These Blueberry Lemon Cookies are a delightful mix of tangy lemon and juicy blueberries, paired with sweet white chocolate chips. Soft, buttery, and bursting with fresh flavors, they’re perfect for a summery dessert or anytime you need a sweet citrusy treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright and fresh flavors: Lemon and blueberry make a perfect pairing.
- Creamy touch: White chocolate chips add a sweet, creamy balance.
- Soft and chewy: Cream cheese in the dough creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup butter, room temperature
- 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar (plus 5 tablespoons for rolling dough)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons lemon extract
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (measured correctly)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Cooling rack
- Small bowl (for rolling sugar)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease or line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together butter, 1 ¾ cups of sugar, and cream cheese for 2 minutes until smooth and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, lemon extract, lemon juice, and lemon zest, then beat for an additional minute.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Mix in the salt, baking soda, and flour by hand until just combined. Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and fresh blueberries, being careful not to mash the blueberries.
Step 3: Shape and Chill the Dough
Place 5 tablespoons of sugar in a small bowl. Scoop about ¼ cup of dough per cookie, roll each ball in the sugar, and place on a baking sheet. Freeze the dough balls for at least 1 hour to ensure the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 13-16 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve at room temperature with a cup of tea or lemonade for a refreshing treat.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Variations
- Dark chocolate twist: Replace white chocolate chips with dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
- Berry swap: Substitute fresh blueberries with raspberries or blackberries for a different flavor profile.
- Citrus blend: Add a bit of orange zest along with the lemon for a citrusy medley.
Helpful Notes
- Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off to avoid dense cookies.
- Freezing the dough is crucial to prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Use fresh, firm blueberries for the best texture and flavor.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Mary Berry: “When adding fresh fruit to baked goods, ensure the fruit is dry to avoid excess moisture in the dough.”
- Ina Garten: “Use high-quality white chocolate chips for a smoother, creamier flavor.”
- Ree Drummond: “Chill cookie dough for consistent shapes and even baking.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen blueberries?
A: Yes, but thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before adding to the dough to prevent excess moisture.
Q: What if I don’t have lemon extract?
A: Substitute with an additional tablespoon of lemon juice and increase the lemon zest slightly for extra flavor.
Q: Can I skip the cream cheese?
A: Cream cheese enhances the softness and flavor of the cookies, but you can replace it with an equal amount of butter if needed.
Q: How do I prevent the blueberries from bursting?
A: Gently fold the blueberries into the dough and avoid overmixing to keep them intact.
Q: Can I make smaller cookies?
A: Yes, scoop smaller dough portions and reduce the baking time to 9-11 minutes.
These Blueberry Lemon Cookies are a delightful combination of fruity, tangy, and sweet flavors, making them a standout addition to any dessert spread. Enjoy their soft texture and bright flavors with every bite!
