Blueberry Lemon Cookies

Blueberry Lemon Cookies

The first time I made these Blueberry Lemon Cookies, I was shocked at how bright and fresh they tasted. They’re soft, sweet, and full of little bursts of blueberry. One bite feels like sunshine.

The mix of tangy lemon and juicy blueberries makes every cookie taste light and happy. They smell amazing while they bake, like a little summer breeze in the kitchen. I love making them when I want something simple and sweet.

If you like soft cookies with a fruity twist, these are perfect. They’re colorful, easy, and always a hit with anyone who tries them. I can never stop at just one.

So grab your lemons and blueberries, and let’s bake these Blueberry Lemon Cookies together. They’re one of my favorite fresh and cheerful treats to make any day.

Blueberry Lemon Cookies

Why You’ll Love These Blueberry Lemon Cookies

  • Burst of Flavor: The combination of blueberries and lemon makes for a mouthwatering flavor that is both tangy and sweet.
  • Chewy Texture: These cookies are soft and chewy with the perfect amount of crispiness at the edges.
  • Simple Ingredients: Using ingredients you likely have at home, these cookies come together quickly and easily.
  • Versatile: These cookies make a fantastic addition to any gathering, potluck, or as a treat to have with your afternoon coffee.
  • Bright and Fresh: They offer a refreshing break from the usual chocolate chip cookies or other desserts you may make often.
  • Perfect for All Ages: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the fruity goodness in every bite!

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you get started with making these scrumptious Blueberry Lemon Cookies, make sure you have the following tools:

  • Mixing Bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients.
  • Stand or Hand Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar.
  • Baking Sheets: To place your cookies while baking.
  • Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: For easy cleanup and preventing cookies from sticking.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Cookie Scoop or Spoon: For portioning out the dough evenly.
  • Cooling Rack: To cool the cookies after baking.
Ingredients

Ingredients

Here’s a look at what you’ll need to make this delicious cookie recipe. You’ll likely have most of these ingredients on hand already!

  • Unsalted Butter (3/4 cup or 170 g): Room temperature, to ensure the butter mixes well with the other ingredients.
  • Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup or 150 g): For sweetness and a crisp texture.
  • Light Brown Sugar (1/2 cup or 100 g): Adds depth of flavor and helps keep the cookies moist.
  • Fresh Lemon Zest (1 to 2 tablespoons): For that fresh, tangy citrus flavor.
  • Large Egg (1): Helps bind the ingredients and provide structure.
  • Vanilla Extract (3/4 teaspoon): For added warmth and sweetness.
  • All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups or 280 g): Spoon and level for accurate measurement. The base for your cookies.
  • Baking Soda (3/4 teaspoon): Leavening agent to help your cookies rise and become light and airy.
  • Cream of Tartar (1/2 teaspoon): Works in conjunction with baking soda for a chewy texture.
  • Kosher Salt (1/2 teaspoon): To balance the sweetness.
  • Coarse Sanding Sugar (1/4 cup): For topping, adding a delightful crunch and sparkle.
  • Freeze-Dried Blueberries (1/3 cup): Chopped, these bring concentrated blueberry flavor without excess moisture.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Blueberry Lemon Cookies

Step-by-Step Instructions for Blueberry Lemon Cookies

1. Prep Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients and measuring them out. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature; this helps achieve a smooth dough. Zest the lemon, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith underneath the zest.

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2. Make the Cookie Dough

  • Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the Wet Ingredients: Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix until everything is incorporated and smooth.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
  • Add the Blueberries: Gently fold in the freeze-dried blueberries. Be careful not to crush them too much, as you want those little bursts of blueberry flavor throughout your cookies.

3. Chill the Dough

Chilling the dough is an important step to ensure your cookies hold their shape and don’t spread too much during baking. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. If you’re short on time, you can even chill it overnight for convenience.

4. Preheat the Oven

While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

5. Scoop the Dough

Once the dough is chilled, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.

6. Add the Coarse Sugar Topping

For a bit of extra sparkle and crunch, lightly sprinkle each cookie dough ball with coarse sanding sugar before baking. This gives your cookies a beautiful finish and enhances the texture.

7. Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers have set. The cookies will look slightly soft in the middle, but they will firm up as they cool.

8. Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the cookies firm up and prevents them from breaking.

How to Serve Blueberry Lemon Cookies

How to Serve Blueberry Lemon Cookies

These Blueberry Lemon Cookies are fantastic on their own, but they can also be paired with a variety of other treats and drinks:

  • With Tea or Coffee: The bright, citrusy flavors of these cookies make them perfect for enjoying with a cup of hot tea or coffee. Try them with Earl Grey tea, chamomile, or a citrus-flavored herbal tea.
  • As a Snack: Keep a batch of these cookies on hand for a midday snack or pack them in your kids’ lunchboxes for a sweet treat.
  • As a Dessert: Serve these cookies at your next family gathering, BBQ, or picnic for a refreshing dessert that’s a hit with all ages.
  • With Ice Cream: Try these cookies as an ice cream sandwich! Scoop some lemon or vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a cool and indulgent treat.

Storing Blueberry Lemon Cookies

To keep your Blueberry Lemon Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for about 3-4 days.

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If you want to store them for a longer period:

  • Freezing Dough: Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake the frozen dough directly from the freezer; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
  • Freezing Baked Cookies: You can also freeze the baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing them for 1-2 hours. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.

Variations for Blueberry Lemon Cookies

Looking to mix things up or add a personal touch to these cookies? Here are some fun variations you can try:

  • Add a Lemon Glaze: For an extra burst of lemony flavor, drizzle a simple lemon glaze (powdered sugar and lemon juice) over the cooled cookies.
  • Use Fresh Blueberries: If you have fresh blueberries on hand, gently fold them into the dough. Note that fresh blueberries release more moisture, which can result in slightly softer cookies. You may need to bake them a little longer.
  • Incorporate White Chocolate Chips: For added richness, fold in some white chocolate chips with the blueberries. The creamy sweetness of the chocolate complements the tangy lemon perfectly.
  • Add Almond Extract: Swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract for a nutty twist on the flavor profile.
  • Use Other Dried Fruits: Try dried cranberries or cherries in place of the freeze-dried blueberries for a different fruity flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Servings Per Recipe: 24

NutrientAmount Per Serving
Calories150 kcal
Total Fat7 g
Saturated Fat4 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol20 mg
Sodium70 mg
Total Carbohydrates20 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars12 g
Protein1 g
Calcium8 mg
Iron0.5 mg
Potassium25 mg

Conclusion

These Blueberry Lemon Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly balance tartness and sweetness with chewy texture and refreshing citrus notes. They are incredibly easy to make, versatile, and ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday, an afternoon snack, or a sweet dessert, they will be loved by everyone who tries them. Plus, they store and freeze well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy them for days to come!

Blueberry Lemon Cookies

Recipe by Nancy SmithCourse: Uncategorized
Servings

24

cookies
Prep time

15

minutes
Bake Time

10

minutes
Calories

150

kcal
chill time

30

minutes

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, room temperature

  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar

  • 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed

  • 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest (to taste)

  • 1 large egg, room temperature

  • 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/3 cup freeze-dried blueberries, chopped

  • 1/4 cup coarse sanding sugar, for topping

Directions

  • Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Mix Wet Ingredients: Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
  • Add Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture.
  • Fold in Blueberries: Gently fold in the freeze-dried blueberries.
  • Chill Dough: Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes.
  • Scoop Dough: Form dough into balls and place on prepared baking sheets.
  • Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
  • Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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