If you’re looking for a dessert that’s equal parts beautiful and delicious, you’re in for a treat with these Blueberry Crinkle Cookies! Imagine a soft, jammy blueberry center peeking through a sugary, crinkled exterior, all with a hint of bright lemon. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat, and their vivid purple hue adds a burst of color to any cookie platter. Whether you’re baking for a picnic, a summer party, or just a cozy afternoon at home, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Blueberry Crinkle Cookies is that their simple, familiar ingredients come together in a unique way to create something extraordinary. Each element has a role: fresh blueberries for flavor, a splash of lemon for zing, and that glorious coat of powdered sugar for the perfect crinkle!
- Fresh or thawed frozen blueberries (1 cup): These beauties create the stunning flavor and color that set Blueberry Crinkle Cookies apart; wild blueberries are especially flavorful if you can find them.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a pop of brightness, keeping the blueberry flavor lively and fresh.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the dough and balances the tartness of the lemon and berries.
- Vegetable oil (1/4 cup): Makes the cookies tender and gives them a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and gives the cookies their rich, soft crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth, rounding out the fruity flavors.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides structure so the cookies puff up and crinkle just right.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Ensures lift and softness, so your cookies don’t end up flat.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch to highlight all the other flavors.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup, for rolling): Responsible for that iconic crinkle finish and a sweet, delicate shell.
How to Make Blueberry Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and create easy cleanup later. This step ensures your Blueberry Crinkle Cookies bake evenly and don’t pick up any extra browning from the pan.
Step 2: Cook Down the Berries
In a small saucepan, combine your blueberries and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 8 to 10 minutes until the berries break down and the mixture thickens up like a loose jam. This concentrates the blueberry flavor and gives the cookies their gorgeous color. Let the mixture cool completely before moving on.
Step 3: Make the Wet Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled blueberry mixture, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir it all together until it’s glossy and smooth. The blend of fruity berry, vanilla, and citrus is already mouthwatering at this stage!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly dispersed, so every Blueberry Crinkle Cookie puffs and flavors perfectly.
Step 5: Make and Chill the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Gently mix until you have a soft, slightly sticky dough. Chilling for 30 minutes is key—it firms up the dough, making it easier to roll and yielding thicker, more crinkly cookies.
Step 6: Shape and Sugar-Coat
Scoop out tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll them into balls with your hands. Next comes the fun part: roll each dough ball in powdered sugar until generously coated. This sugary layer gives every Blueberry Crinkle Cookie its eye-catching, crackled look.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Set the sugared dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookies have set edges and gloriously crinkled tops. Let them cool on the pans for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma is absolutely irresistible!
How to Serve Blueberry Crinkle Cookies
Garnishes
A simple dusting of extra powdered sugar adds a snowy look and highlights those beautiful crinkles. For a citrusy twist, sprinkle a bit of fresh lemon zest over the cookies just before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a few fresh blueberries on the side or a sprig of mint can really make your Blueberry Crinkle Cookies pop on the plate.
Side Dishes
Pair your Blueberry Crinkle Cookies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a small bowl of lemon sorbet for a refreshing contrast. If you’re hosting a brunch, add them to a spread with fresh fruit salad, lemonade, and tea for a sunny, bakery-style vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Blueberry Crinkle Cookies look stunning arranged on a white platter or a cake stand. For gifting, line a tin with patterned parchment and pile the cookies up, or stack them in a cellophane bag with a ribbon for a sweet homemade present. At parties, create a “cookie flight” featuring these alongside classic chocolate crinkles and lemon bars for a vibrant dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Blueberry Crinkle Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days—just layer parchment or wax paper between them if you’re stacking to prevent sticking and preserve their pretty finish.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully, both baked and as raw dough balls. To freeze baked cookies, let them cool completely, then place in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to a bag or airtight container. For dough, freeze the rolled (but unbaked and unsugared) balls, then thaw, sugar, and bake when ready for fresh, warm Blueberry Crinkle Cookies anytime.
Reheating
If your cookies lose a bit of their softness, just warm them in a 275°F oven for about 3-5 minutes—this revives their tender texture and awakens their aroma. Avoid microwaving, which can make them chewy rather than soft. Enjoy them slightly warm for that just-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Absolutely! Just thaw them first, then drain off extra liquid before cooking down with lemon juice. Frozen blueberries work especially well out of season and offer plenty of flavor and color.
Can I make Blueberry Crinkle Cookies gluten-free?
Yes, a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend works nicely in this recipe. Check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well, and be prepared for a slightly different (but still wonderful) texture.
Why is my dough sticky?
The berry filling keeps this dough on the sticky side! That’s normal. Chilling it thoroughly makes the dough easier to handle, and don’t be shy about dusting your hands with a little flour when rolling.
What’s the secret to extra crinkly cookies?
For those dramatic crackles, make sure to roll each dough ball very generously in powdered sugar. The thick coating helps create a dramatic contrast as the cookies expand in the oven.
Can I add lemon zest to the dough?
Definitely! Lemon zest boosts the citrus flavor and really accentuates the blueberries. Simply add the zest of half a lemon when mixing your wet ingredients for a flavorful upgrade.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Blueberry Crinkle Cookies enough—they’re everything you want in a summer treat: colorful, juicy, and just sweet enough. They’re a joy to bake and even more fun to share, so give them a try and watch them disappear from the plate!
PrintBlueberry Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes (plus chill time)
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Blueberry Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat with a burst of fruity flavor in every bite. The soft, crinkled exterior gives way to a moist and tender inside, making them perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Blueberry Jam:
- 1 cup fresh or thawed frozen blueberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Prepare Blueberry Jam: Cook blueberries and lemon juice in a saucepan until jam-like.
- Mix Dough: Combine blueberry mixture, sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla. Add dry ingredients slowly until dough forms.
- Chill and Shape: Chill dough, roll into balls, and coat in powdered sugar.
- Bake: Bake until set and crinkled. Cool before serving.
Notes
- For a stronger blueberry flavor, use wild blueberries.
- Add lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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