The BEST Cornbread Cookies with Honey Buttercream – 9 Powerful Reasons This Sweet & Savory Cookie Is Absolutely Unforgettable

Oh my gosh, friends… I have to tell you the truth. The first time I heard about Cornbread Cookies with Honey Buttercream, I thought, “No way. That sounds crazy.”

But then I took one bite.

Soft, slightly crumbly like cornbread, sweet like a cookie, and topped with the dreamiest honey buttercream frosting… and just like that, it became my Top Cookie of ALL TIME. And I do not say that lightly.

If you love that cozy Southern cornbread flavor but also adore bakery-style cookies, this recipe is 100% worth trying. Save it. Make it. Share it.

And don’t forget to subscribe to my email list — I share bold, unforgettable recipes like this every week.

Now let’s bake something magical.

Overview of Cornbread Cookies with Honey Buttercream

These cookies combine the texture and flavor of classic cornbread with the sweetness of a soft sugar cookie. They’re topped with a silky honey buttercream that melts into every bite.

Why You’ll Love Them

• Unique sweet & savory flavor
• Soft, tender crumb
• Light golden crisp edges
• Creamy honey frosting
• Perfect for holidays & gatherings
• Southern-inspired comfort

What They Taste Like

Imagine a soft cornbread muffin crossed with a sugar cookie. Buttery, lightly sweet, slightly crumbly, with warm cornmeal texture. Then add a smooth honey buttercream that brings everything together in one luscious bite.

It’s nostalgic and new at the same time.

Full Ingredients (Complete & Detailed)

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For the Cornbread Cookies

• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¾ cup (90 g) yellow cornmeal
• 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon fine salt
• ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk, room temperature

For the Honey Buttercream Frosting

• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tablespoons pure honey
• 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• Pinch of salt

Optional garnish: drizzle of honey or flaky sea salt.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Offset spatula

How to Make Cornbread Cookies

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Step 1: Preheat

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugars

Beat together:

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).

Step 3: Add Egg & Vanilla

Mix in egg and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk:

• Cornmeal
• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Step 5: Alternate with Buttermilk

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk.

Mix until just combined.

Do not overmix.

Step 6: Scoop & Bake

Scoop 2-tablespoon portions onto baking sheet.

Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

Centers should remain soft.

Cool completely.

How to Make Honey Buttercream

Beat butter until creamy.

Add powdered sugar gradually.

Mix in honey, salt, and cream until smooth and fluffy.

Spread generously on cooled cookies.

Optional: drizzle honey on top.

What to Serve with Cornbread Cookies

• Sweet iced tea
• Coffee
• Vanilla ice cream
• Fresh berries

Pair them with these beloved recipes from my kitchen:

• https://poulef.com/honey-butter-cornbread
• https://poulef.com/best-ever-soft-peanut-butter-cookies
• https://poulef.com/lemon-custard-cake
• https://poulef.com/chocolate-loaf-cake
• https://poulef.com/make-ahead-morning-glory-muffins

Southern comfort meets sweet indulgence.

Tips for Making Them Perfect

• Use fine cornmeal for softer texture.
• Don’t overbake.
• Let cookies cool before frosting.
• Add extra honey for stronger flavor.
• Chill dough 20 minutes for thicker cookies.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: 3 days airtight.
Refrigerator: 5 days.
Freezer (Unfrosted): Up to 2 months.

Bring to room temperature before serving.

General Information

Cornbread is a Southern staple, traditionally savory. Transforming it into a sweet cookie creates a beautiful bridge between classic comfort food and modern baking creativity.

The honey buttercream gives it that signature finishing touch that makes everyone ask for the recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make them without frosting?

Yes — but the honey buttercream truly makes them special.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, add 1 teaspoon lemon juice to milk.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Why are my cookies dry?

They were likely overbaked.

Can I add corn kernels?

Yes — ¼ cup for extra texture.

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie – 18 cookies)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	260 kcal
Carbohydrates	34g
Sugar	24g
Protein	3g
Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	7g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	180mg

Interactive Element

If you try these Cornbread Cookies, I HAVE to see them!

Save this recipe and tag me on Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Tell me in the comments — did you drizzle extra honey on top?

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