Are you craving a taste of summer? These fresh blueberry cookies are the perfect solution! Bursting with juicy blueberries and boasting a melt-in-your-mouth texture, this easy recipe is ideal for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. It’s a delightful addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, perfect for an afternoon treat or a simple dessert. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is key for achieving that perfect cookie texture.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on to the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 4: Fold in Blueberries
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries. Don't be too vigorous, or you might crush them!
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy!
Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Blueberry Cookies:
- Use fresh blueberries: Frozen blueberries will work, but they might release excess moisture, making your cookies slightly soggy.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
- Chill the dough (optional): For thicker cookies with a chewier texture, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust baking time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Lemon Blueberry Cookies: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough for a zesty twist.
- Oatmeal Blueberry Cookies: Stir in ½ cup of rolled oats for added texture and fiber.
- Chocolate Chip Blueberry Cookies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips for a delightful combination of flavors.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Sugar: 10-15g
- Protein: 2-3g
These are just estimates and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy these delicious and easy-to-make blueberry cookies! They are a perfect example of delicious dishes you can create with simple, fresh ingredients. This recipe is a great addition to your collection of best recipes for any occasion.