Name: Chewy Honey Cornbread Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature; ¼ cup honey, plus more for serving; ¼ cup sugar; ½ cup brown sugar; 2 egg yolks; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup cornmeal, plus more for rolling; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; Flaky salt for serving

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 14 reviews

There is something truly magical about biting into a cookie that’s both soft and chewy yet bursting with unexpected warmth and heartiness. The Chewy Honey Cornbread Cookies Recipe takes your beloved classic cornbread and transforms it into an irresistibly chewy treat packed with the natural sweetness of honey and a hint of cornmeal’s rustic charm. These cookies are the perfect blend of comforting and unique, made from simple pantry staples that combine to create a dessert you’ll want to bake again and again. Whether you drizzle them with a bit more honey or sprinkle them with flaky salt, these cookies deliver that perfect balance of flavors and textures that can brighten any afternoon or evening.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass mixing bowl holds a thick, crumbly dough mixture in mid-stir, with a white spatula lifting some of the light brown, coarse dough that has a slightly grainy texture. The dough covers the bottom and some sides of the bowl, showing a mix of clumped and loose bits. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with soft, natural light enhancing the dough's texture and the bowl’s clear glass edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe truly shines because it relies on straightforward ingredients that come together in harmony, each playing a vital role in the cookie’s delicate texture and delightful flavor. From the buttery richness to the sweet depth of honey and the crunch of cornmeal, every element is essential for crafting that signature chewiness and golden color.

Unsalted butter (10 tablespoons, room temperature): Provides a rich, creamy base essential for tender texture and flavor.
Honey (¼ cup, plus more for serving): Adds natural sweetness and moistness that enhances chewiness.
Sugar (¼ cup): Helps balance flavors and contributes to the cookie’s caramelized edges.
Brown sugar (½ cup): Infuses a deeper, molasses-like flavor that keeps the cookies soft inside.
Egg yolks (2): Bind ingredients and add richness for the chewy bite.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the sweet flavors with its warm aroma.
All-purpose flour (1 ¼ cups): Provides structure, ensuring the cookies hold their shape while remaining soft.
Cornmeal (¾ cup, plus more for rolling): Delivers that signature cornbread flavor and a delightful texture contrast.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and amplifies flavor depth.
Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise slightly for the perfect chew.
Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Works with acids to create lightness and spread.
Flaky salt (for serving, optional): Adds a beautiful finishing touch of savory crunch.

How to Make Chewy Honey Cornbread Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Start by combining the room temperature butter with honey, sugar, and brown sugar in the bowl of your stand mixer. Mixing on medium speed, beat everything until the mixture is fluffy and light, about two to three minutes. This step is key—it incorporates air, which helps create a tender, soft texture in the final cookies. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides to ensure everything is fully mixed.

Step 2: Incorporate Egg Yolks and Vanilla

With the mixer off, add in the egg yolks and vanilla extract. Turn the mixer back on medium speed and beat until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. These ingredients enrich the dough and contribute to the chewy, moist consistency you’ll love.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Turn off your mixer once more and add the flour, cornmeal, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix on low speed just until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix here—the dough should come together without developing too much gluten, preserving that soft bite.

Step 4: Shape and Coat the Dough Balls

Using a large cookie or ice cream scoop, form 10 evenly sized dough balls. Gently roll each ball between your palms to smooth them out, then toss them in a little extra cornmeal to coat the outside. This coating adds an irresistible rustic texture and prevents sticking during baking.

Step 5: Chill the Dough Balls

Place the coated dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate and pop them into the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies maintain their shape when they bake.

Step 6: Bake Until Edges Are Golden

Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line another baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the chilled dough balls on the baking sheets, leaving space between each. Bake for 15 minutes, watching closely for the edges to turn a lovely golden color. Once done, let them cool on the baking sheets for about 10 minutes to finish setting up perfectly chewy centers.

Step 7: Add Final Touches

When the cookies are cool enough to handle, lightly drizzle with honey and sprinkle a pinch of flaky salt on top if you desire a touch of savory contrast. These finishing touches make all the difference, turning simple cookies into a decadent treat.

How to Serve Chewy Honey Cornbread Cookies Recipe

The image shows a soft cookie broken in half, stacked with the top piece resting slightly on the bottom piece, both having a light brown color with a crumbly texture. The cookie sits on an upside-down white plate on a white marbled surface. In the blurred background, there is a stack of three similar cookies, a small white bowl with crumbs, and a glass jar with honey. The foreground shows a wooden honey dipper resting diagonally on the white marbled surface with some crumbs and a bit of honey near it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A drizzle of warm honey and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt elevate these cookies, highlighting their chewy texture and sweet corn flavor. For an extra touch, a tiny spread of butter or a dollop of lightly whipped cream on the side can make serving feel festive and indulgent.

Side Dishes

Although these cookies shine on their own, pairing them with a fresh cup of tea or a creamy glass of milk brings a balanced experience. For a brunch twist, serve alongside fresh fruit or chilled yogurt to contrast the rich sweetness of the cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress at your next gathering? Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden board, garnished with honeycomb pieces and small bowls of specialty salts. You can also sandwich softened cream cheese or honey butter between two cookies for an irresistible cookie sandwich that’s sure to delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your cookies chewy and fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Placing a slice of bread inside the container can help maintain moisture, keeping the cookies soft.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead of time, freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls after shaping and coating in cornmeal. Store them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to bake, simply bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

Warm leftover cookies in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds to revive that fresh-baked feeling. Be mindful not to overheat, as this can dry them out. A little warmth brings back their signature chewy softness beautifully.

FAQs

Can I substitute the cornmeal with something else?

Cornmeal is crucial for the unique texture and flavor in the Chewy Honey Cornbread Cookies Recipe, but if needed, you can experiment with finely ground polenta or a mix of corn flour and flour. Just keep in mind that it might affect the chewiness and authentic cornbread taste.

Why do I need to chill the cookie dough?

Chilling the dough firms it up, making it easier to handle and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also helps intensify the flavors by giving the ingredients time to meld together.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

To keep the chewy texture while making vegan adjustments, swap butter for a plant-based alternative and replace egg yolks with flax eggs or another binding substitute. The honey can be replaced with maple syrup for vegan-friendly sweetness, though flavor and texture may slightly differ.

How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?

Look for edges that have turned a delicate golden brown while the centers remain soft and slightly puffed. They will continue to firm up a bit once out of the oven, so avoid overbaking to retain their signature chewiness.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or even dried fruit can add exciting variations. Just fold them in during the final mixing stage to keep the dough well balanced and maintain the chewy texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a cookie that feels both familiar and surprising, the Chewy Honey Cornbread Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you get a wondrously chewy, sweet, and ever-so-slightly savory treat that’s just perfect for sharing—or savoring all by yourself. Don’t wait to try these delicious cookies; your taste buds will thank you!