
- Be sure to cool cookies completely before frosting to prevent melting the buttercream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American