Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Lemon Blueberry Cookies on a sheet pan with lemons and fresh blueberries.

Soft Lemon Blueberry Cookies (Bakery Style Recipe)


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Bailey Sissom
  • Total Time: ~2 hours (including chilling and baking)
  • Yield: 8-10 cookies

Description

These Bakery-Style Lemon Cookies are soft, thick, and chewy, with a perfectly tangy lemon flavor. Topped with a beautiful blueberry jam swirled buttercream, they make a stunning treat that's both simple and indulgent. The marbled effect on the frosting adds a visual touch that’s sure to impress!


Ingredients

For The Lemon Cookies:

  • Unsalted butter (1 cup | 226g)
  • Granulated sugar (1 ¼ cups | 250g)
  • Lemon zest (2 tablespoons | 12g)
  • Large egg (1 | 50g, without shell)
  • Large egg yolk (1 | 18g)
  • Fresh lemon juice (3 tablespoons | 45g)
  • All-purpose flour (3 cups | 362g)
  • Cornstarch (2 tablespoons | 16g)
  • Baking powder (¾ teaspoon | 3.6g)
  • Baking soda (½ teaspoon | 2.4g)
  • Salt (½ teaspoon | 3g)

For the Buttercream Frosting:

  • Unsalted butter (1 cup | 226g)
  • Powdered sugar (4 cups | 480g)
  • Whole milk (3-5 tablespoons | 15-30g, as needed)
  • Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon | 5g)
  • Blueberry jam  (¼ cup | 80g)

Instructions

Make the Lemon Cookies:

  1. Pulse lemon zest (2 tablespoons) and granulated sugar (1 ¼ cups) together in a food processor or blender for 10-15 seconds until the zest is finely incorporated.
  2. Cream together the lemon sugar and room temperature unsalted butter (1 cup) in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add large egg (1), large egg yolk (1), and fresh lemon juice (3 tablespoons), mixing until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour (3 cups)cornstarch (2 tablespoons)baking powder (¾ teaspoon), baking soda (½ teaspoon), and salt (½ teaspoon). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
  4. First Chill: Cover and chill the dough for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight) in the refrigerator.
  5. Once the dough has chilled, scoop 50g portions of dough, roll them into balls, and gently flatten each ball slightly.
  6. Second Chill: Place the dough balls on the same baking sheet you will use for baking and chill them in the refrigerator for an additional 15 minutes.
  7. Preheat the Oven: While the dough chills, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, the oven isn't on for over an hour, and everything is ready to bake as soon as the dough is chilled.
  8. Once the dough is chilled, bake for 11-13 minutes, or until the edges are set and golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Blueberry Jam Swirled Buttercream Frosting:

  1. In a mixing bowl, beat room temperature unsalted  butter (1 cup) on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar (4 cups), mixing on low speed to prevent the powdered sugar from puffing up.  Once all the sugar is incorporated, increase the speed to medium and continue to beat for 3-5 minutes, until the frosting becomes light, smooth, and fluffy.
  3. Add vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) and start with 3 tablespoons milk. Mix and check the consistency. Gradually add 1 tablespoon of milk at a time until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. You want it thick enough to hold its shape, but smooth enough to spread easily.
  4. Add blueberry jam (¼ cup) and mix it into the buttercream. For a swirled effect, mix gently so that streaks of blueberry are still visible. For a solid color, mix until the jam is fully incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix—this will ensure the desired texture and look, whether it's a marbled or uniform color.
  5. Once the cookies are completely cool, spread the blueberry jam swirled buttercream on top of each cookie using an offset spatula or butter knife. Gently swirl the frosting with the back of the spatula to create a marble effect. Let the cookies sit for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Note on Jam vs. Jelly vs. Preserves: Jam is made from cooked and pureed fruit, resulting in a smooth consistency, making it the best choice for swirling into frosting. Jelly, made from fruit juice, has a smooth, gelatinous texture and is not recommended for this recipe. Preserves are made from whole or large pieces of fruit in syrup and can be used in the frosting if blended and strained to remove chunks for a smoother texture. For this recipe, jam is the preferred choice for a smooth swirl in the frosting. 

Cookie Size: To ensure uniform-sized cookies, weigh each dough ball to 50g using a kitchen scale. This will help you achieve consistent results for even baking and perfect texture.

Note on Milk Quantity: The amount of milk used in this frosting can vary depending on factors like the consistency of the buttercream and the humidity in your kitchen. Start with 3 tablespoons and gradually add up to 5 tablespoons, adjusting until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency. Keep in mind that adding the jam will thin the frosting a little more.

Shortcut Option: For a quicker version, use store-bought vanilla icing and swirl in blueberry jam. Just keep in mind, the sweetness might be higher than homemade buttercream.

  • Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 440
  • Sugar: 42.4 g
  • Sodium: 110.9 mg
  • Fat: 21.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 61 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 74.9 mg