Name: Irresistible Cornbread Cookies with Honey Butter Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 64 min
Ingredients: 1 cup cornmeal (Save some for rolling); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tsp kosher salt; ¾ cup unsalted butter (Room temperature); ½ cup light brown sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup honey (Agave syrup can be used); 2 large eggs (Room temperature); 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup unsalted butter (Room temperature); ⅓ cup honey (Agave syrup is a good substitute); ½ tsp optional cinnamon; 2 to 3 cups powdered sugar (Adjust for desired thickness); to taste flaky sea salt (For topping)

As I stood in my kitchen, the warm scent of baking cornbread wafted through the air, instantly bringing back memories of family gatherings and cozy winter nights. But today, I wanted to add a twist to that nostalgia. Enter my Thick and Chewy Cornbread Cookies with Honey Butter Frosting—a delightful dessert that captures the essence of traditional cornbread, yet delights like a cookie. With just the right blend of sweet and savory, these cookies are not only quick to whip up but also make for a show-stopping addition to your holiday table, especially at Thanksgiving. Picture drizzling honey over the creamy frosting and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt that takes each bite to a new level of indulgence. Are you ready to transform your next baking adventure into a memorable treat?

Why are these cookies a must-try?

Unique Flavor Fusion: These cornbread cookies beautifully blend the heartiness of traditional cornbread with the sweetness of cookies, creating a dessert unlike any other.

Perfect for Celebrations: With their festive presentation and delightful taste, they’re perfect for Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings, setting the stage for memorable moments.

Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, ensuring even novice bakers can impress their loved ones without stress—no complicated techniques involved!

Crowd-Pleaser: With a combination of flavors and textures that appeal to everyone, they’re sure to be a hit at family gatherings or potlucks.

Versatile Options: Try them with add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts for a fun twist, or check out my Cinnamon Roll Cookies for another unique treat.

Cornbread Cookies Ingredients

• Here’s what you’ll need to bake these delightful Cornbread Cookies with Honey Butter Frosting.

For the Cookies

Cornmeal – This gives the cookies their signature cornbread flavor and rustic texture; save some for rolling.
All-Purpose Flour – The backbone of the cookie dough, providing the necessary structure.
Baking Powder – A vital leavening agent that allows the cookies to rise and stay soft.
Cornstarch – Adds a delightful tenderness, achieving that chewy cookie feel.
Kosher Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances all the wonderful flavors.
Unsalted Butter – For richness and moisture; ensure it’s at room temperature for seamless mixing.
Light Brown Sugar – Brings moistness and a hint of caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with cornbread.
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and is essential for that perfect browning.
Honey – A natural sweetener that ties in beautifully with both the cookies and frosting; you can use agave syrup as an alternative.
Eggs – Essential for structure and moisture; room temperature eggs mix in effortlessly.
Vanilla Extract – This little addition enhances the overall flavor, making each bite irresistible.

For the Honey Buttercream Frosting

Unsalted Butter – The foundation of your frosting, ensuring it’s creamy; again, keep it at room temperature.
Honey – Sweetens the frosting while bringing the cookie flavor full circle; agave syrup is a good substitute.
Optional Cinnamon – A warming spice that adds depth to the frosting, making it extra special.
Powdered Sugar – Helps to thicken the frosting, giving it that rich texture we all love.
Flaky Sea Salt – A finishing touch that enhances flavors; sprinkle generously on top for a delightful contrast.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cornbread Cookies with Honey Butter Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and kosher salt. This mixture forms the foundation of your cornbread cookies with honey butter frosting. Ensure there are no clumps by breaking larger pieces apart as you combine the dry ingredients. Set this bowl aside for later use when mixing.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a stand mixer or large bowl, beat together ¾ cup of room-temperature unsalted butter, ½ cup of light brown sugar, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and ¼ cup of honey. Mix on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until the mixture appears light and fluffy. This creaming process helps to incorporate air, which contributes to the cookies’ delightful tenderness.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next, which helps achieve a smooth dough. The mixture should be smooth and well combined, laying the groundwork for the luscious flavors of your cornbread cookie dough.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the bowl of dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a thick dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; just ensure that no dry flour pockets remain. This step ensures that your cornbread cookies have the perfect chewy texture, making them a unique dessert for any occasion, especially Thanksgiving.

Step 5: Shape Cookies
Using a cookie scoop, portion out ¼ cup of dough, then roll each ball in extra cornmeal to give the cookies a rustic finish. Lightly flatten each ball with your hands to create uniform disks. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space for spreading while baking—this will help create that delightful thickness.

Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Bake the cornbread cookies for 11-14 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft and doughy. Keep an eye out for a light golden color around the edges. Once done, allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before frosting.

Step 7: Make Frosting
While the cookies cool, prepare the honey buttercream frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together ½ cup of room-temperature unsalted butter, ⅓ cup of honey, and an optional ½ teaspoon of cinnamon until fully combined. Gradually mix in 2 to 3 cups of powdered sugar until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Set aside for later.

Step 8: Frost Cookies
Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous layer of your honey buttercream frosting on top of each cookie. For an added touch, drizzle additional honey over the frosting and sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt. These finishing touches will elevate your cornbread cookies with honey butter frosting to a truly irresistible treat.

