Lemon Blueberry Cookies: An Easy & Delicious Recipe

Lemon blueberry cookies: the perfect combination of bright citrus and sweet berries! These delightful treats are bursting with flavor and surprisingly easy to make. The tangy lemon zest and juice perfectly complement the juicy blueberries, creating a balanced flavor that’s both refreshing and comforting. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is simple enough to tackle with the kids, making it a fun activity for the whole family. If you enjoy baking with fruit, you might also like these strawberry cheesecake cookies. Get ready to enjoy a taste of sunshine in every bite!

Why these Lemon Blueberry Cookies are Special

These lemon blueberry cookies stand out because they achieve the perfect balance between tart and sweet. The secret lies in using both lemon zest and juice, which adds a depth of citrus flavor you won’t find in other recipes. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with fresh blueberries, making them an irresistible treat any time of day.

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need:

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

Instructions

Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps for delicious lemon blueberry cookies.

Preparing the Dough

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but you can also do it by hand. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can make the cookies tough. For more tips on baking, check out our easy mini muffins recipe.

Adding the Blueberries

Gently fold in the blueberries. If you’re using frozen blueberries, there’s no need to thaw them first. However, tossing them in a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the dough can help prevent them from bleeding and turning your cookies purple.

Baking the Cookies

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. The cookies will still be slightly soft in the middle, but they will firm up as they cool. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to help you make the best lemon blueberry cookies:

Chilling the Dough

For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too thin and allows the flavors to meld together. You can even chill the dough overnight for optimal results.

Using Frozen Blueberries

Frozen blueberries are a great option for these cookies, as they are often more readily available than fresh. No need to thaw them before adding them to the dough. For some other delicious frozen treat options, take a look at our Greek yogurt dessert ideas. Tossing the frozen blueberries in a tablespoon of flour before mixing them into the dough will help prevent them from bleeding and turning your cookies purple.

Glaze and Streusel Topping Ideas

For an extra touch of sweetness and flavor, try adding a simple lemon glaze. Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies. Alternatively, a simple streusel topping adds a delightful crunch. Combine 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons cold butter, crumbled together until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the streusel over the cookie dough before baking. For more information about the health benefits of blueberries, check out this article from Healthline.

Adapting for Dietary Restrictions

For gluten-free cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. For vegan cookies, replace the butter with vegan butter and the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg). You can also reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup for a slightly healthier version. Looking for other healthy snack options? Check out this cottage cheese flatbread recipe. For more information on adapting baking recipes for different dietary needs, see this helpful guide from yourcupofcake.

FAQ

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about lemon blueberry cookies:

Why do lemon and blueberry go together?

Lemon and blueberry are a classic flavor combination because they complement each other so well. The tartness of the lemon balances the sweetness of the blueberries, creating a harmonious flavor profile. The bright citrus notes enhance the fruity flavor of the blueberries, making them even more delicious.

What does lemon juice do to cookie dough?

Lemon juice adds both flavor and lift to cookie dough. The acidity of the lemon juice reacts with the baking soda, creating carbon dioxide bubbles that help the cookies rise and become light and airy. The lemon juice also enhances the overall flavor of the cookies with its zesty notes.

How many calories are in a blueberry lemon cookie?

One lemon blueberry cookie typically contains between 150-200 calories. However, the exact calorie count can vary depending on the size of the cookie and the specific ingredients used.

What is the secret to making cookies soft and chewy?

Using more brown sugar than granulated sugar helps create a softer, chewier cookie. Slightly underbaking the cookies also contributes to a chewier texture. Finally, storing the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread can help them stay soft and moist for longer.

Serving and Storing

Here are some tips for serving and storing your delicious lemon blueberry cookies:

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of tea or coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a special occasion, arrange the cookies on a pretty platter and garnish with fresh blueberries and lemon slices.

Storing Your Lemon Blueberry Cookies

Store your lemon blueberry cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them extra soft, add a slice of bread to the container. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to three months. For longer storage, freeze the cookie dough before baking. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer bag for longer storage. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

These lemon blueberry cookies are a true delight, bursting with fresh flavors and a perfectly balanced sweetness. They’re surprisingly easy to make, even with little helpers in the kitchen! I hope this recipe brings a touch of sunshine to your baking adventures. Don’t hesitate to try the variations and make it your own. And be sure to share your baking experience – I’d love to hear how your lemon blueberry cookies turned out!

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