Description
These soft yet hearty cookies combine the cozy flavor of classic cornbread with the indulgence of a bakery-style dessert. Each cookie is rolled in cornmeal for subtle crunch, baked until thick and tender, then finished with a lavish layer of honey butter frosting, a drizzle of golden honey, and a final pinch of flaky sea salt. Sweet, buttery, and just a little unexpected—perfect for standing out on a Thanksgiving dessert table.
Ingredients
Cornbread Cookies
- 1 cup cornmeal, plus an additional ⅓ cup for coating
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Honey Butter Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing
Instructions
Make the Cookies
- Place the extra ⅓ cup of cornmeal into a shallow bowl and set it aside for later.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, 1 cup cornmeal, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk until evenly mixed and reserve.
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and honey together for about 3–4 minutes, until the mixture looks pale and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients, stopping as soon as no dry streaks remain.
- Scoop large portions of dough (roughly ¼ cup each) onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing no more than six cookies per sheet.
- Roll each dough mound in the reserved cornmeal, return it to the baking sheet, and gently press it down slightly using the bottom of a glass or cup.
- Bake for 11–14 minutes, just until the edges are set while the centers still appear soft and underbaked. Once removed from the oven, firmly tap the baking sheet on the counter a few times to help the cookies settle.
- Leave the cookies on the baking sheet and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare the Honey Butter Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter, honey, vanilla, cinnamon (if using), salt, and half of the powdered sugar until a thick paste forms.
- Add the remaining powdered sugar and mix on low until incorporated, then increase the speed and whip for about one minute until light and smooth.
- If needed, add water one teaspoon at a time until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
- Spread or pipe the frosting generously over the cooled cookies. Finish with a light drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Notes
- Keep unfrosted or frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- If stacking frosted cookies, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to protect the frosting.
- For best texture and even baking, measure flour carefully using a kitchen scale or the fluff, scoop, and level method—too much flour can prevent the cookies from spreading properly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
Nutrition
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 56 g
- Sodium: 299 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 90 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 89 mg