Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Cookies

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

Mix cold cream cheese sugar and vanilla together with an electric mixer until fluffy and glossy The sugar should dissolve for a smooth filling This takes about two minutes

Portion and Freeze Cheesecake:

Scoop out the cheesecake mixture into small discs about two teaspoons each Place them on a parchment lined sheet Freeze until solid This step means your filling will not leak while baking

Cook Blueberry Jam:

Add fresh blueberries and sugar to a heavy-bottomed saucepan Cook over medium heat stirring often Use a wooden spoon to gently mash the berries halfway through The jam will get thick and glossy by the 40 minute mark it should be reduced almost by two thirds Cool until fridge cold This intensifies the blueberry flavor

Mix Dry Ingredients:

Whisk the flour baking powder baking soda and salt together in a bowl Set aside This keeps the cookies rising evenly

Infuse Sugar:

In a separate large bowl rub lemon zest into sugar with your fingertips until it feels damp and smells strongly of lemon This extracts the fragrant oils for lemony dough

Cream Butter and Lemon Sugar:

Beat in softened butter using an electric mixer on high for up to two minutes The sugar and butter mixture should be pale and very fluffy

Add Egg and Vanilla:

Add in the egg and vanilla and beat on medium until the dough is very airy and light You want the mixture to look like soft spreadable frosting

Add Dry to Wet Ingredients:

Gradually mix in the flour mixture with the wet dough Be careful not to overmix just combine enough so no streaks remain

Swirl in Blueberry Jam:

Layer part of the dough with some of the chilled blueberry jam Fold gently and do not overmix There should be ribbons of jam throughout not a uniform purple dough

Shape and Fill Cookies:

Scoop the dough into 18 even balls Flatten slightly Place a frozen cheesecake disc in the center and wrap dough around to seal it Make discs not round balls for best spreading

Roll in Sugar:

Roll each stuffed dough disc in granulated sugar before placing onto baking trays This step gives each cookie a beautiful sugary crust

Bake:

Arrange cookies spaced well apart on lined sheets Bake at 350°F for 11 to 12 minutes until edges are set but centers look soft Use a round cutter to swirl the cookies into neat circles as soon as they leave the oven cool completely on a rack

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My favorite part is swirling the blueberry jam through the dough the fresh blueberry scent mixes perfectly with the lemon and brings back memories of picking berries with my sister as a child

Storage Tips

Baked cookies keep fresh for up to four days in an airtight container Cookies can be frozen after shaping and before baking Just add one extra minute to the bake time if putting them in the oven from frozen

Ingredient Substitutions

If you only have frozen blueberries defrost them and pat dry before making jam A dairy free cream cheese can work for a lighter version but expect a softer center

Serving Suggestions

These are perfect for picnics and parties Serve them with a mug of lemon tea or arrange as part of a brunch pastry platter They are also amazing warmed slightly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

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Cultural and Historical Context

These cookies combine classic American drop cookie technique with the flavors of lemon blueberry cheesecake which has roots in both American and European desserts The creamy cheesecake filling pays homage to classic New York style cheesecake while the lemon blueberry pairing is a summer favorite in northeastern US baking

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I achieve a gooey cheesecake center?

Freeze portions of the cream cheese mixture until firm before stuffing them into the cookie dough. This helps the center stay creamy after baking.

→ Why should I use fresh lemon zest in the dough?

Rubbing zest into sugar enhances the citrus aroma and flavor, making the cookies bright and fragrant.

→ Can I substitute frozen blueberries for fresh?

Yes, but thaw and drain them well before making the jam to avoid excess moisture in the dough.

→ How do I keep the cookies soft and chewy?

Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, avoid overmixing after flour is added, and slightly underbake for a tender texture.

→ What’s the best way to swirl the blueberry jam into the dough?

Layer the dough and the jam as instructed, then gently fold each section so the jam creates streaks and pockets instead of fully mixing in.

→ Can I store these cookies for later?

Absolutely. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days, or freeze for long-term storage.