Introduction
Blueberry Lemon Cookie Bars are a delightful treat combining the tangy freshness of lemon with sweet blueberries, all topped with a luscious white chocolate drizzle. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to impress!
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
For the Cookies:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh blueberries
For the White Chocolate Glaze:
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
2 tablespoons heavy cream
For Garnish:
Fresh blueberries
Lemon zest
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
12-15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
About 12 bars
Directions
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing until fully combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, being careful not to crush them.
2. Bake the Cookies:
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Prepare the White Chocolate Glaze:
In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and heavy cream.
Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
4. Assemble and Serve:
Drizzle the white chocolate glaze over the cooled cookies.
Garnish with fresh blueberries and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a vibrant finish.
Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Enjoy these Blueberry Lemon Cookie Bars as a delightful treat for afternoon tea, parties, or simply as a sweet snack!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Prepare the Cookie Dough:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the large egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice, mixing until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, being careful not to crush them.
2. Bake the Cookies:
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Prepare the White Chocolate Glaze:
In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
4. Assemble and Serve:
Drizzle the white chocolate glaze over the cooled cookies. Garnish with fresh blueberries and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a vibrant finish. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
Storage:
Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Substitutions:
You can substitute frozen blueberries for fresh ones, but be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the dough.
Serving Suggestions:
These Blueberry Lemon Cookie Bars pair wonderfully with tea or coffee and are perfect for picnics, parties, or as a sweet snack.
Cook Techniques
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This technique incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a lighter cookie texture.
Folding in Ingredients
When incorporating fresh blueberries into the dough, gently fold them in by hand. This minimizes the chance of crushing the berries and ensures they remain whole for bursts of flavor in each bite.
Baking at the Right Temperature
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking. The correct temperature prevents the edges from becoming too dark while allowing the centers to cook thoroughly.
Setting Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This technique helps them set and maintain their shape without breaking.
Melting Chocolate
When melting white chocolate chips in the microwave, use short intervals and stir in between to prevent burning. This ensures a smooth and creamy glaze for drizzling.
FAQ
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the cookie bars.
How do I store the Blueberry Lemon Cookie Bars?
Store the cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I substitute the white chocolate with dark chocolate?
Absolutely! You can use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate for the drizzle if you prefer a richer flavor.
What can I use as a substitute for butter?
You can substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free version.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Yes, you can add nuts such as chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor if desired. Just be sure to adjust the amount of blueberries accordingly.
Conclusion
These Blueberry Lemon Cookie Bars with White Chocolate Drizzle are a perfect harmony of flavors, offering a refreshing twist that makes them irresistible. The combination of tart lemon and sweet blueberries creates a delightful balance, while the creamy white chocolate glaze adds a touch of indulgence. Whether for a gathering or an everyday treat, these bars are sure to be a hit!
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