Name: Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 19 min
Cuisine: American
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

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 9 reviews

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If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s bursting with bright citrus and juicy berries, this Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These soft and chewy cookies combine the zesty freshness of lemon zest with the sweet pop of blueberries, creating a flavor harmony that will have you reaching for second (and third) helpings. Easy to bake and incredibly satisfying, this recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a sunny, comforting snack perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear glass mixing bowl filled with light beige dough. On top of the dough, there is a scattered layer of small dark purple and black dried fruit pieces. The bowl is sitting on a white marbled surface, and the lighting highlights the soft, thick texture of the dough and the contrasting colors of the fruit pieces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in delivering the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color, turning humble components into something spectacular.

Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, creamy base essential for the cookie’s soft and chewy texture.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a slight crisp edge.
Light brown sugar: Brings moistness and a subtle hint of caramel to deepen the flavors.
Fresh lemon zest: Bursts with bright citrus notes to lift the entire cookie.
Large egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness to the dough.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with warm, aromatic depth.
All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation that holds everything together perfectly.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise gently for that light, tender crumb.
Cream of tartar: Adds a subtle tang and supports the soft texture.
Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and brightens flavors.
Freeze dried blueberries: Deliver concentrated bursts of blueberry goodness without extra moisture.
Coarse sanding sugar: Adds sparkle and a delightful crunch on top.

How to Make Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Infuse Sugars with Lemon Zest

Start by combining the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and fresh lemon zest in your mixer bowl. Use your fingers to massage the zest into the sugars for about 20 seconds. This simple step releases the oils and aromas from the lemon, ensuring a bright, fresh flavor that will shine through every bite.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Add the room temperature unsalted butter to the zest-infused sugars. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale, about 3 minutes. This creaming step is crucial for giving your cookies that soft, tender crumb and helps to incorporate air into your dough.

Step 3: Incorporate Egg and Vanilla

Lower the mixer speed and add the egg along with the vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are well combined, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl to keep everything evenly mixed.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and kosher salt. Gently add this dry mixture to the wet batter and mix on low speed just until everything is incorporated. Resist the urge to overmix; a few streaks of flour remaining are perfectly fine and will contribute to a better texture.

Step 5: Fold in Freeze-Dried Blueberries

Remove the bowl from the mixer and gently fold in the chopped freeze-dried blueberries with a spatula. Be gentle so the berries maintain their texture and evenly distribute throughout the dough.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Chilling your dough uncovered for 30 minutes helps it firm up, which prevents spreading and keeps the flavors nicely concentrated during baking. While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare your baking sheets.

Step 7: Shape, Sugar, and Bake

Using a medium cookie scoop, portion out dough balls and roll each in coarse sanding sugar until completely coated. Place them 2 to 3 inches apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake on the center rack for 8 to 9 minutes until the edges are set and just turning golden. The centers will look a bit puffy, promising soft, chewy perfection once cooled.

Step 8: Cool and Add a Final Crunch

Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Sprinkle with extra coarse sanding sugar for a dazzling finish that adds a fabulous crunch with every bite.

How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe

Two soft, round cookies with a light golden color rest on a white parchment paper placed on a metal cooling rack. Each cookie is dotted with small dark berry pieces and bits of bright yellow zest, giving texture and color contrast. The top cookie is whole, showing a slightly crinkled surface sprinkled with large sugar crystals that glisten. The bottom cookie has a bite taken out of it, revealing a tender inside with berry and zest bits visible. A few whole dried berries lie scattered around the cookies. The background shows a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a little extra wow factor, garnish your cookies with a thin slice of candied lemon peel or a light dusting of powdered sugar. This adds a touch of elegance and echoes the lemon flavor already in the cookie, making each bite feel special and bright.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine alongside a cup of hot tea—particularly green or chamomile—or a glass of cold milk for a classic, comforting combo. They also pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe stacked on a decorative plate with fresh lemon wedges and a handful of blueberries scattered around. For a party, display them in small clear jars or boxes tied with a ribbon—the perfect giftable treat that’s as charming as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread or a damp paper towel in the container; it helps maintain moisture in the cookies.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking tray until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. For dough, shape into balls and freeze on a tray before storing; bake straight from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to baking time.

Reheating

Warm your cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to refresh their softness and just-baked aroma. Avoid microwaving as it can make them tough or chewy in unwanted ways.

FAQs

Can I use fresh blueberries instead of freeze-dried?

Fresh blueberries add extra moisture, which can make the dough too wet and change the cookie’s texture. Freeze-dried blueberries are preferred because they provide intense blueberry flavor without affecting the dough’s consistency.

How do I make sure the lemon flavor is strong enough?

Using freshly grated lemon zest and massaging it into the sugar at the beginning helps release the essential oils and maximize that bright lemon flavor. Avoid using lemon extract as it can taste artificial.

Can I substitute other types of sugar?

Light brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor, so if you substitute it for white sugar, expect changes in texture and taste. For best results, follow the recipe’s balance of granulated and light brown sugars.

What’s the best way to prevent cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before baking solidifies the fats and prevents excessive spreading, helping the cookies hold their shape and develop a perfect, chewy texture.

Are these cookies suitable for storage and gifting?

Absolutely! These Lemon Blueberry Cookies keep well for several days and can be frozen, making them an ideal homemade gift that travels well and tastes fantastic fresh or thawed.

Final Thoughts

There is something wonderfully comforting about homemade cookies that brighten your day like these Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe. With their perfect balance of tart lemon, sweet blueberries, and that dreamy, chewy texture, they quickly become a beloved classic. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be delighted by how easy and rewarding baking can be when you have just the right ingredients and a simple method. Happy baking!

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