Blueberry Swirl Sugar Cookies
Why Make This Recipe
Blueberry Swirl Sugar Cookies are not just any ordinary cookie; they offer a delightful combination of sweetness and fruitiness that can brighten up any occasion. If you’re a fan of cookies that have a burst of flavor, these are perfect for you. They bring together the classic elements of a sugar cookie with a lovely swirl of blueberry jam, making them both beautiful and delicious. Whether you are baking for a special event or just want to treat yourself, these cookies will surely impress!
The beauty of Blueberry Swirl Sugar Cookies lies not only in their taste but also in their easy preparation. Even if you’re a beginner in baking, you can master this recipe without much hassle. Plus, who can resist the charming swirl of blueberry jam in each cookie? They’re fantastic for sharing with family and friends or enjoying during a cozy afternoon with a cup of tea or coffee.
How to Make Blueberry Swirl Sugar Cookies
To make Blueberry Swirl Sugar Cookies, you will need a few simple ingredients and follow a straightforward process. Even if you have little baking experience, you can follow these steps to create something delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup blueberry jam
Directions
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Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking to the tray and makes for easy cleanup.
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Whisk the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step mixes the dry ingredients thoroughly and helps to prevent lumps.
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Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies a nice texture.
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Add egg and vanilla: Once the butter and sugar are fluffy, add the large egg and teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined.
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Combine with dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Chill the dough: After mixing, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out.
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Roll out the dough: Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick. Make sure it’s even so that the cookies bake uniformly.
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Spread blueberry jam: Take the blueberry jam and spread it evenly over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges. This allows the dough to seal while rolling so that the jam doesn’t leak out.
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Roll the dough into a log: Carefully roll the dough into a tight log. This gives the cookies their unique swirl shape. Make sure to keep the jam inside while rolling.
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Slice the cookies: Using a sharp knife, slice the log into 1/2-inch rounds. Be gentle while cutting to keep the colors intact, and make sure each slice has some of that beautiful blueberry jam.
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Arrange on the baking sheet: Place the cookie slices on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each slice to allow for spreading.
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Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.
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Cool down: After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Blueberry Swirl Sugar Cookies
These cookies are perfect for any occasion! You can serve them at birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or family picnics. They are also excellent for a coffee break or an afternoon snack. For an extra touch, consider dusting them with powdered sugar right before serving for a beautiful presentation. Pair them with a cup of milk, coffee, or tea to enhance the experience.
If you are feeling creative, serve them alongside other cookies or treats for a mini cookie platter. This is especially delightful during holidays when everyone gathers around to celebrate. A vibrant cookie platter with different colors and flavors, including your Blueberry Swirl Sugar Cookies, will surely bring a smile to everyone’s face.
How to Store Blueberry Swirl Sugar Cookies
To keep your Blueberry Swirl Sugar Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep the cookies soft for several days. If you have made a large batch and want to save some for later, you can also freeze them!
To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flash freeze them for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them, you can let them thaw at room temperature. If you want a warm cookie, pop them in the oven or microwave for a few seconds. Freshly warmed cookies can bring back that straight-from-the-oven charm!
Tips to Make Blueberry Swirl Sugar Cookies
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Use quality ingredients: Always use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best taste. Fresh blueberries or homemade jam can enhance the flavor.
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Don’t skip chilling: Chilling the dough is a crucial step. It makes the dough easier to work with and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
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Baking time may vary: Keep an eye on the cookies in the oven. Ovens can vary in temperature, so your baking time may be a bit more or less than stated in the recipe.
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Experiment with flavors: Feel free to experiment with the jam you use. Raspberry or strawberry jam can also be delicious swaps if you want to change the flavor profile.
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Add some zest: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some lemon or orange zest to the dough before mixing. This will give your cookies a delightful citrus note.
Variation
If you would like a different twist on the Blueberry Swirl Sugar Cookies, consider these variations:
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Different Fruit Jams: As mentioned, you can swap blueberry jam for other fruit jams, such as raspberry, apricot, or strawberry. Each will give a unique taste and color to the cookies.
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Add Nuts: Mixed nuts or chopped almonds can be added to the cookie dough for an added crunch. Just make sure they are chopped finely so that they mix well.
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Chocolate Chips: If you wish to add a chocolatey touch, sprinkle some mini chocolate chips into the dough before rolling. The combination of blueberry and chocolate can be delightful.
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Make Them Vegan: To make these cookies vegan, substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative, and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water).
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh blueberries instead of blueberry jam?
Yes, you can use fresh blueberries, but they may not create the same swirl effect, and the cookies may come out a little different in texture. If using fresh blueberries, consider mashing them or cooking them down a bit to create a thicker mixture.
2. How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when the edges start to turn golden brown. The center may look slightly underbaked but will continue to firm up as they cool.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before rolling and baking. You can also freeze the dough for longer storage and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.
4. What if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to roll out, you can add a little more flour until it reaches a workable consistency. Be careful not to add too much, as it may alter the texture of the cookies.
5. How can I make the cookies more colorful?
To make your Blueberry Swirl Sugar Cookies more vibrant, you can use colorful jellies or fruit preserves. You can also sprinkle colored sugar on top before baking for a festive touch.
Following these straightforward instructions, you can enjoy homemade Blueberry Swirl Sugar Cookies any day. Happy baking!
PrintBlueberry Swirl Sugar Cookies
Delightfully sweet and fruity cookies with a charming swirl of blueberry jam, perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup blueberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Spread the blueberry jam evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log, keeping the jam inside.
- Slice the log into 1/2-inch rounds and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a beautiful presentation, consider dusting with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
