Ingredients
— The Cookie Dough —
1 cup (2 sticks / 225g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg, room temperature
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup yellow cornmeal (fine or medium grind)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (keeps them soft!)
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
— The Honey Butter Topping —
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons honey
½ cup powdered sugar
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. **Preheat:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. **Cream Butter & Sugars:** In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium-high speed for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. **Add Wet Ingredients:** Add the egg, honey, and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl.
4. **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.
5. **Combine:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until no flour streaks remain. Do not overmix.
6. **Scoop:** Use a large cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons) to portion the dough. Roll into smooth balls and place them on the baking sheets, spaced 3 inches apart. Gently press down on the tops just slightly to flatten.
7. **Bake:** Bake for 11–13 minutes. The edges should be set and slightly golden, but the centers should still look soft and puffy. Do not overbake.
8. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes (they will firm up), then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. **Make Topping:** While cookies cool, whisk together the 4 tablespoons softened butter, honey, powdered sugar, and pinch of salt until creamy and smooth.
10. **Serve:** Dollop or pipe the honey butter mixture onto the center of each cookie. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm.
Notes
Cornmeal Texture: Use fine or medium grind cornmeal. Coarse grind will make the cookies too gritty.
The Cornstarch: Don’t skip the cornstarch! It helps keep the cookies soft and tender, balancing out the heaviness of the cornmeal.
Serving Warm: These are absolutely incredible when served slightly warm, just like real cornbread. You can microwave them for 5-10 seconds before eating.
Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you frost them all at once, you may want to separate layers with wax paper.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American / Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian