Lemon Blueberry Cookies

Craving a delightful combination of zesty citrus and sweet berries? These Lemon Blueberry Cookies offer the perfect balance of bright, tangy lemon and bursts of juicy blueberries in every bite.

These soft, chewy cookies feature a buttery base enhanced with fresh lemon zest and wild blueberries, creating an irresistible treat that’s perfect for spring gatherings, summer picnics, or any time you need a refreshing sweet treat.

Ingredients List

Cookie Base

• 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1¼ cup white granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 1 TBSP fresh lemon juice
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 egg yolk, room temperature
• ¾ cup frozen wild blueberries

Required Kitchen Tools

When preparing these Lemon Blueberry Cookies, having the right kitchen tools will ensure success:

1. Mixing Bowls: Two bowls – one large for wet ingredients and one medium for dry ingredients
2. Cookie Sheets: Two baking sheets for alternating batches
3. Parchment Paper: For lining the baking sheets
4. Cookie Scoop: Preferably a 2oz scoop for consistent sizing
5. Microplane or Zester: For zesting the lemons
6. Rubber Spatula: For folding ingredients together
7. Cooling Rack: For proper cooling of the cookies

Dough Preparation

Creating the perfect cookie dough is crucial for achieving the ideal texture and flavor balance in these Lemon Blueberry Cookies. Follow these detailed steps for the best results.

Preparing the Wet Ingredients

Start by melting the butter in the microwave and allowing it to cool for 15 minutes in a large mixing bowl. This cooling period is essential to prevent the butter from cooking the eggs when they’re added later. Once cooled, combine the melted butter with both white and brown sugars until well mixed. Add the fresh lemon zest, which releases its oils into the butter mixture, maximizing the citrus flavor. Finally, incorporate the lemon juice, egg, and egg yolk until the mixture becomes pale in color.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, sift the flour to ensure there are no lumps. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth cookie texture. Add the baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the sifted flour. Whisk these dry ingredients together to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents.

Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

The key to perfect cookies lies in how you combine these components:

1. Gradual Addition: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in portions
2. Gentle Folding: Use a rubber spatula to fold the ingredients together just until combined
3. Adding Blueberries: Carefully fold in the frozen wild blueberries last, being mindful not to overmix
4. Final Texture: The dough should be well-combined but not overworked, with blueberries evenly distributed

Baking Process

The baking stage is where your careful preparation transforms into delicious cookies. Follow these steps precisely for the best results.

Oven Preparation and Cookie Formation

1. Preheat: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Allow sufficient time for it to reach the proper temperature
2. Pan Preparation: Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper
3. Scooping: Using a 2oz cookie scoop, portion 6 cookies per baking sheet
   • Space cookies evenly to allow for spreading
   • Keep dough chilled between batches

Baking Instructions

For perfect cookies, timing and technique are crucial:

1. Single Sheet Baking: Bake one cookie sheet at a time for even heat distribution
2. Timing: Bake for 14-16 minutes
   • Look for golden brown edges
   • Centers should appear slightly underbaked
3. Visual Cues:
   • Edges should be lightly golden
   • Surface should be set but still soft in the center
   • Bottom should be evenly browned

Cooling Process

Proper cooling is essential for achieving the perfect texture:

1. Initial Rest: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes
   • This allows them to set without breaking
   • Cookies will continue cooking slightly from residual heat
2. Final Cooling: Transfer to a wire cooling rack
   • Allow cookies to cool completely
   • This helps develop the proper chewy texture
   • Usually takes 20-30 minutes

Serving and Storage

Serving Suggestions

These Lemon Blueberry Cookies can be enjoyed in various ways:

• Serve slightly warm for a comforting treat
• Pair with:
  • Cold glass of milk
  • Hot tea or coffee
  • Lemon sorbet for an extra citrus kick
• Perfect for:
  • Afternoon tea parties
  • Summer picnics
  • Holiday cookie platters
  • Gift boxes

Storage Instructions

To maintain freshness and flavor, follow these storage guidelines:

Room Temperature Storage

• Store in an airtight container
• Place parchment paper between layers
• Keeps fresh for up to 5 days
• Maintain at room temperature away from direct sunlight

Freezing Options

• Baked Cookies:
  • Wrap individually in plastic wrap
  • Place in freezer-safe container
  • Keeps for up to 3 months
  • Thaw at room temperature before serving
• Cookie Dough:
  • Scoop into portions
  • Freeze on a baking sheet until solid
  • Transfer to freezer bag
  • Bake directly from frozen (add 1-2 minutes to baking time)

Recipe Notes and Tips

• Use frozen blueberries straight from the freezer to prevent bleeding
• Don’t overbake – cookies will continue to set as they cool
• For extra lemon flavor, add ¼ teaspoon lemon extract
• Rotate cookie sheets halfway through baking for even results
• For prettier presentation, press a few extra blueberries on top before baking

Conclusion

These Lemon Blueberry Cookies offer a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors, with bursts of berry in every bite.

The recipe is straightforward but yields impressive results that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Remember, the key to success lies in not overmixing the dough and watching the baking time carefully. Happy baking!