Lemon Blueberry Cookies (GF & Vegan)

These delightful Lemon Blueberry Cookies might just be the treat for you if you are looking for a delicious and healthy dessert! Made with almond flour, these cookies not only cut down on carbs but also boast a lower glycemic index, making them a perfect option for those watching their blood sugar levels. At least, my Type 1 diabetic husband thinks so.

If you are looking for a healthy dessert also check out cookie dough bites and protein banana bread, or other healthier desserts found here.

Lemon Blueberry Cookies: My Type 1 Diabetic Husband’s Favorite

But the health benefits are just the beginning of what makes these cookies so special. Bursting with fresh lemon flavor from the cookie batter to the zesty drizzle, they offer a refreshing twist on the classic cookie experience. 

Like I said, they’re a hit with my diabetic husband, who can attest to their diabetic-friendly nature. We are no health professionals but we manage the disease together everyday! He begs me to make lemon blueberry cookies for him because he can tolerate them so well!

What Makes The Lemon Blueberry Cookie Standout

The Lemon Blueberry Cookie Ingredients

**Almond Flour Delight**: Instead of traditional flour, these cookies are crafted with almond flour, which not only reduces the carb content but also adds a delightful nuttiness to every bite. Almond flour is also packed with nutrients like Vitamin E and healthy fats, making it a wholesome choice for baking.

**Maple Syrup Sweetness**: Say goodbye to refined sugars! These cookies are sweetened with maple syrup, providing a natural sweetness without the blood sugar spikes. Maple syrup also contributes a rich, caramel-like flavor that pairs perfectly with the tangy lemon and juicy blueberries.

**Luscious Lemon**: From the zest-infused cookie batter to the tangy lemon drizzle, lemon takes center stage in these cookies. Not only does lemon add a bright, citrusy flavor, but it also offers a dose of Vitamin C and antioxidants, adding to the health aspect of these treats. Not much, but some still counts.

**Blueberry Bliss**: Bursting with juicy blueberries, these cookies not only add a pop of color but also contribute a hint of sweetness and a burst of freshness with every bite. Blueberries are renowned for their antioxidant properties and are a delicious way to sneak in some extra nutrients.

**Wholesome Ingredients**: With ingredients like almond flour, maple syrup, vanilla, lemon, and blueberries, these cookies are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Each bite is a guilt-free indulgence that you can feel good about enjoying.

In conclusion, these Lemon Blueberry Cookies are a testament to the fact that wholesome ingredients and irresistible flavor can go hand in hand. Whether you’re looking for a diabetic-friendly treat, a lower-carb option, or simply a delightful cookie experience, these cookies are sure to satisfy your cravings while nourishing your body.

More About The Almond Flour In Lemon Blueberry Cookies

Almond flour, made from finely ground almonds, offers a plethora of health benefits that set it apart from traditional wheat flour. Here are some key reasons why almond flour is a nutritious choice:

**Low in Carbs, High in Healthy Fats**: Almond flour is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats, making it an excellent option for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets. 

**Gluten-Free**: Almond flour is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe alternative for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. Gluten-free baking can be challenging, but almond flour provides a nutritious and flavorful option for creating delicious baked goods without gluten.

**Rich in Nutrients**: Almond flour is packed with essential nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium.

**Blood Sugar Regulation**: Compared to wheat flour, almond flour has a lower glycemic index, meaning it causes a slower and steadier rise in blood sugar levels after consumption. 

**Promotes Satiety**: The high fat and protein content of almond flour contribute to increased feelings of fullness and satiety after meals.

**Versatile and Delicious**: Almond flour adds a rich, nutty flavor to baked goods, enhancing their taste and texture. It can be used in a variety of recipes, including cookies, cakes, muffins, and pancakes, providing a nutritious and flavorful alternative to traditional wheat flour.

Overall, almond flour offers a nutrient-dense and versatile option for baking, making it a valuable addition to a healthy diet. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carb intake, follow a gluten-free lifestyle, or simply enjoy delicious and nutritious baked goods, almond flour is an excellent choice.

Choosing Blueberries for Lemon Blueberry Cookies

Frozen Is Not The Best Choice For Lemon Blueberry Cookies

When it comes to choosing the perfect blueberries for your lemon blueberry cookies, opting for fresh blueberries is paramount. While frozen blueberries may seem convenient, they can introduce excess moisture to your cookie dough, affecting the texture and overall outcome of your baked goods. Fresh blueberries, on the other hand, maintain their firmness and integrity, ensuring a delightful burst of flavor with every bite.

Seasonal Blueberries for Lemon Blueberry Cookies

When selecting fresh blueberries for your cookies, aim for berries that are plump, firm, and vibrantly colored. Seasonality plays a key role in the flavor and freshness of blueberries, so consider purchasing them during peak season for the best results. Visiting a local farmers market is an excellent way to source high-quality, seasonal blueberries while supporting local growers.

Choose Organic Berries for Lemon Blueberry Cookies

Additionally, opting for organic blueberries ensures that you’re not only enjoying delicious flavor but also minimizing exposure to pesticides and chemicals. Organic blueberries are grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, making them a healthier choice for both you and the environment.

