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Are you looking for a new cookie to try? Cornmeal cookies have a similar texture to sugar cookies but with a different flavor that works really well. If you like the taste of cornbread or polenta, you will love this unique cookie recipe.
I love to visit bakeries, especially if they have new-to-me cookies and desserts to try. A few years ago, I tried a cornmeal cookie at a bakery in Santa Barbara, CA, and fell in love with it. It reminded me of a sugar cookie but less sweet with the distinctive flavor of corn. It really worked.
I still think about that cookie and have been working on a copycat recipe ever since. Finally, I’ve landed on a version that tastes like the cookie I loved so much. It’s a new favorite recipe at our house – if you’ve been wanting to branch out, you should definitely give this cornmeal cookie recipe a try.
Why We Love Cornmeal Cookies
The cookies are chewy in the middle with crispy edges like a classic sugar cookie, but the cornmeal mixed into the dough gives them a unique twist.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Butter: as always, use softened unsalted butter
- Sugar: just granulated sugar in these!
- Egg, Baking soda, Salt: typical cookie ingredients
- Vanilla extract: for flavor
- Yellow cornmeal: just buy the normal kind you find at the grocery store
- All-purpose flour: be sure to measure it correctly
How to Make Cornmeal Cookies
1. Mix: Cream the butter with both kinds of sugars. Mix in the eggs, baking soda, salt, and vanilla. Add the flour and cornmeal and stir until smooth.
2. Roll: Pour some granulated sugar into a small bowl. Scoop two tablespoons of the cookie dough, roll it into a ball and coat it in the sugar. Place on the baking sheet and repeat with the rest of the dough, spacing them two inches apart.
3. Press: Use a glass to press each dough ball by pressing the bottom of the glass on each ball. If the dough sticks to the glass, lightly coat it with cooking spray.
4. Bake: Bake the cornmeal cookies for 10 to 14 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges. Cool them on the sheet and then store them in an airtight container.
Add a Glaze
I like these cookies plain, but you can add a simple powdered sugar glaze if you want to add more sweetness. Wait until the cookies are cooled before topping them with the glaze.
How to Store Cornmeal Cookies
The cookies will keep well at room temperature for up to three days. Or, you can freeze them for up to a month. When you’re ready to serve, leave them at room temperature to thaw. These cookies are great with a cup of coffee or tea as an afternoon snack. Every bite reminds me of the first time I tried them at the bakery. They’re delicious! I hope you give them a try – I think you’ll love them, too.
More Unique Cookies to Try
Cornmeal Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 ½ cups (186g) all-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Cream butter and both sugars using an electric mixer until fluffy. Mix in egg, baking soda, salt and vanilla. Add cornmeal and flour and mix until smooth.
- Place a bit of granulated sugar in a small bowl.
- Scoop 2 tablespoon balls of cookie dough and roll them between your palms. Roll the cookie dough in the granulated sugar and place 2-inches apart on cookie sheet. Flatten cookies with the back of a measuring cup or glass (if the dough sticks, spray the glass with nonstick cooking spray).
- Bake for 10-14 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Cool before removing from cookie sheets.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
Recipe Nutrition
Cornmeal cookies have a similar texture to sugar cookies but with a different flavor that works really well. If you like the taste of cornbread or polenta, you will love this unique cookie recipe.
I add corn grits to some of my cookies for taste and texture.
Do you think this would work with the cornmeal cookie recipe?
In the recipe it says to use 1/2 Cup packed brown sugar, but in the section above you list “Sugar: just granulated sugar in these!”.
If cornbread and a sugar cookie had a baby, this would be it! Lovely, not to sweet, nice texture, unique. Love them.
I’ve loved making these cookies for 40 years. I lost my recipe and I’m so glad I found this one! So simple and quick. I add m&ms, chocolate chips, caramel chips, or frost them. So versatile and delicious! Thank you for sharing this recipe with everyone!
This is a delicious cookie, a real keeper. I got a little nervous when mixing in the cornmeal & flour is seemed very dry. I used my hands (which I like to do) and I could feel the butter talking to me. (Also you telling me go for it) Thanks again!
do you know or have tried to make cornmeal cookies with corn muffin mix
I have not but I know it can be done!
I made these today and they are delicious! Just the perfect amount of sweetness and super easy to make. Thank you for sharing such a great recipe!
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