Tips for the Best Cornbread Cookies

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother, creamier dough, helping the cookies rise perfectly.
Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies instead of the desired chewy texture.
Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps maintain shape and enhances texture.
Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies; they should be slightly underbaked in the center for that perfect chewy bite.
Storage Tips: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze them for longer freshness—just remember to frost them after thawing!
Try Variations: Customize your cornbread cookies with mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts for an exciting twist on the classic recipe!

Make Ahead Options

These Cornbread Cookies with Honey Butter Frosting are fantastic for meal prep! You can make the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing and refrigerating it. Shape the dough into balls and roll them in cornmeal before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap. Just remember to bring the dough to room temperature before baking for the best results. Additionally, baked cookies can be stored unfrosted in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, frost them with your honey buttercream and enjoy the same delicious flavors as if they were freshly baked. This way, you save precious time during busy family gatherings!

What to Serve with Cornbread Cookies with Honey Butter Frosting

Indulge in a delightful meal experience by pairing these sweet treasures with delightful flavors that complement their unique flair!

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The velvety texture of buttery mashed potatoes provides a comforting contrast to the chewy cookies.
Savory Sausage Gravy: A rich, flavorful gravy adds a savory element that enhances the sweet notes of the cookies, making for an unforgettable blend.
Crunchy Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw brings a crisp texture and tartness that balances the richness of the frosting beautifully.
Spiced Apple Cider: A warm cup of spiced apple cider brings cozy warmth and fragrant notes that harmonize with the honey and corn flavors.
Rich Pumpkin Pie: For a classic holiday pairing, the flavors of pumpkin pie complete your dessert table and echo the cookies’ autumnal essence.
Honey-Drizzled Goat Cheese: Spread creamy goat cheese on crackers, drizzle with honey, and serve alongside the cookies for a sophisticated twist that guests will love.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a decadent creaminess that pairs perfectly with the cookies’ sweetness, creating a rich dessert experience.
Bourbon Cocktails: A light, bourbon-based cocktail introduces a warm, slightly smoky flavor that enhances the cookies’ sweet and savory elements, perfect for festive gatherings.

How to Store and Freeze Cornbread Cookies with Honey Butter Frosting

Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days to keep them soft and chewy. If frosted, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Fridge: For longer life, refrigerate unfrosted cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, then frost just before serving to maintain freshness.

Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months, placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring to a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.

Reheating: If desired, reheat cookies in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked warmth before enjoying your cornbread cookies with honey butter frosting.

Cornbread Cookies with Honey Butter Frosting: Creative Twists

Get ready to sprinkle your personal touch on these delightful cornbread cookies and let your taste buds roam!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, allowing everyone to enjoy these cookies without worry.
Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and a delightful nutty flavor in every bite.
Cinnamon Spice: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the cookie dough for a warm, comforting flavor that pairs beautifully with honey.
Chocolate Lovers: Mix in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a indulgent twist that balances the savory notes of cornbread.
Mini Treats: Make smaller cookies by reducing dough ball size to 2 tablespoons and adjusting your baking time to around 8-10 minutes.
Frost It Up: Try different frostings, like cream cheese or even vanilla buttercream, for a unique flavor experience that captures interest.
Apple Twist: Add finely chopped dried apples to the dough for a chewy, fruity surprise in the middle of every cookie.
Maple Glaze: Swap honey for pure maple syrup in both the dough and frosting for an entirely different, yet delightful, sweet profile.

Feel free to explore these variations and enhance your baking experience! If you’re in the mood for another tasty treat, my Peanut Butter Cookies make for a perfect companion alongside these cornbread cookies. Enjoy letting your creativity shine!

Cornbread Cookies with Honey Butter Frosting Recipe FAQs

What type of cornmeal should I use for the cookies?
Absolutely! Use a medium or fine cornmeal for the best texture in these cornbread cookies. Coarse cornmeal can make your cookies gritty rather than chewy and delicious. If you can’t find cornmeal, look for polenta as a suitable alternative.

How should I store cornbread cookies after baking?
Store your cornbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you’ve frosted them, it’s wise to place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll stay soft and chewy, perfect for snacking or sharing!

Can I freeze cornbread cookies, and if so, how?
Yes, you can freeze your cornbread cookies! To do so, allow the cookies to cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before frosting or enjoying!

What if my cookies come out too dry?
Very! If your cookies turn out dry, it might be because they were overbaked or the dough was overmixed. To prevent this, always watch your baking time closely—cookies should appear slightly underbaked in the center. Mixing just until the dry ingredients are incorporated will also help retain moisture for a perfect chewy texture.

Are these cookies safe for people with gluten allergies?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can often substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it has a good binding agent, such as xanthan gum, to help mimic the chewy texture of traditional cookies. Enjoy baking!

Can I use different sweeteners in the frosting?
Definitely! If you’re out of honey, agave syrup is a fantastic alternative for sweetening your buttercream. You can also experiment with maple syrup for a unique flavor twist, but keep in mind the consistency may vary slightly, and you might need to adjust the powdered sugar accordingly. Happy baking!