Heavenly Blueberry & Candied Thyme Sugar Cookies Recipe

Sweet, buttery cookies dance with an unexpected herbal twist in this blueberry & candied thyme sugar cookies recipe that promises to surprise your taste buds.

Tender crumbs studded with bursts of juicy blueberries carry delicate hints of aromatic thyme.

Each bite delivers a sophisticated balance between classic cookie comfort and elegant flavor complexity.

The candied thyme adds a subtle, sophisticated note that elevates these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary.

Bakers seeking a unique dessert will adore this innovative take on traditional sugar cookies.

Whip up a batch and watch as these delightful treats become an instant favorite at any gathering.

Get ready to experience a cookie that breaks all the delicious rules.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 8-9 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 284 kcal

Servings: 13

Blueberry & Candied Thyme Sugar Cookies Ingredient List

• Frozen Blueberries: Offers intense berry flavor and helps create a rich, deep-colored jam with natural sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the tartness of blueberries and helps create a smooth, glossy jam consistency.
• Water: Provides moisture for even cooking and helps break down fruit during jam preparation.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the fundamental structure and tender crumb of the cookies.
• Baking Soda: Ensures light, soft texture and helps cookies rise evenly during baking.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

• Butter: Delivers rich, creamy base and helps create soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
• Vanilla Bean Paste: Introduces deep, complex vanilla notes and elegant speckled appearance.
• Egg, Egg Yolk: Provides richness, helps bind ingredients, and contributes to cookie's tender structure.
• Thyme Leaves: Adds unexpected herbal complexity and aromatic depth to the cookie flavor.
• Pasteurized Egg White: Used for creating crisp, crystallized candied thyme garnish.
• Thyme Sugar: Infuses cookies with subtle herbal essence and creates beautiful aromatic coating.

Tools for Baking Blueberry Thyme Sugar Cookies

• Saucepan: Medium-sized pan for cooking blueberry jam.
• Food processor: Pulse sugar and thyme leaves together for intense flavor.
• Stand mixer: Essential for creaming butter and mixing cookie dough perfectly.
• Baking trays: Lined with parchment paper for even cookie baking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup.
• Cookie scoop: Creates uniform cookie sizes around 2 tablespoons.
• Round cookie cutter: Shapes warm cookies into perfect circles.
• Small bowls: For preparing thyme sugar and egg white mixture.
• Whisk: Combines dry ingredients smoothly.
• Spatula: Helps check jam consistency and scrape mixer bowl.

How to Make Blueberry & Candied Thyme Cookies

• Blueberry Jam Preparation

Simmer frozen blueberries with sugar until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy. The consistency should allow a glimpse of the pan’s bottom when a spatula passes through. Cool completely after cooking.

• Candied Thyme Creation

Transform delicate thyme sprigs into sparkling garnishes by gently coating them in egg white and rolling in granulated sugar. Let them crystallize on parchment paper until they develop a sugary shimmer.

• Cookie Dough Magic

Blend butter with thyme-infused sugar until the mixture becomes light and creamy. Incorporate blueberry jam, eggs, and vanilla to create a fragrant base. Gently fold in flour until just combined, maintaining a soft texture.

• Thyme Sugar Coating

Crush fresh thyme leaves into granulated sugar, releasing aromatic oils. Roll each cookie dough ball in this fragrant mixture, creating a delicate herbal crust.

• Baking Perfection

Bake cookies at a moderate temperature, ensuring edges are set while centers remain tender. Use a cookie cutter to shape warm cookies into perfect circles. Allow to cool completely for optimal texture and flavor.

• Festive Presentation

Arrange cookies with candied thyme sprigs, creating a visually stunning and aromatic dessert. The combination of sweet blueberry, herbal thyme, and buttery cookie promises a memorable culinary experience.

