These Classic Honey Cookies are a simple, old-fashioned favorite with a soft texture, warm spices, and just the right amount of sweetness.
Made with honey for moisture and flavor, these cookies are easy to work with, hold their shape well, and are perfect for baking with kids.
Whether you’re making cut-out cookies for a special occasion or a batch of soft cookies for the week, this classic honey cookie recipe is reliable, family-friendly, and easy to customize.
Why You’ll Love These Honey Cookies
This recipe is designed to be approachable, flexible, and dependable — even if you don’t bake often.
- Soft, tender texture with lightly crisp edges
- Honey adds moisture and depth of flavor
- Warm spices give them a classic, comforting taste
- Dough is easy to roll and cut into shapes
- Great for baking with kids or making ahead
These cookies stay soft longer than many traditional sugar cookies, making them a great option for everyday treats or sharing.
What Makes Honey Cookies Different from Sugar Cookies?
Honey cookies have a slightly richer flavor and softer texture than classic sugar cookies.
Honey:
- Adds natural moisture, helping cookies stay soft
- Enhances warm spices like cinnamon and ginger
- Provides depth of flavor without overpowering sweetness
Combined with brown sugar, honey creates a cookie that’s flavorful, tender, and not overly sweet.
A Great Cookie Recipe for Baking with Kids
This is an ideal recipe for baking with children because the dough is easy to handle and forgiving.
Kids can help with:
- Mixing the dough
- Rolling it out evenly
- Cutting fun shapes
- Decorating once cooled
It’s a simple way to spend time together while teaching basic kitchen skills.
Best Honey to Use for Baking Cookies
For baking, clover honey is the best choice for this recipe.
- Mild flavor that doesn’t overpower spices
- Blends smoothly into dough
- Creates consistent results
Darker honeys can be used, but they will produce a stronger flavor and slightly darker cookies.
Tips for Soft, Evenly Baked Honey Cookies
For the best results, keep these tips in mind:
- Chill the dough before baking to prevent spreading
- Roll dough evenly so cookies bake at the same rate
- Avoid overbaking — cookies should be lightly golden on the edges
- Allow cookies to cool before decorating
These small steps help ensure soft, evenly baked cookies every time.
Decorating and Customizing Honey Cookies
One of the best things about classic honey cookies is how versatile they are.
You can:
- Use cookie cutters for different shapes
- Decorate with icing, sprinkles, or edible markers
- Make sandwich cookies with icing, jam, or chocolate spread
- Add mix-ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts
This makes them perfect for holidays, birthdays, classroom parties, or weekend baking.
How to Store and Freeze Honey Cookies
Storing
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature
- Add a slice of bread to help maintain softness
- Cookies stay fresh for up to one week
Freezing
- Layer cookies with parchment or wax paper
- Store in a freezer-safe bag or container
- Freeze for up to three months
These cookies freeze well, making them great for advance baking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Cookies
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. The dough can be refrigerated for up to three days before baking.
Do honey cookies spread while baking?
Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape and bake evenly.
Can I use a different type of flour?
Whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend can be used, though texture may vary slightly.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes. Use plant-based butter and a flax egg as substitutes.
Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?
Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used, but the flavor and texture will change.
When to Make Classic Honey Cookies
These cookies aren’t just for holidays or special occasions.
They’re perfect for:
- After-school snacks
- Lunchbox treats
- Family baking days
- Homemade gifts
- Weekend desserts
Their simple ingredients and soft texture make them a year-round favorite.
Final Thoughts
Classic Honey Cookies are a dependable, family-friendly recipe with a soft texture, warm spices, and just the right amount of sweetness.
Easy to customize and fun to make with kids, they’re a cookie you’ll find yourself baking again and again.
If you’re looking for a soft, spiced cookie that holds its shape and tastes homemade, this classic honey cookie recipe is one worth keeping.
Classic Honey Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup clover honey
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 1/4 cup plain flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions:
Prepare the dough:
- Beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer in a large mixing bowl until creamy.
- Add egg yolk and honey and beat again to form a creamy mixture.
- Lightly sift in flour, baking soda, ginger, and cinnamon.
- Beat until dough starts to come together.
- Using your hands, gather dough. Form into a large round disc.
- Wrap dough in plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Chilled cookie dough is easier to roll.
Baking:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Line two cookie pans with parchment paper.
- On a separate work space, roll out the dough out using a rolling pin. Dust your rolling pin as you go to prevent dough from sticking. You’ll want the dough to be about 1/2 inch thick.
- Using circle cookie cutters or the rim of a glass, cut out shapes and place the cookies onto the cookie pans.
- Place in oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden on the edges.
- Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely before serving!
Classic Honey Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup or 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 and 1/4 cup plain flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until pale and creamy.
Add honey and the egg yolk.
Beat again to form a creamy mixture.
Sift in the flour, baking soda, ginger and cinnamon.
Beat briefly until dough starts to come together.
Use your hands to gather the dough and form into a large round disc.
Wrap the dough in plastic and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to rest.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Line two cookie or oven trays with baking or parchment paper.
Lightly flour your bench and roll out the dough using a rolling pin to about 1/2 inch thick.
Dust your rolling pin as you go to prevent the dough from sticking.
Cut out shapes using cookie cutters and gently place the cookies onto the prepared trays.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until just golden on the edges.
Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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