Soft Blueberry Lemon Cookies (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Cookies

01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1 large egg
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
10 - 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
11 - 2 tablespoons purple food coloring (optional)
12 - 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for sprinkling

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
04 - Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the cookies tough.
06 - Gently fold in the fresh blueberries and lemon zest. If using, add purple food coloring at this stage and mix until the dough is evenly colored.
07 - Scoop the cookie dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with your hand and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
08 - Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may still look slightly underbaked, which is perfect for a soft, chewy texture.
09 - Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

# Notes:

01 - For best results, use fresh blueberries. Frozen blueberries can add extra moisture to the dough.
02 - Don't overmix the dough after adding the flour to avoid dense cookies.
03 - If the dough feels too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before baking.
04 - For a more intense lemon flavor, sprinkle extra lemon zest on top of the cookies before baking.
05 - For gluten-free cookies, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix.
06 - For dairy-free cookies, use plant-based butter and ensure the food coloring is vegan-friendly.