Imagine the classic flavors of a blueberry pie transformed into a bite-sized delight. Blueberry pie cookies combine the best of both worlds: the comforting taste of homemade pie and the convenience of a cookie. These little treats are perfect for summer picnics, holiday gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.
The inspiration for these cookies comes from my love of traditional blueberry pie. I wanted to create something just as delicious but easier to share and enjoy on the go. With a buttery crust, juicy blueberries, and a hint of lemon zest, these cookies capture the essence of a beloved dessert in a fun, portable form.
Ingredients
Here is everything you’ll need to create these delightful blueberry pie cookies. Make sure to gather all of the ingredients before starting.
For the Cookie Base
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Blueberry Filling
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, for a warm spice flavor
- 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream, for serving
Directions
Creating these blueberry pie cookies is a delightful process. Follow these steps to ensure you get the perfect cookies every time.
Make the Cookie Base
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream together 3/4 cup of unsalted butter (room temperature) and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Prepare the Blueberry Filling
- Cook Blueberries: In a small saucepan combine 2 cups of fresh or frozen blueberries, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest.
- Thicken the Mixture: Cook over medium heat stirring occasionally until the blueberries release their juices and the mixture thickens about 5-7 minutes.
- Cool the Filling: Remove from heat and let the blueberry filling cool to room temperature.
Assemble the Cookies
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface roll out the chilled dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- Cut the Cookies: Use a round cookie cutter to cut out circles from the dough placing them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add Blueberry Filling: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cooled blueberry filling onto the center of each dough circle.
- Top with Dough: Cut additional circles or decorative shapes from the remaining dough and place them over the blueberry filling pressing the edges slightly to seal.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Cookies: Place the assembled cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Your delicious blueberry pie cookies are now ready to be enjoyed.
Storage & Freezing
To maximize the freshness of your blueberry pie cookies and enjoy their delectable flavor longer, follow these simple storage and freezing guidelines.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Once your cookies have completely cooled, place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container and refrigerate. This will keep them fresh for up to 7 days. Make sure to let the cookies come to room temperature before consuming for the best texture and flavor.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: After baking and cooling the cookies, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours until they are firm. Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 3 months. Thaw the cookies at room temperature before serving.
- Freezing Cookie Dough: If you prefer to bake fresh cookies when needed, you can freeze the cookie dough instead. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, around 1-2 hours. Transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to bake, bake as directed straight from the freezer, adding an additional 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
By following these storage and freezing tips, you can savor the delightful taste of your blueberry pie cookies whenever the craving strikes.
Variations & Substitutions
When making blueberry pie cookies, it’s always fun to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Here are a few variations and substitutions to customize these delicious treats:
Fruit Variations
- Mixed Berries: Swap half of the blueberries with an equal amount of raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries for a mixed berry cookie.
- Peaches: Replace blueberries with finely chopped peaches for a summery twist.
- Apples: Use diced apples combined with cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg for a fall-inspired cookie.
Flavor Substitutions
- Citrus Zest: Instead of lemon zest, try orange or lime zest to bring a different citrus flavor to the cookies.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the filling for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
- Extracts: Swap out vanilla extract with almond or lemon extract for a unique flavor profile.
Dietary Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour in place of regular flour to make the cookies gluten-free.
- Sugar Substitutes: Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like erythritol for a lower glycemic index option.
- Vegan: Substitute butter with a plant-based butter and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) instead of a regular egg.
- Crumb Topping: Before baking, sprinkle the cookies with a simple crumb topping made from flour, brown sugar, and butter.
- Drizzle: After baking, drizzle the cookies with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice.
- Nuts: Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as pecans or almonds, into the cookie dough for added crunch.
By trying out these variations and substitutions, you can make these blueberry pie cookies uniquely yours and enjoy different flavor combinations each time you bake them.
Pro Tips
To ensure the best results for your blueberry pie cookies, follow these essential tips. They’ll help you achieve perfectly balanced, delicious treats every time.
Weighing Ingredients
For accuracy, I recommend weighing your ingredients instead of using volume measurements. Use a kitchen scale to measure your flour, sugar, and other ingredients. This ensures consistency and prevents mistakes that could alter the texture and flavor of your cookies.
Preheat Oven
Always preheat your oven before baking. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) about 15 minutes before you start assembling the cookies. This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature, which helps the cookies bake evenly and achieve a perfect golden-brown crust.
Room Temperature Ingredients
Bring your butter and eggs to room temperature before mixing. This helps them incorporate more easily and evenly into the dough, leading to a smoother and more cohesive texture. To soften butter quickly, cut it into small pieces and leave it out for about 15-20 minutes. For eggs, place them in a bowl of warm water for about 5 minutes.
Cooling Cookies
After baking, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up and prevents them from breaking. Cooling on a wire rack allows air to circulate around the cookies, helping them cool evenly and maintaining their delightful texture.
Conclusion
Creating blueberry pie cookies has been an enjoyable way to blend the flavors of a classic dessert into a convenient and shareable treat. With a buttery crust and juicy blueberries, these cookies are sure to impress. Whether you stick to the original recipe or explore the various substitutions and toppings, there’s plenty of room for creativity. Remember the essential tips for best results and enjoy the process of making these delicious cookies. Happy baking!