Tips for Balancing Herb and Sweet in Cookies

• Chill cookie dough balls for 15-20 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and maintain distinct circular edges.
• Swap frozen blueberries with fresh ones or mix in a splash of lemon juice for a brighter, more complex fruit flavor profile.
• Replace thyme with lavender or rosemary for unique aromatic twists that complement the blueberry jam's sweetness.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain softness and prevent them from becoming dry or crumbly.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring the same delicate texture and rich flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Blueberry Thyme Cookies

• Elegant Tea Party Centerpiece: Arrange these delicate blueberry thyme cookies on a vintage cake stand, surrounded by fresh thyme sprigs and scattered crystallized thyme for a sophisticated display that will impress guests.
• Rustic Dessert Pairing: Serve alongside lavender-infused Earl Grey tea or a crisp white wine, creating a delightful culinary experience that highlights the cookies' unique herbal and fruity notes.
• Gourmet Gift Packaging: Pack the cookies in a clear glass jar with a burlap ribbon, including a few candied thyme sprigs for a charming homemade gift that showcases your culinary creativity and attention to detail.
• Seasonal Brunch Accent: Plate these cookies as a delightful sweet ending to a summer brunch, garnishing with fresh blueberries and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.

Best Way to Store These Unique Sugar Cookies

• Quick Cookie Batch Prep: Prepare cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Shape cookie dough into balls and freeze on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag for storage up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen state, adding 1-2 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Optimal Freshness Strategy: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Layer between parchment paper to prevent sticking. Cookies maintain top-quality texture for 5-7 days when properly sealed.
• Moisture Control Tip: Add a small piece of bread to the storage container to keep cookies soft and prevent them from becoming dry or crumbly. Replace bread slice every 2-3 days to maintain ideal cookie texture.

Sweet Blueberry Cookies

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Blueberry and candied thyme sugar cookies combine delicate sweetness with herbal complexity. Crisp edges and chewy centers make these treats a delightful companion for afternoon tea or quiet moments of indulgence.

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Ingredients

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• 2.5 cups (364 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 sticks (226 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1.75 cups (350 grams) white sugar
• ½ cup (70 grams) frozen wild blueberries
• ¼ cup (60 grams) white sugar
• ¼ cup (50 grams) white sugar
• 2–3 tbsps (25–38 grams) granulated white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 pasteurized egg white (32 grams)
• 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme
• Leaves from 4–5 thyme sprigs
• Leaves from 2–3 fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste
• ¾ tsp baking soda
• ¾ tsp salt
• 1/8 cup water
• 2–3 drops red/purple gel food coloring (optional)

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Instructions

1. Blueberry Jam Preparation: Simmer frozen blueberries with sugar and water in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until the mixture thickens and reveals the pan’s bottom when a spatula passes through. Remove from heat and cool completely.
2. Candied Thyme Creation: Prepare two bowls – one with pasteurized egg white, another with granulated sugar. Dip thyme sprigs into egg white, remove excess, then coat with sugar. Dry on parchment paper for 20-30 minutes until crystallized.
3. Dough Mixing: Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking trays with parchment paper. Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a mixing bowl. Pulse sugar and thyme leaves in a food processor until fragrant.
4. Butter Mixture: Cream butter in a stand mixer until light and fluffy. Incorporate thyme-sugar mixture, beating until pale and creamy. Add vanilla bean paste, whole egg, egg yolk, and cooled blueberry jam, mixing thoroughly.
5. Dough Preparation: Gradually add flour mixture on low speed, ensuring full combination and scraping bowl sides. Create thyme sugar coating by rubbing thyme leaves into granulated sugar to release aromatic oils.
6. Baking Process: Portion cookie dough using a scoop, rolling each ball in thyme sugar before placing on prepared trays. Space dough balls 2 inches apart and bake for 8-9 minutes, achieving set edges with slightly underbaked centers.
7. Finishing Touches: While warm, reshape cookies using a round cookie cutter. Cool completely on baking tray. Serve adorned with crystallized thyme sprigs, showcasing the delicate balance of sweet and herbal flavors.

Notes

• Jam Precision: Ensure blueberry jam thickens enough by checking the pan’s bottom visibility for perfect consistency.
• Candied Thyme Tip: Create crystallized thyme sprigs up to 4 hours before baking for optimal preparation and texture.
• Sugar Infusion Technique: Pulse thyme leaves with sugar to extract maximum aromatic oils and enhance flavor depth.
• Cookie Shaping Hack: Reshape warm cookies with a round cutter to achieve professional-looking, perfectly circular edges.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-9 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 284
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 136 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 24 mg