Blueberry Crinkle Cookies

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Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet blueberries, tangy lemon zest, and soft crinkle-coated texture with our irresistible Blueberry Crinkle Cookies recipe. These delectable treats are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re craving a sweet snack or want to impress guests with a unique twist on traditional cookies. Let’s dive into how to make these mouthwatering treats!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup frozen wild blueberries
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large egg whites
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract Crinkle Coating:
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • ½ cup powdered sugar

Directions:

  1. Prepare the blueberries: Place frozen blueberries in a microwave-safe bowl and defrost them in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes. Allow them to cool to room temperature without draining.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, transfer the cooled blueberries and juice. Add sugar and vegetable oil, whisking until thoroughly combined. Mix in the egg whites, lemon zest, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
  4. Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in two batches, stirring after each addition until just combined. Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours.
  5. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. Prepare the coating: Place each type of sugar in separate small bowls.
  7. Shape the cookies: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and scoop out 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough, shaping it into a ball. Coat the ball in white sugar, then roll it in powdered sugar until thoroughly coated. Place the coated dough ball on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining dough, spacing the cookies 1 1/2 inches apart.
  8. Bake the cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through baking. The cookies should be just set. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets briefly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Serve and enjoy: Once cooled, serve these delightful Blueberry Crinkle Cookies and enjoy their soft texture and burst of blueberry flavor with every bite!

Nutritional Information:

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cooking Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 40 mins
  • Calories per serving: 129
  • Servings: 24 cookies

Serving and Storage Tips:

  1. Serve Fresh: Enjoy these Blueberry Crinkle Cookies fresh out of the oven for the ultimate indulgence. The warm, soft texture combined with the burst of blueberry flavor is simply irresistible.
  2. Pairing Suggestions: These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. The hint of lemon zest adds a refreshing touch that complements various beverages.
  3. Presentation: For a beautiful presentation, serve these cookies on a decorative platter or cake stand. Dust them lightly with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant finishing touch.
  4. Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you prefer a chewier texture, place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain moisture.
  5. Freezing Option: If you want to extend the shelf life, these cookies can also be frozen for up to 1-2 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
  6. Reheating: To revive the cookies’ freshness, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. This will help restore their soft texture and enhance their flavor.

Variations:

  1. Lemon Glaze: For an extra burst of lemon flavor, drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple lemon glaze. Mix together powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until you reach your desired consistency, then drizzle it over the cookies before serving.
  2. Almond Blueberry Crinkle Cookies: Add a nutty twist to the recipe by incorporating almond extract into the dough. Substitute half a teaspoon of almond extract for the vanilla extract for a delightful almond-blueberry flavor combination.
  3. White Chocolate Chips: Enhance the sweetness of the cookies by folding in a handful of white chocolate chips into the dough. The creamy white chocolate pairs beautifully with the tartness of the blueberries and adds an extra layer of indulgence to each bite.
  4. Mixed Berry Variation: Instead of using solely blueberries, mix things up by incorporating a variety of frozen berries, such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries. This variation adds a medley of flavors and colors to the cookies, making them even more visually appealing.
  5. Coconut Blueberry Crinkle Cookies: For a tropical twist, add shredded coconut to the dough along with the blueberries. The coconut adds a subtle sweetness and chewiness to the cookies, complementing the tartness of the blueberries perfectly.
  6. Gluten-Free Option: Make these cookies gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of traditional all-purpose flour. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as baking powder and flavorings, are also gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  7. Oatmeal Blueberry Crinkle Cookies: Add texture and fiber to the cookies by incorporating rolled oats into the dough. The oats not only add a hearty texture but also enhance the nutritional profile of the cookies, making them a slightly healthier option.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use fresh blueberries instead of frozen ones? While the recipe calls for frozen wild blueberries, you can certainly use fresh blueberries as well. However, keep in mind that fresh blueberries may release more moisture into the dough, potentially altering the texture slightly.
  2. Can I substitute vegetable oil with another type of oil? Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with canola oil, melted coconut oil, or even melted butter for a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that different oils may slightly affect the taste and texture of the cookies.
  3. Is it necessary to refrigerate the dough before baking? Chilling the dough for at least 2 hours is recommended as it helps the flavors meld together and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but the cookies may turn out slightly different.
  4. How do I know when the cookies are done baking? The cookies are ready when they are just set around the edges and slightly soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet, so avoid over-baking to maintain a soft texture.
  5. Can I make the cookies ahead of time and freeze them? Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 1-2 months. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw them at room temperature before serving or reheat them in the oven for a few minutes.
  6. Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe? While the amount of sugar contributes to the cookies’ sweetness and texture, you can adjust it according to your preference. Just keep in mind that reducing the sugar may affect the cookies’ texture and spread during baking.

With their irresistible combination of sweet blueberries, tangy lemon zest, and soft crinkle-coated texture, these Blueberry Crinkle Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply craving a delicious treat, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Try making a batch today and enjoy the delightful flavors of these homemade cookies!