Description

These soft and buttery Cornbread Cookies with Cinnamon Honey Butter Frosting are inspired by sweet Southern cornbread and topped with a fluffy honey butter frosting, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. They’re thick, bakery-style cookies that are perfect for holidays, fall baking, cookie exchanges, or whenever you’re craving a cozy homemade dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons honey
2½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup fine yellow cornmeal
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

Cinnamon Honey Butter Frosting

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
Pinch of salt

Optional Garnish

Honey drizzle
Cinnamon sugar

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla and honey.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Scoop dough into large balls (about ¼ cup each) and place 3 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Gently flatten the tops.
Bake for 11–13 minutes, just until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should remain soft.
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the frosting, beat the butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, honey, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, and enough heavy cream to create a fluffy, spreadable frosting.
Spread a generous layer of frosting over each cooled cookie using an offset spatula or spoon.
Finish with a drizzle of honey and a light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before serving.

Notes

Fine cornmeal creates the softest cookie texture.
Do not overbake; the cookies should look slightly underdone in the center.
Cool completely before frosting.
Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes if your kitchen is warm.
For extra bakery-style cookies, use a large cookie scoop and flatten slightly before baking.

Make It Your Own

Add a touch of maple syrup to the frosting.
Brown the butter for a richer flavor.
Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the honey drizzle.
Add orange zest to the frosting for a bright twist.
Drizzle with hot honey for a sweet-and-spicy version.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 MINUTES
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, SOUTHERN