Best Ever Blueberry Cookies Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup frozen wild blueberries
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Directions

Step 1: Place frozen blueberries in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave them for about 1 minute until they are thawed. Do not drain the liquid.

Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, sugar, and salt with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the thawed blueberries (including their juices), lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Continue mixing on high speed for around 5 minutes. Initially, the mixture may appear curdled, but it will smooth out as you mix.

Step 4: On low speed, add the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking powder to the mixture. Continue mixing until just combined.

Step 5: Stir in the white chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for 30 to 60 minutes until it is chilled.

Step 7: Preheat your oven to 350F (180C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 8: Scoop out dough using a tablespoon (approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons per cookie). Place the dough balls about 1 1/2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Step 9: Wet your hands slightly and gently flatten each cookie dough ball.

Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 14 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies just begin to turn brown.

Step 11: Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving (1 cookie)

Nutrition Information	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	141
Total Fat	8g	10%
Saturated Fat	5g	23%
Cholesterol	16mg	5%
Sodium	54mg	2%
Total Carbohydrate	17g	6%
Dietary Fiber	0g	2%
Total Sugars	9g
Protein	1g	3%
Vitamin C	1mg	1%
Calcium	23mg	2%
Iron	0mg	3%
Potassium	31mg	1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History and Origins

Blueberry cookies, like many fruit-based baked goods, have evolved over time from traditional dessert recipes that incorporated seasonal fruits. The "Best Ever Blueberry Cookies" recipe, however, is a more modern creation that blends the sweet, tart flavor of blueberries with the richness of butter and white chocolate. Blueberries themselves have a long history in North American cuisine, with indigenous people using them in various forms, from dried berries to jams. Today, blueberries are a staple ingredient in many baked goods, and this recipe is an example of how they can be incorporated into a soft, cakey cookie with a fresh, fruity taste.

Regional Features

Blueberries are native to North America, particularly to regions in the northeastern United States and parts of Canada. This makes blueberry-based recipes especially popular in these areas. The addition of lemon zest and juice in this recipe provides a nod to the tart, citrus-forward flavors found in many American desserts. The use of frozen wild blueberries enhances the cookies' vibrant color and intense flavor, setting them apart from typical berry cookies that might use fresh or cultivated varieties.

What Makes These Cookies Unique?

While many fruit cookies use berries as a primary ingredient, what sets these "Best Ever Blueberry Cookies" apart is the addition of white chocolate chips. The sweetness of the white chocolate complements the tartness of the blueberries, creating a unique contrast of flavors that is both indulgent and refreshing. The use of frozen wild blueberries ensures that the cookies are bursting with flavor and that the fruit retains its integrity during baking, rather than becoming overly soft or lost in the dough.

Where Are These Cookies Typically Served?

These cookies are a perfect addition to any summer gathering, thanks to their light, fruity flavor. They are often served at family barbecues, picnics, or holiday celebrations like the Fourth of July, when blueberries are in season. Their vibrant color and delightful combination of flavors also make them an excellent choice for tea parties or as a treat to accompany a coffee break. Additionally, they can be a great way to introduce children to the deliciousness of fruit-filled baked goods, thanks to their soft texture and mild sweetness.

Fun Facts About Blueberries

• Blueberries are considered a superfood because they are rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which give them their deep blue color.
• The wild blueberry, which is used in this recipe, is smaller and more intense in flavor than cultivated blueberries, making it ideal for baking.
• Blueberries were named "star berries" by Native Americans due to their shape, which is said to resemble a five-pointed star.
• In the U.S., blueberries are grown primarily in Maine, Michigan, and New Jersey, and the peak season for fresh blueberries runs from late spring to early summer.

Whether you are a long-time fan of blueberry desserts or are trying something new, these "Best Ever Blueberry Cookies" offer a delicious and refreshing twist on the classic cookie. With their beautiful color, wonderful flavor balance, and regional roots, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

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