To summarize, when making lemon blueberry cookies, prioritize fresh, seasonal, and organic blueberries for the best flavor and texture. By choosing the finest ingredients, you can elevate your baking experience and enjoy cookies that are bursting with juicy blueberry goodness.

Ingredients

The ingredients in Lemon Blueberry Cookies are simple, clean, and delightful!

• Almond Flour
• Coconut Oil
• Maple Syrup
• Salt
• Baking soda
• Vanilla
• Blueberries
• Apple cider vinegar
• Lemon zest
• Confectioners Sugar
• Lemon juice

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine blanched almond flour, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, sea salt, baking soda, vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar, and zest from lemon. Mix well until smooth.

3. Gently fold in ½ cup of fresh blueberries and the zest from half a lemon into the dough.

4. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. (See Blog Section below called Forming Lemon Blueberry Cookies for more details)

5. Once the cookies are baked, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. While the cookies are baking, prepare the lemon drizzle. In a small bowl, mix ½ cup of confectioners sugar with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice until smooth.

8. Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with additional lemon zest, if desired. Allow the glaze to set before serving. Enjoy your lemon blueberry cookies!

Hint: Be gentle on the blueberries and do not use frozen!

Forming Lemon Blueberry Cookies

• **Prep Your Workspace**: Before you begin, ensure that your workspace is clean and well-floured to prevent the dough from sticking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat your oven to the specified temperature.
• **Portion the Dough**: Take a chunk of lemon blueberry cookie dough in your hands, using a spoon or cookie scoop to measure out roughly the desired amount. The size of the dough chunk will determine the size of your cookies, but for a standard-sized cookie, aim for a chunk that’s about the size of a golf ball.
• **Roll into a Ball**: Once you have your dough portioned, gently roll it between the palms of your hands to form a smooth, round ball. Apply light pressure as you roll to ensure that the dough holds together without being too dense.
• **Shape and Size**: Aim to roll the dough into a ball that’s approximately 2 inches in diameter. This size allows for even baking and yields cookies that are perfectly sized for snacking or sharing.
• **Arrange on Baking Sheet**: Place the formed dough ball onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking. If desired, gently flatten the dough ball with the palm of your hand to achieve your desired cookie thickness. This is important because this dough will hold its shape and might not spread unless you flatten it yourself.
• **Repeat**: Continue portioning, rolling, and shaping the remaining dough until you’ve formed all of the cookies. If the dough becomes too sticky or difficult to work with, you can lightly flour your hands or chill the dough in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm it up.

After Forming Lemon Blueberry Cookies

• **Bake to Perfection**: Once all the cookies are formed, transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake according to the recipe instructions. Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake, and remove them from the oven once they’re golden brown around the edges.
• **Cool and Enjoy**: Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, indulge in the irresistible combination of tangy lemon and juicy blueberries with every bite of these homemade delights.
• By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to effortlessly form lemon blueberry cookies that are perfect in size, shape, and flavor, ready to be enjoyed by family and friends alike.

Substitutions

**Coconut Oil**: Instead of coconut oil, consider using avocado oil as a substitute. Avocado oil offers a neutral flavor and a similar consistency to coconut oil, making it a suitable alternative for baking.

**Maple Syrup**: If you’re out of maple syrup or prefer a different sweetener, honey can be used as a substitute. Honey adds a distinct flavor profile and natural sweetness to the cookies, enhancing their overall taste.

**Blueberries**: While blueberries are the classic choice for lemon blueberry cookies, blackberries can be an excellent alternative. Their bold, sweet-tart flavor pairs beautifully with lemon and offers a unique twist on the traditional recipe.

These substitutions allow for flexibility in the ingredients used while still maintaining the essence of lemon blueberry cookies. Whether you’re adapting the recipe to accommodate dietary preferences or simply working with what’s on hand, these alternatives ensure that you can enjoy delicious homemade cookies with your desired flavor profile.

Variations

Blackberry Lemon Cookies: Exhange the blueberries for blackberries.

Storage

Store in an air sealed container for 2-3 days on the counter or up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Freeze for 3 months.

Lemon Blueberry Cookies (GF & Vegan)

These Lemon Blueberry Cookies are gluten free and vegan. They are sweetened with maple syrup within the cookie and made with almond flour which helps reduce the carb footprint.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 14 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Servings 8 cookies

Equipment

• 1 cookie pan

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups almond flour
• ¼ cup melted coconut oil
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup fresh blueberries frozen will add too much moisture
• ½ lemon zest

Lemon Drizzle Topping

• ½ cup confectioners sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Additional Topping

• ½ lemon zest

Instructions

 

Lemon Blueberry Cookies

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of blanched almond butter, ¼ cup of maple syrup, ¼ cup of melted coconut oil, ¼ teaspoon of sea salt, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Mix well until smooth.
• Gently fold in ½ cup of fresh blueberries and the zest from half a lemon into the dough.
• Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
• Once the cookies are baked, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Lemon Drizzle Topping

• While the cookies are baking, prepare the lemon drizzle. In a small bowl, mix ½ cup of confectioners sugar with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice until smooth.
• Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled cookies and sprinkle with additional lemon zest, if desired.
• Allow the glaze to set before serving. Enjoy your lemon blueberry cookies!