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Blueberry and candied thyme sugar cookies bring together juicy bursts of fruit, buttery texture, and a subtle herbal twist for a cookie that feels both cozy and elevated. This recipe spotlights blueberry jam and aromatic fresh thyme in every bite, creating a cookie that stands out from classic sugar cookies but is still simple enough for a weeknight bake or a special celebration.
Ingredients
- Frozen wild blueberries: give brighter tart flavor Use high quality berries for best taste
- White sugar: sweetens both dough and jam and rolls for a classic crisp edge Organic or fine sugar gives an extra melt in the mouth texture
- Fresh thyme: adds uplifting herbal notes Select sprigs that look vibrant and avoid limp or browning stems
- Butter at room temperature: ensures your cookies bake up soft and rich Choose unsalted for better control over salt levels
- Eggs and egg yolk: bind everything together and guarantee a chewy crumb Always use large eggs if possible
- Vanilla bean paste: infuses the dough with fragrant depth If needed pure extract works as a sub
- All purpose flour: makes a sturdy but tender cookie Pick unbleached for best results
- Baking soda: for gentle lift and soft rise Make sure yours is fresh for even cookies
- Red or purple gel food coloring: a few drops add a lovely purple hue Try to use gel for rich color that does not affect dough texture
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Blueberry Jam:
- Cook frozen blueberries sugar and water in a steel pot over medium high heat until thick enough that your spatula leaves a clear trail through the jam for several seconds This step concentrates the berry flavor and prevents runny dough
Set aside to cool fully The jam needs to be room temp before you mix it into the dough - Candy the Thyme:
- Gather thyme sprigs and dip each into pasteurized egg white then shake off the excess Carefully dredge each sprig in granulated sugar making sure to coat evenly Spread on a tray and dry for 20 to 30 minutes until the sugar crust forms The sparkle makes every cookie look festive
- Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- In one bowl mix flour baking soda and salt well so all leavening is evenly dispersed In a food processor pulse sugar with fresh thyme leaves until fragrant and green flecked This makes the base of flavor for your dough
- Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- Beat room temperature butter for a full minute until fluffy Pale butter means better aeration Add your thyme infused sugar and beat 2 to 3 minutes more scraping down the bowl so nothing is missed You want a light creamy mix
- Add Eggs Vanilla and Jam:
- Blend in vanilla egg egg yolk and cooled blueberry jam and let the mixer do its job for 2 to 3 minutes Stop once or twice to scrape down and be sure everything is smooth This makes sure the cookies are soft and flavor packed all the way through
- Combine Wet and Dry:
- In batches add the flour mix slowly on low so you do not overwork the dough Stop stirring as soon as you cannot see streaks of flour For tender cookies leave a few flour bits on the sides and finish by hand if needed
- Shape and Roll in Thyme Sugar:
- Scoop dough in even balls about 40 grams each or two tablespoons full Mix sugar with extra chopped thyme leaves in a bowl then roll each dough ball until fully coated in the mix The thyme sugar smells amazing when the cookies bake
- Bake to Perfection:
- Set dough balls on a parchment lined tray with room to spread Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 9 minutes Pull the tray as soon as the cookie edges are set even if centers still look soft They finish baking on the tray
While hot gently use a circular cookie cutter to nudge the edges if you want extra round cookies Let cool fully before adding candied thyme sprigs for garnish
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The sweet jam and earthy thyme in these cookies remind me of spring days in my grandmother’s kitchen Her love for using fresh herbs inspired me to try thyme in a classic sweet cookie and I am always glad I did
Storage Tips
Store cookies in an airtight tin for up to four days The herbal notes stay fresh but for longer storage keep them in the freezer Cool cookies completely before freezing and layer with parchment in a freezer container Let thaw on the counter before topping with candied thyme
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find wild blueberries use regular blueberries but expect a slightly more mellow flavor Lemon zest is a fantastic way to add brightness if you do not have thyme and raspberry jam works in a pinch for the fruit swirl Just adjust bake time when subbing jams with more liquid
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect for brunch tables wedding showers or as a showstopper at holiday cookie swaps I love serving them with a pot of lemon tea or as a bright treat on a dessert board with creamy cheeses The candied thyme gives a special touch if you are serving guests
Cultural and Historical Notes
This recipe brings together flavors from classic European baking where fruit preserves and herbs often meet in tarts and biscuits The inspiration to candy thyme came from old fashioned herbal sweets and brings a bit of garden nostalgia to the modern cookie plate
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If you love experimenting try swapping herbs like lemon verbena or rosemary for thyme as each delivers a different aromatic accent As with many family recipes I encourage you to share your twist on these cookies at your next gathering or to simply enjoy the little moment of craftsmanship they bring to your kitchen
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I make the blueberry jam filling?
Simmer frozen blueberries, sugar, and water in a pot until thickened. Cool before using in the dough for best results.
- → What is candied thyme and how is it used?
Candied thyme is thyme sprigs dipped in egg white and sugar, then dried for a crisp, sugared finish. Use as a decorative, aromatic topping.
- → Can I use fresh blueberries instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh blueberries work well. Adjust the simmering time if needed to achieve a thick, jammy consistency.
- → How does thyme influence the flavor?
Thyme adds a subtle herbal note that pairs beautifully with sweet blueberry jam, adding depth and aroma to each bite.
- → How do I achieve vibrant cookie color?
Mix a few drops of red or purple food coloring into the dough to enhance the color and mimic the jam’s hue.
- → What’s the secret to soft, chewy cookies?
Underbake slightly and let cookies finish setting as they cool to maintain a chewy center and tender crumb.