Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe

These soft and chewy Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe are perfect for any occasion. With a delightful burst of blueberries and the fresh zest of lemon, they bring a bright flavor that can elevate your dessert table. Whether for a family gathering, a picnic, or just a sweet treat at home, these cookies are sure to impress. Easy to make and utterly delicious, their unique blend of flavors makes them a standout choice for cookie lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor – The combination of fresh lemon zest and blueberries creates an irresistible taste.
• Quick to Prepare – With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these cookies ready in no time.
• Versatile Treat – Perfect for any occasion, from casual snacks to festive gatherings.
• Chewy Texture – These cookies provide a soft chewiness that melts in your mouth.
• Fun to Make – Involve kids or friends in the process for a fun baking experience.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in achieving the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer – Facilitates mixing ingredients evenly and thoroughly, creating a light texture.
• Spatula – Great for scraping down sides of bowls to ensure all ingredients are incorporated well.

Ingredients

These soft and chewy lemon blueberry cookies are bursting with blueberries and fresh citrus flavor. Easy to make and delicious to eat!

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
– 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 course sanding sugar, for topping

How to Make Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Mixing Bowl

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the sugars and lemon zest. Use your fingers to massage the lemon zest into the sugars for about 20 seconds. This helps elevate the lemon flavor in the cookies once baked.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Add the room temperature butter and mix on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Stop the mixer and use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Step 3: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract; mix on low speed until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl again.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing; it’s okay if some streaks of flour remain.

Step 5: Fold in Blueberries

Remove the bowl from the mixer. Use a large spatula to gently fold in freeze-dried blueberries without overmixing.

Step 6: Chill Dough

Chill the dough uncovered for about 30 minutes. While chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour sanding sugar into a small bowl. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 7: Shape Cookies

Use a medium cookie scoop to portion out dough balls. Roll each ball in course sanding sugar, ensuring all sides are coated.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Place cookie dough balls on prepared baking sheets about 2–3 inches apart. Bake in the center rack for about 8–9 minutes or until edges are set and slightly golden brown while centers remain puffy.

Step 9: Cool Down

Remove cookie sheets from oven; let cookies cool on racks for about 5–10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks completely. If desired, sprinkle more course sanding sugar on top for extra crunch.

Enjoy your delightful Lemon Blueberry Cookies!

How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe

These delightful lemon blueberry cookies can be enjoyed in various ways, making them perfect for different occasions. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that balances the sweetness of the cookies with the creaminess of milk.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange these cookies with other treats like brownies and fruit tarts for an inviting dessert spread at gatherings.

Warm from the Oven

• Serve them warm for a melty, gooey texture that enhances their flavor and aroma.

With Fresh Berries

• Top each cookie with fresh blueberries or raspberries for a refreshing burst of flavor alongside the lemon.

Accompanied by Tea or Coffee

• Enjoy these cookies with your favorite hot beverage to create a cozy afternoon snack.

How to Perfect Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe

Perfecting your lemon blueberry cookies can elevate them to new heights. Follow these tips for outstanding results.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Adjust Lemon Zest to Taste: Experiment with the amount of lemon zest to find your preferred level of citrus flavor.
• Use Quality Freeze Dried Blueberries: Opt for high-quality blueberries to maximize flavor and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe

Pairing side dishes with lemon blueberry cookies can create a delightful meal experience. Here are some options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad
   A mix of fresh fruits complements the citrusy flavor of the cookies while adding brightness to your plate.

2. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a creamy and crunchy contrast that pairs well with sweet cookies.

3. Cheese Board
   Include mild cheeses that balance sweetness, offering a savory note alongside your dessert.

4. Chilled Herbal Tea
   The refreshing taste of herbal tea provides a cool contrast, enhancing the overall dessert experience.

5. Ice Cream Sundae
   Serve with vanilla or lemon sorbet for a deliciously creamy and cold treat that contrasts nicely with warm cookies.

6. Nut Mix
   A selection of nuts adds crunch and saltiness, perfectly balancing out the sweetness of your cookies.

7. Popsicles
   Fruit-based popsicles offer a refreshing option that complements the flavors of lemon blueberry cookies beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe, it’s easy to make small errors that can affect the final product. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is important for better texture and flavor. Skipping this can lead to flat cookies.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can develop gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Not measuring flour properly: Using too much flour can make cookies dry. Spoon and level your flour for accurate measurements.
• Using cold butter: Cold butter doesn’t cream well, leading to dense cookies. Always use room temperature butter for optimal fluffiness.
• Neglecting to preheat the oven: A preheated oven ensures even baking. Take the time to preheat before baking your cookies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Layer parchment paper between cookie layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container after solid.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and bake cookies for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe so special?

The combination of fresh lemon zest and blueberries creates a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness, making these cookies unique and flavorful.

Can I use fresh blueberries instead of freeze-dried?

Yes, you can substitute fresh blueberries, but be cautious as they may add extra moisture, affecting the dough’s consistency.

How do I customize this Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe?

You can add nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture or substitute different fruits such as raspberries or cranberries.

How long does it take to make these cookies?

The total time from preparation to baking is about 19 minutes, making them a quick and easy treat!

Final Thoughts

These Lemon Blueberry Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, perfect for any occasion. Their versatility allows for customization based on your taste preferences, so don’t hesitate to try different variations. Enjoy baking these delightful treats!