Cornmeal Cookies Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornmeal

Directions

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and honey together using an electric mixer on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the mixture and continue beating for another 1 minute to fully incorporate.
3. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup of cornmeal, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix until just combined, being careful not to over-mix.
4. In a separate small bowl, combine the white sugar and 1 tablespoon of cornmeal. Set this mixture aside for coating the dough balls.
5. Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the dough at a time and roll it into a ball. Then roll each dough ball in the sugar-cornmeal mixture until it's thoroughly coated.
6. Repeat the process for the remaining dough, placing the coated dough balls on a tray. Once all the dough balls are prepared, chill them in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up.
7. While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
8. After chilling, arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the cookies are crackled and just beginning to turn a very light golden brown.
10. Once baked, remove the sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving	Amount
Calories	176
Total Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	41mg
Sodium	211mg
Total Carbohydrate	26g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Total Sugars	13g
Protein	2g
Vitamin C	0mg
Calcium	24mg
Iron	1mg
Potassium	52mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

These cornmeal cookies have a lovely, chewy texture, and a delightful cornmeal flavor. The unique blend of sweet, buttery ingredients combined with the earthy taste of cornmeal makes these cookies a beloved treat across many households.

History and Origin

Cornmeal cookies have their roots in American cuisine, particularly in the southern United States, where cornmeal has been a staple ingredient for centuries. Cornmeal, made from ground dried corn, was widely used in various forms, from cornbread to grits. The incorporation of cornmeal into cookies is believed to be an innovation by early American settlers who wanted to create a unique sweet treat using local ingredients. These cookies became popular due to their simplicity and the comforting, rustic flavor they offered, making them a regular feature in American homes, especially during colder months.

Regional Variations

While cornmeal cookies are enjoyed throughout the United States, there are regional variations in how they are prepared. In the southern U.S., cornmeal cookies may be slightly more dense and crumbly, while in other areas, the dough might be lighter and chewier. Some versions include additional ingredients such as citrus zest, raisins, or pecans, reflecting the local produce and flavors of each region. In the Southwest, for example, chili powder or cinnamon might be added for a spicier variation. Regardless of the variations, the signature texture of the cornmeal remains consistent, providing a pleasant contrast to traditional flour-based cookies.

Differences from Similar Treats

Cornmeal cookies stand apart from other traditional cookies like sugar cookies or shortbread due to their distinct texture and flavor. While most cookies are soft and buttery, cornmeal cookies are slightly grainy, offering a crunch that is unique to this type of dough. The use of cornmeal also gives the cookies a subtly sweet, nutty flavor, which is not as prominent in other cookies. The addition of honey or brown sugar further enhances the sweetness, making the flavor profile more complex and comforting. Unlike many cookies that rely heavily on refined flour, cornmeal-based cookies have a more rustic, earthy character that reflects the American countryside.

Where Cornmeal Cookies Are Served

Cornmeal cookies are typically served as a dessert or a snack, and they are often found at family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday parties. In the South, they are especially popular for afternoon tea or served with a cup of coffee. Their hearty texture makes them a filling snack, perfect for accompanying a warm beverage. In more casual settings, they may be packed in lunchboxes or served alongside homemade preserves or jams. Though they can be enjoyed anywhere, their appeal is particularly strong in the American South, where the combination of cornmeal and sweetness resonates with local tastes.

Interesting Facts

• Cornmeal was one of the first crops cultivated by Native American tribes, including the Navajo and Cherokee, long before European settlers arrived in North America.
• The use of cornmeal in cookies was likely a result of its abundance in early American kitchens. It was inexpensive and readily available, making it a practical choice for many recipes.
• Some variations of cornmeal cookies are made with blue cornmeal, which is often used in Southwestern cuisine and adds a slightly nuttier flavor.
• These cookies are often enjoyed with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkling of powdered sugar, adding an extra layer of sweetness to the already flavorful base.

Conclusion

Cornmeal cookies are a testament to the resourcefulness and creativity of early American cooks. Combining the simple yet hearty flavor of cornmeal with the sweetness of honey and sugar, these cookies continue to delight taste buds across the country. Whether served with a cup of tea or enjoyed as an after-school snack, cornmeal cookies bring a taste of American tradition into every bite.

FAQ about Cornmeal Cookies Recipe

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