Grits cookies with lemon frosting!
Oh, hiii there! Did you forget my name while I was gone? I sure hope not. I apologize for the long absense, but I just enjoyed an unplugged vacation. How was your Christmas? How was your New Year’s? Really, tell me! Our Christmas was great. We spent part of our time in Dallas, and then flew to Georgia for the rest. I’d never been to Georgia before, and I really enjoyed it! I geeked out in Civil War museums, shopped til I dropped with my new sister-in-law, and ate too much fried chicken at Mary Mac’s. I’ve always wanted to eat at Mary Mac’s, so it was a dream come true.
We flew back into Texas on New Year’s eve, tossed back a few glasses of Prosecco with my Mom, Dad, and the wedding planner, and then promptly fell asleep before 10pm. I’m not proud of it, but it’s my life.
The truth is, I missed y'all! And I certainly missed my kitchen. I've been toying around with the idea for a cookie made with grits for a few months. Every time I make grits, I love watching the pat of butter melt on top and swirling it in. But, a dessert with grits?! Now that sounds like something truly special.
You're going to love these soft and cakey cookies with a hint of lemon. And I'm not going to ask you to have leftover grits laying around---we're going to make them fresh in the microwave right before we bake the cookies. Easy! Let's do this!
Grits Cookies
Buttered Grits Cookies with a sweet frosting. Soft, pillowy cookies made with grits!
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 3 tablespoons stone-ground grits
- ½ cup + 1 tablespoon water
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 cup flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- pinch of salt
For the lemon frosting:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- optional: yellow sparkling sugar for decorating*
Instructions
- First, make the grits. In a large coffee mug or deep cup, stir together the grits and water. Microwave on high for 90 seconds, making sure it doesn't overflow the cup. After 90 seconds, stir, then heat another 30 seconds. If any part of the grits or water boils over, start over. You need all of the liquid for the recipe.
- Pour the grits into a medium bowl and stir to cool while gathering other ingredients. When the grits have cooled slightly, add the butter and sugar. Stir together very well (the butter will melt completely), then stir in the egg and lemon zest.
- Next, sprinkle the flour, baking powder and salt over the mixture and stir gently to combine (do not over-mix). Chill the mixture for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350. Divide the dough into 6 large scoops and space them evenly on a parchment or silpat lined cookie sheet. Bake for 17-20 minutes, until the bottoms start to turn golden and the cookie can easily be lifted off the sheet. Let cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat together all ingredients. Add extra lemon juice if needed to thin it out. Frost the cookies when they're cool, and serve.
Notes
*I made my own yellow sparkling sugar. I bought plain large sugar crystals, poured 1 tablespoon into a small bowl, and added 1 drop of yellow food dye. Stir to combine, then decorate!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 404Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 78mgCarbohydrates: 62gFiber: 1gSugar: 45gProtein: 3g
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe says
I'm about to tell you something really crazy. I've never eaten grits. I've been trying to change that sad fact but I can't seem to find grits around here. Just cornmeal, which is not the same thing, right? Help!
Christina says
Hi Amanda! It's OK that you've never had grits! I"ll tell you a secret, mmk? Polenta and grits are almost identical. I'm sure you've had polenta before, right? See, no longer a grits virgin :)
And no, cornmeal and grits aren't the same thing. Cornmeal is ground much finer.
Laura says
This may just be the best idea ever. They look so good!
Bev @ Bev Cooks says
Are you even kidding me? I LOVE you for this. Ugh.
Cassie | Bake Your Day says
I love unplugged time! glad you enjoyed it and i love these cookies!
honeywhatscooking says
looks so delicious... i love the lemon frosting on top. yummy!
Paula - bell'alimento says
This is why I lurve you.
Laurie {Simply Scratch} says
Ohhh myyyyy... lemon... grits... genius!
Let Me Eat Cake says
i'm totally obsessed with grits right now! can't wait to enjoy these and lemon too sounds so perfect!
Julia {The Roasted Root} says
Grits?!! I LOVE grits and I bet they're superb in cookie form!! I'm so excited about this idea! I'm glad you had a long time away and were able to relax and re-energize to cook up amazing cookies like this one! Glad to have ya back and thanks for the delicious recipe!
Sommer@ASpicyPerspective says
Ok... this is a brilliant idea. I'm just imaging the texture and love it!