Lemon Blueberry Bliss Cookies

by

Lemon Blueberry Bliss Cookies are a delightful combination of zesty lemon and sweet blueberries, creating a perfect treat for any occasion. Follow this simple recipe to bake a batch of these delicious cookies.

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:

  1. Enhance Lemon Flavor: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, massage the lemon zest into the sugars with your fingers for about 20 seconds to enhance the lemon flavor.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: Add the room temperature butter and mix on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla on low speed until combined.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture on low speed until just incorporated.
  5. Add Blueberries: Fold in the freeze-dried blueberries gently.
  6. Chill Dough: Chill the dough for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
  7. Prepare Dough Balls: Roll dough into balls and coat in sanding sugar. Place on lined baking sheets 2-3 inches apart.
  8. Bake: Bake for 8-9 minutes or until edges are golden. Let cool on baking sheets for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Cookie Facts:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 9 minutes
  • Total Time: 49 minutes
  • Calories: 180 kcal/cookie
  • Servings: 24 cookies

Serving and Storage Tips :

To get the most out of your delicious Lemon Blueberry Bliss Cookies, follow these serving and storage tips.

Serving Tips

  1. Fresh Out of the Oven: Serve the cookies slightly warm for the best texture and flavor. The edges will be crispy while the center remains soft and chewy.
  2. Pairing: These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of tea, coffee, or a cold glass of milk. They also complement a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
  3. Presentation: For a delightful presentation, arrange the cookies on a decorative plate and garnish with fresh lemon slices or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
  4. Occasions: These cookies are perfect for picnics, parties, or as a sweet treat in lunchboxes. They make a lovely gift when packed in a decorative tin or a mason jar.

Storage Tips

  1. Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This will keep them fresh and maintain their texture.
  2. Freezing: If you want to keep the cookies for longer, freeze them. Place the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  3. Dough Freezing: You can also freeze the cookie dough before baking. After rolling the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, simply add a couple of minutes to the baking time.
  4. Reheating: To enjoy the cookies warm, reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Pro Tip: To keep the cookies extra moist, place a slice of bread in the container. The bread will absorb any excess moisture, keeping the cookies soft and chewy.

By following these serving and storage tips, your Lemon Blueberry Bliss Cookies will remain delicious and ready to enjoy anytime!

Variations :

Experimenting with different ingredients and techniques can bring new flavors and textures to your Lemon Blueberry Bliss Cookies. Here are some variations to try:

1. White Chocolate Lemon Blueberry Cookies

  • Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips to the dough along with the freeze-dried blueberries.
  • Directions: Fold the white chocolate chips into the dough after adding the blueberries for a creamy, sweet twist.

2. Lemon Blueberry Oatmeal Cookies

  • Ingredients: Replace 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats.
  • Directions: Add the oats to the dry ingredients. This will give the cookies a heartier texture and added fiber.

3. Lemon Blueberry Coconut Cookies

  • Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the dough.
  • Directions: Fold the shredded coconut into the dough with the blueberries for a tropical flavor boost.

4. Glazed Lemon Blueberry Cookies

  • Ingredients: For the glaze, mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons lemon juice.
  • Directions: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies for an extra burst of lemony sweetness.

5. Vegan Lemon Blueberry Cookies

  • Ingredients: Substitute the butter with vegan butter, the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and ensure all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
  • Directions: Prepare the flax egg by mixing the ground flaxseed with water and letting it sit for 5 minutes before adding to the wet ingredients.

6. Lemon Blueberry Almond Cookies

  • Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of sliced almonds to the dough.
  • Directions: Fold the sliced almonds into the dough with the blueberries for a nutty crunch.

7. Gluten-Free Lemon Blueberry Cookies

  • Ingredients: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Directions: Ensure your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free, and follow the recipe as usual for delicious gluten-free cookies.

8. Lemon Blueberry Shortbread Cookies

  • Ingredients: Reduce the granulated sugar to 1/2 cup and omit the light brown sugar. Increase the butter to 1 cup (225 g).
  • Directions: Mix the dough and shape it into a log. Chill for an hour, then slice and bake for a buttery, crumbly texture.

9. Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Cookies

  • Ingredients: Add 4 oz (115 g) of softened cream cheese to the butter mixture.
  • Directions: Cream the butter, cream cheese, and sugars together for a rich, tangy flavor.

10. Lemon Blueberry Thyme Cookies

  • Ingredients: Add 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves to the dough.
  • Directions: Fold the thyme leaves into the dough with the blueberries for a unique, herbaceous twist.

These variations can help you tailor the Lemon Blueberry Bliss Cookies to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Enjoy experimenting and discovering your favorite version!

FAQs :

1. Can I use fresh blueberries instead of freeze-dried blueberries? Yes, you can use fresh blueberries, but they will add extra moisture to the dough. To counteract this, you may need to add a bit more flour. Also, be gentle when folding them in to avoid squishing the berries.

2. How can I make my cookies more lemony? To enhance the lemon flavor, you can add more lemon zest or a teaspoon of lemon extract. You can also drizzle a lemon glaze over the cookies after baking.

3. What if I don’t have cream of tartar? If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Cream of tartar adds a slight tang and helps with the texture, but the cookies will still turn out delicious without it.

4. Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before baking. For longer storage, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months.

5. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much? Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much. Also, ensure your baking sheet is not warm when placing the dough balls on it.

6. Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the texture will be denser, and the cookies may not be as soft. You might consider using a 50/50 mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour to maintain a better texture.

These Lemon Blueberry Bliss Cookies are perfect for any lemon and blueberry lover. The combination of fresh lemon zest and freeze-dried blueberries creates a burst of flavor in every bite. The coarse sanding sugar adds a delightful crunch, making these cookies a real treat. Whether you’re baking for a party or just for yourself, these cookies are sure to impress.