Lemon Blueberry Cookies Are A Bite Of Citrus and Berry
Cookies are one of those delightful little baking creations that feel almost essential in the kitchen. They’re so simple, just a few basic ingredients that somehow transform into something deliciously holdable, perfect for snacking or sharing. I’ve always imagined that the earliest cookies came to be through a bit of kitchen experimentation—someone mixing flour, sugar, and butter and then deciding to add a little something extra, maybe some fruit or a hint of spice. Over time, these experiments led to the tried-and-true recipes we love today, but there’s always room for new flavors to join the ranks. These Lemon Blueberry Cookies are a perfect example. They’re not as common as chocolate chip or oatmeal, but they offer a refreshing burst of citrus and berry that’s a wonderful treat. It’s exciting to think about how people continue to experiment in the kitchen, adding their own twist to the classics, and in doing so, creating new favorites.
Did You Know?
Health Benefits of Blueberries: Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. They help improve heart health, brain function, and can aid in reducing inflammation. Including blueberries in your diet provides numerous health benefits while adding a burst of natural sweetness to your recipes. These little berries are also known to support digestion and weight loss due to their high fiber content. Blueberries are low in calories but high in nutrients, making them a superfood worth adding to your daily meals.
Recipe:
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh blueberries
Instructions:
Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Personal Tip: Make sure to cream the butter and sugar for at least 3-4 minutes to ensure the cookies are light and fluffy.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Personal Tip: Avoid overmixing once you add the dry ingredients to keep the cookies tender.
Add Blueberries:
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries.
Personal Tip: Toss the blueberries in a little flour before adding them to the dough to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cookies.
Bake the Cookies:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Personal Tip: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for even browning.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
Personal Tip: Let the cookies cool completely before storing them to maintain their texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 110, Protein: 2g, Carbohydrates: 14g, Sugars: 6g, Total Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Sodium: 70mg, Fiber: 1g
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
- Fresh or Frozen Berries: You can use fresh or frozen blueberries for this recipe. If using frozen, do not thaw them before adding to the dough to prevent the dough from becoming too wet.
- Zesting Lemons: Use a microplane grater to zest lemons easily. Only zest the yellow part of the lemon skin, avoiding the bitter white pith.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother dough.
- Storage Tips: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
- Serving Suggestions: These cookies pair well with a glass of iced tea or lemonade. They are also great for sharing at picnics or barbecues.
- Baking Evenly: Space the cookie dough evenly on the baking sheet to allow for even baking and prevent them from spreading into each other.
- Add-Ins: For added texture and flavor, consider mixing in white chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
- Lemon Glaze: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cooled cookies for extra sweetness and a burst of lemon flavor.
- Budget-Friendly Tips: Buy blueberries in bulk when they are in season and freeze them for later use. This can save money and ensure you always have blueberries on hand.
- Creative Variations: Experiment with other citrus fruits like lime or orange for a different flavor profile. Mixing citrus zest can also create unique and refreshing taste combinations.
What’s The Difference Between All-Purpose Flour and Baking Flour?
All-purpose flour and baking flour are two common types of flour used in baking, but they serve different purposes. All-purpose flour is a versatile flour that can be used in a wide range of recipes, from cookies to bread. It has a medium protein content, which makes it suitable for most baking tasks. Baking flour, on the other hand, is a more specific term that can refer to different types of flour depending on the recipe. For example, cake flour is a type of baking flour that has a lower protein content, making it ideal for tender cakes and pastries. Bread flour, another type of baking flour, has a higher protein content, which gives bread its chewy texture.
When baking cookies like these Lemon Blueberry Cookies, all-purpose flour is typically used because it provides the right balance of structure and tenderness. If a recipe calls for a specific type of baking flour, it’s important to use the correct one to achieve the desired texture and outcome. Understanding the differences between these flours can help you choose the right one for your baking needs.