Buttermilk Cookies with Honey Buttercream Frosting are an absolute treat that can light up any gathering or just make an ordinary day feel a bit more special. Imagine soft, fluffy cookies that practically melt in your mouth, paired with a rich and creamy honey buttercream frosting that takes the taste to another level of deliciousness. This recipe combines simple ingredients that not only come together easily but also yield cookies that are moist and flavorful. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a cozy weekend brunch, or just because, these cookies will surely impress. Get ready to learn how to whip up these delights that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of simple ingredients in these Buttermilk Cookies with Honey Buttercream Frosting creates a perfect balance of flavor and texture. The buttermilk adds moisture and tenderness, while the honey buttercream frosting elevates them with natural sweetness, making these cookies irresistible. It’s a wonderful marriage of flavors where the tanginess of the buttermilk complements the sweet frosting beautifully, leaving you with a cookie experience that’s both comforting and delightful.
Why You’ll Love This Buttermilk Cookies with Honey Buttercream Frosting
These Buttermilk Cookies are an ideal treat for any occasion. Their soft, fluffy texture combined with the rich and creamy honey frosting creates a delightful experience with every bite. Plus, they are easy to make and perfect for sharing. Whether it’s holiday gatherings or an impromptu dessert night, these cookies will surely brighten up any moment. You’ll find that one might just not be enough!

Ingredients for Buttermilk Cookies with Honey Buttercream Frosting
- For the Cookies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
-
½ cup buttermilk
-
For the Honey Buttercream Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup honey
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- Optional: sprinkles and chopped pecans for garnish
Mixing the Dough

Cream Butter and Sugar Together
To start, preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step introduces air into the mixture, making your cookies softer and giving them that perfect crumb.
Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in the room temperature egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This should create a nice, smooth consistency that’s ready for the next step.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Make sure they are well mixed, as this ensures an even distribution of the leavening agent throughout your cookies.
Alternate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix well after each addition until you reach a sticky, manageable dough. This step is crucial since it allows the flour to blend properly without overworking the dough.
Shape and Bake Cookies
Once the dough is mixed, roll it into balls about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons in size. Place them about 2 inches apart on a prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. As they bake, your kitchen will fill with a heavenly aroma that’s hard to resist. After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on wire racks before frosting.
Making the Honey Buttercream Frosting
Cream Butter and Honey
Once your cookies have cooled, it’s time to make the frosting. Start by creaming the softened butter in a mixing bowl until it’s smooth and fluffy. Then, add the honey and mix until fully incorporated.
Add Powdered Sugar and Salt
Next, gradually mix in half of the powdered sugar until fully combined. Then add the remaining sugar along with the kosher salt. Beat everything together until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. The texture should be creamy and spreadable, perfect for topping your cookies.
Frost the Cookies
Now comes the fun part! Spread the honey buttercream frosting generously over the cooled cookies. If you want an extra touch of whimsy, finish with optional sprinkles or chopped pecans on top for an eye-catching presentation.
Serving Suggestions
These Buttermilk Cookies with Honey Buttercream Frosting are perfect for any gathering, potluck, or just as a delightful treat to enjoy at home with a cup of tea or coffee. They pair well with many beverages, making them a versatile snack. Serve them up at parties, or keep a batch in your cookie jar for when guests drop by unexpectedly.
Tips for Success
- Ensure your butter is softened properly for easier creaming. It should be at room temperature but not too warm.
- Let your cookies cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a beautiful finish.
- For best results, use fresh buttermilk to achieve a lighter cookie texture that’s simply irresistible.
Variations
- Want a unique flavor? Substitute honey with maple syrup for a different twist.
- Adding lemon zest to the cookie dough can introduce a delightful citrusy brightness.
- You can also incorporate chocolate chips or dried fruit like cranberries for added texture and taste.
Storage Tips
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the unfrosted cookies and thaw before serving. This way, you can always have a batch ready when a craving strikes!
Pairing Ideas
Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a warm cup of hot cocoa, or perhaps your favorite herbal tea for a comforting and satisfying treat. The combination enhances the experience and makes those cookie moments even more special.

FAQs
1. Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use regular milk. Just add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.
2. How can I make my cookies more flavorful?
Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for warmth, or incorporate vanilla bean paste for an extra flavor boost.
3. Can I make the honey buttercream frosting ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the frosting in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Just rewhip it before using.
4. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading.
5. Are these cookies suitable for freezing?
Yes! The unfrosted cookies freeze beautifully. Just be sure they’re completely cool before wrapping in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-friendly bag.
These Buttermilk Cookies with Honey Buttercream Frosting are a delightful way to brighten your day or impress your guests. Soft, sweet, and topped with a luscious frosting, each bite offers a perfect blend of flavors. Enjoy these scrumptious cookies fresh or share them with friends and family – they’re sure to be a hit!
Print
Buttermilk Cookies with Honey Buttercream Frosting
These cookies feature a soft and fluffy texture enriched by the tanginess of buttermilk, topped with creamy honey buttercream for a delightful treat.
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup honey
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- Optional: sprinkles and chopped pecans for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla until smooth.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk until smooth.
- Roll dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
- Cool on wire racks before frosting.
- Cream butter for frosting, then mix in honey.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and salt, beat until smooth.
- Spread frosting on cooled cookies and garnish if desired.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure butter is softened for easier mixing.
Let cookies cool completely before frosting.
Use fresh buttermilk for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 2
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 30