Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the bright flavors of lemon and juicy blueberries, then this Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe is just what you need! These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. They are perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something sweet or for family gatherings where you want to impress your loved ones with minimal effort. Trust me; once you taste these cookies, they’ll become a staple in your home!

Baking these cookies is not only enjoyable but also fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Whether you’re making them for yourself or sharing with friends, these Lemon Blueberry Cookies will surely bring smiles all around.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and quick prep time, you’ll have delicious cookies ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the tangy sweetness of lemon paired with blueberries; it’s a crowd-pleaser!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Dough can be chilled ahead of time, making it easy to whip up a fresh batch anytime.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of citrus and berries creates a refreshing taste that’s perfect year-round.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create the most delicious cookies. Let’s gather everything before we dive into baking!

For the Cookies

• 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

Variations

One of the best things about this Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

• Add Nuts: For some crunch, toss in chopped walnuts or almonds.
• Use Fresh Blueberries: If you prefer fresh over freeze-dried, feel free to swap them out – just ensure they’re dry to prevent excess moisture.
• Try Different Citrus: Mix up the flavors by incorporating orange or lime zest for a unique twist.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute the egg with flaxseed meal and use vegan butter for a plant-based option.

How to Make Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sugar Mixture

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the sugars and fresh lemon zest. Use your fingers to massage the lemon zest into the sugars for about 20 seconds. This step is crucial as it helps release those wonderful oils from the lemon zest, enhancing the flavor in your cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Add the room temperature butter to your sugary mixture. Mix on medium-high speed until it’s light and fluffy—about three minutes should do it! Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula so everything gets evenly mixed.

Step 3: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla

Next, add in your egg and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until combined. Scraping down those sides again will ensure every bit is incorporated well!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into your wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Be careful not to over-mix; leaving some streaks of flour is perfectly fine!

Step 5: Fold in Blueberries

Once combined, gently fold in those lovely freeze-dried blueberries using a large spatula. This step should be done carefully to avoid crushing them too much.

Step 6: Chill Your Dough

Cover your dough and chill it uncovered for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the dough so that your cookies hold their shape while baking. While waiting, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 7: Portion and Coat

Once chilled, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Use a medium cookie scoop to portion out dough balls. Roll each ball in coarse sanding sugar for that extra crunch before placing them on your prepared baking sheets about 2-3 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake Your Cookies

Bake in the center rack of your preheated oven for 8-9 minutes until the edges are set and slightly golden brown while keeping a puffy center.

After removing from the oven, let them cool on the rack for about 5-10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. If you’d like an even sweeter touch, sprinkle more coarse sanding sugar on top before serving!

Enjoy every bite of these delightful Lemon Blueberry Cookies!

Pro Tips for Making Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe

Baking these delightful cookies can be a breeze with a few handy tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients – This helps the butter cream more easily, resulting in a light and fluffy cookie dough. It ensures that everything mixes evenly and contributes to the tenderness of your cookies.
• Don’t skip chilling the dough – Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, resulting in perfectly shaped, chewy cookies with a soft center.
• Measure flour correctly – Spoon and level your flour rather than scooping directly from the bag. This prevents packing, which can lead to dry cookies. Accuracy in measurements is key to achieving that perfect texture.
• Watch your baking time – Every oven is different! Start checking your cookies at the lower end of the baking time to avoid over-baking. You want them slightly puffy in the center when you take them out.
• Experiment with toppings – While sanding sugar adds a lovely crunch, you can also try adding a drizzle of lemon glaze or even some lemon zest on top for an extra burst of flavor!

How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe

These lemon blueberry cookies are not just delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some creative ideas for serving them.

Garnishes

• Lemon Zest – A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest on top before serving adds a vibrant color and intensifies that zesty flavor.
• Powdered Sugar Dusting – A light dusting of powdered sugar offers an elegant finishing touch and sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the tart blueberries.

Side Dishes

• Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits pairs wonderfully with these cookies, enhancing their fruity flavors.
• Vanilla Coconut Yogurt – Creamy yogurt drizzled with honey and topped with additional blueberries makes for a satisfying dip alongside your cookies.
• Herbal Iced Tea – A chilled herbal iced tea infused with mint or chamomile complements the citrus notes of the cookies perfectly and keeps things refreshing.
• Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses can balance the sweetness of these cookies. Consider serving it alongside a soft goat cheese or creamy brie to create an inviting dessert table.

Enjoy these delightful lemon blueberry cookies as a sweet treat or share them at gatherings—they’re sure to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

These lemon blueberry cookies are perfect for meal prep, making them a delightful treat to have on hand whenever you crave something sweet. You can bake a batch ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment!

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• If you live in a humid area, consider refrigerating them to maintain freshness.
• For best texture, allow cookies to come to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

• To freeze, place baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They’re best used within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating

• For a warm treat, reheat frozen cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, place cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warm.

FAQs

Got questions? We’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about the Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe.

Can I use fresh blueberries instead of freeze-dried blueberries in the Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe?

Yes, you can use fresh blueberries! However, keep in mind that they may add extra moisture to the dough. It’s best to gently fold them in right before baking and reduce the egg slightly if necessary.

How do I make the Lemon Blueberry Cookies softer?

To achieve softer cookies, ensure not to overmix the dough after adding the dry ingredients. Additionally, slightly underbaking them will help retain that soft and chewy texture.

Can I prep the Lemon Blueberry Cookies dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping and baking.

What can I substitute for all-purpose flour in this Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe?

You can use a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour as an alternative. Just be aware that this may alter the texture slightly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful lemon blueberry cookies! Their bright citrus flavor combined with juicy blueberries creates an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or keeping them all to yourself (no judgment here!), I’m sure they will bring smiles all around. Enjoy every delicious bite!