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· 4.4 from 25 reviews

If you adore the zing of fresh citrus paired with bursts of juicy berries, this Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe is going to become your newest obsession. These soft, chewy cookies perfectly balance tangy lemon zest and sweet blueberries, wrapped in buttery cookie dough that’s both comforting and vibrant. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon treat or a lively gathering, this recipe brings a little sunshine to every bite, making the baking process as joyful as the eating.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with three distinct layers of ingredients that are not mixed. The bottom layer is white sugar, soft and fine, covering about half the bowl's base. On top of the white sugar, there is a mound of light brown sugar with a crumbly texture, sitting on the right side, covering roughly a third of the white sugar layer. Cut lemon zest, bright yellow and fresh-looking, is sprinkled over a part of the white sugar on the top left, creating a bright contrast. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe couldn’t be simpler. Each one plays a crucial role, from creating the tender texture to infusing the bright citrus notes and the delightful blueberry pops that make these cookies unforgettable.

3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, room temperature: Provides richness and a soft, chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness while helping to create that perfect cookie spread.
1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed: Brings a subtle caramel flavor and keeps the cookies moist.
1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest (to taste): The star of the show, delivering fresh, vibrant citrus flavor in every bite.
1 large egg, room temperature: Binds the ingredients together and adds a bit of tenderness.
3/4 teaspoon vanilla: Enhances the flavor depth while complementing the lemon.
2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled: The base that gives the cookies structure without being dry.
3/4 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft.
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar: Adds a subtle tang and helps with the chewy texture.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and boosts all the other flavors.
1/3 cup freeze dried blueberries, chopped: Provides concentrated blueberry flavor and a chewy burst.
1/4 cup coarse sanding sugar, for topping: Adds a sparkling crunch and gorgeous finish.

How to Make Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Infuse Sugars with Lemon Zest

Start by combining your sugars with the fresh lemon zest in the bowl of your stand mixer. Use your fingers to gently massage the zest into the sugars for about 20 seconds. This simple step wakes up the citrus aroma, creating a lively lemon flavor that shines through in every bite of your cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Add the room temperature butter to the zested sugar mixture and beat on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about three minutes. This aeration is key for creating soft cookies with a tender crumb. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

Step 3: Combine Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract on low speed until fully incorporated. This step enriches the dough and enhances its flavor complexity, making sure every cookie tastes like pure sunshine.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add this to your wet ingredients on low speed, mixing just until combined. Don’t overdo it here—some flour streaks are perfectly fine and keep your cookies delightfully tender.

Step 5: Fold in Blueberries

Remove the dough from the mixer and gently fold in the chopped freeze dried blueberries with a large spatula. This careful folding prevents the berries from breaking up too much, preserving those juicy flavor bursts in the final cookie.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Let the dough chill uncovered in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling solidifies the butter, which helps control spreading in the oven and intensifies the lemon flavor as the ingredients meld together.

Step 7: Shape and Sugar Coat

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop the dough using a medium cookie scoop and roll each cookie ball in the coarse sanding sugar, coating all sides for a sparkling, sweet crunch.

Step 8: Bake Until Perfect

Place your sugar-coated cookie dough balls spaced 2 to 3 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 9 minutes, until the edges are set and slightly golden while the centers remain soft and puffy—this contrast is what makes the cookies so irresistible.

Step 9: Cool and Finish

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 to 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For an added touch, sprinkle a little more coarse sanding sugar on top for extra texture and sparkle.

How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe

Two light golden cookies with a slightly cracked surface sit stacked on white parchment paper on a metal cooling rack. The top cookie has a bite taken out of it and shows soft, chewy texture inside. Both cookies have dark dried fruit pieces and what looks like sugar crystals sprinkled on top. A few dried fruit pieces are scattered around the cookies. The background shows a white marbled surface with a blurred white cup and a small bowl of sugar. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Although these cookies are scrumptious on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of lemon glaze can elevate their presentation and taste, turning them into something truly special for a gathering or afternoon tea.

Side Dishes

Pair your Lemon Blueberry Cookies with a cup of hot herbal tea or a glass of cold milk for classic comfort. If you’re celebrating, these cookies also beautifully complement a fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream for a light, fresh dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies together with lemon cream cheese frosting or swirl some blueberry jam in softened buttercream for an elegant treat. Serving them on a bright floral plate or a rustic wooden board brings out the cheerful colors and invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature and they’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to four days. Make sure to layer them with parchment paper to avoid sticking and maintain their pretty sanding sugar topping intact.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container or bag with parchment paper between layers. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for a few hours or warm them slightly in the oven for that freshly baked feel.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, pop your cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes or microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds. This softens their texture and revives the aromatic lemon and blueberry notes delightfully.

FAQs

Can I use fresh blueberries instead of freeze dried in the Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe?

You can use fresh blueberries, but be aware they tend to release moisture during baking, which can make the cookies softer and less chewy. Freeze dried blueberries help concentrate flavor without adding extra moisture, which keeps the cookie texture just right.

How important is it to chill the cookie dough?

Chilling the dough is a key step in this Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe. It firms up the butter and helps control spreading in the oven, resulting in cookies that are tender inside with nicely set edges. Plus, it lets the flavors meld beautifully.

What is the purpose of cream of tartar in this cookie recipe?

Cream of tartar acts as a mild acid that reacts with baking soda, contributing to the rise and giving the cookies a tender, chewy texture with a slight tang that complements the lemon flavor perfectly.

Can I substitute coarse sanding sugar with regular sugar?

While regular sugar works in a pinch, coarse sanding sugar adds a delightful crunch and sparkly finish to the cookies’ appearance. If you want that extra texture and glam look, it’s worth seeking out.

How do I keep the lemon flavor from tasting bitter?

Using fresh lemon zest and massaging it into the sugar helps extract only the bright oils without the bitter white pith. Also, measuring the zest carefully (1 to 2 tablespoons) prevents overpowering bitterness while delivering a refreshing citrus pop.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Blueberry Cookies Recipe is a true joy to bake and even more delightful to share. With its perfect balance of tart and sweet, soft but slightly crisp edges, and bursts of blueberry goodness, it’s a cookie that’s sure to brighten any day. Grab your ingredients, have fun in the kitchen, and treat yourself to these little lemony gems—you won’t regret it!