These blueberry buttermilk cookies are light, moist and cake-like. They’re like blueberry muffins in a cookie form! The buttermilk makes them extra tender.
If Julia Child were alive today she’d be over 100 years old. It’s quite weird to think that someone I never met had such a dramatic impact on my life. Ten years ago I was in a very different place. I was struggling to find meaning in my life and joy in my career.
I spent most of my 20s agonizing over my job. I earned a good living but was desperate for more. I wasn’t one of those kids who always knew what she wanted to be when she grew up.
I was an English major, not because I wanted to be a professor but because I loved reading and writing. After receiving my bachelors degree I moved on to IT training because it seemed like a good way to make a living.
But once the memories of student life were fading and I had settled into my profession, I was unhappy. I became obsessed with the notion that I’d never truly be happy until I was passionate about my work. But nothing fit the bill.
Over the next several years I went back to school multiple times and always quit soon after I realized I was headed in the wrong direction yet again. I frustrated loved ones (and myself) with my indecisiveness. But I knew there was something out there, that ONE THING that would bring me satisfaction.
When I read Julia Child’s My Life in France, everything changed. Not overnight. It was a gradual, slow change.
I connected with Julia’s story. I saw myself in her gleeful delight over small details such as a beautiful neighborhood or a delicious butter sauce. She moved to Paris and discovered her passion for food and cooking.
I was doing a lot of international travel at the time and was becoming increasingly more interested in food and discovering new cuisines. Julia enrolled in Le Cordon Bleu at age 37. I was 29 and wanted to learn to be an amazing cook.
Finally, after a lot of debate and many skeptical looks from friends and family, I decided to leave my job and attend culinary school. I thought ‘If Julia can do this, so can I.’ She made me believe that anything is possible. It’s cheesy but it’s true.
And here I am, several years later, infinitely more happy. Thank you, Julia. For everything.
The recipe I’m sharing today is not one of Julia’s (check out her wonderful buttermilk scones here). Today’s recipe is just a simple cookie, made from the leftovers in my refrigerator. I bet she’d like them. They’re light, moist and cake-like.
Homemade Buttermilk Substitute
Did you know you can make homemade buttermilk from scratch to use in this recipe? Save yourself a trip to the store by checking out my post How To Make Buttermilk Substitute!
Blueberry Buttermilk Cookies
Ingredients
- 13 ounces all-purpose flour (approximately 3 cups)
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 ounces unsalted butter, room temperature
- 11 1/2 ounces granulated sugar (approximately 1 1/2 cups)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups blueberries (frozen or fresh)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line one large or two regular baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, zest, baking soda and salt.
- In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes on medium high speed. Add the vanilla and mix for another 15 seconds to combine.
- Turn the mixer speed to low and add the eggs, one at a time, allowing the first to fully incorporate before adding the next. Scrape down the side of the bowl all the way to the bottom after the second egg. With the mixer on medium speed, alternate between adding the flour mixture and buttermilk, until all of the ingredients are incorporated, starting and ending with the dry.
- Using a spatula, stir in the blueberries.
- Use a 2-tablespoon scoop to portion the cookie dough onto a parchment-lined sheet pan. Space the cookies at least 1 1/2 inches apart (you may need to cook them in batches). Allow to chill for 15 minutes.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to brown. Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack after a few minutes.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks (possibly longer, but they'll taste best within 2 weeks).
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
Recipe Troubleshooting
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Laura Dembowski says
Yum! These cookies look fantastic. It’s so cool how Julia inspired you so much. I think we all have some people who, whether we knew them personally or not, have had a huge impact on our lives.
Mad Dog says
I agree with you 100% – follow your bliss ;-)
Bill says
Isn’t it amazing the impact Julia has had on so many of us? What a wonderful legacy. And your cookies look deeee-licious, btw!
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel says
Jen, this story resonates with me so much! Even though I’m only 21, I’m still struggling to find out how I can make this blogging thing–my true passion–my full-time career. I know I’ll have to find a “real” job in order to save up which crushes me since I know what I want, I just can’t quite have it yet. But before blogging, I was a total confused mess. I had NO idea (also an English major but hell no, I don’t want to be a teacher!) and I had NO direction. I’m glad you found yours and me mine, and I’m glad you made these beautiful cookies!
Savory Simple says
I found a way to work from home within the food industry (social media marketer). It’s a really happy medium because the work focuses on food and still gives me the flexibility to do the blog. Give it some thought!
sweetlab says
I think that you and I have a lot in common…indecisiveness and constantly struggling to find our path; not quitting until finding joy and fulfillment in our job. I’m still on my way to reaching that point of bliss but I feel like I’m getting closer to it. It looks like you have reached yours! Believe it or not, the little rat of Ratotouille, Remy, had a major impact on where I am today! That movie, along with Julia Child and other inspiring people, matched with my strong inner desire for “something more from life” did it for me!
And these blueberry buttermilk cookies look quite delicious by the way!
Savory Simple says
You’re headed in the right direction! Keep pushing :)
carrian says
Such a wonderful tribute and lovely recipe
Riley says
This recipe looks perfect. Love the glaze!
Aninas Recipes says
Hi Jen. Such a beautiful and heart warming post! I am so happy if you found your true calling! And believe me – YOU CERTAINLY HAVE!!! I have also had a few career changes, and now I am happiest to cook for others and share my love for food! Some people who knew me before can’t believe that I actually CAN cook! Love the cookies!
Libby Bouma says
Nom Nom. These look amazing. So fluffy.
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
I love your story, Jen! It’s amazing how many people were and are inspired by the mighty Julia! Love her to pieces :) Your cookies look so adorable! Love the blueberry buttermilk theme. My girls will love these!
fabiola@notjustbaked says
This is amazing, and I can say this… I am proud of you. It takes a lot to to what you did. It takes courage to tell the people you love you are crazy about food, and that is what you want to do. It is commendable to leave a lucrative job, to do something totally different. Yeah you!!!
It’s also what I did. Two years ago I had that conversation with my people. I am truly happy I did. Now I am 32, writing a blog, developing recipes, and working with some kick ass chefs in Portland. Weird. The other similarity we have is that I don’t totally fit into the restaurant scene. It’s just not for me either, nice to hear someone else say it.
Julia’s laugh and her love for food helped with these decisions oddly enough.
Savory Simple says
Thank you so much. It’s nice to know there are others like me :)
Rachel's Cottage House says
first off, that photo of yours is absolutely stunning. and secondly, i wish to make these soon. they look delightful! :)
Cassie says
Wow this is a beautiful and inspirational story Jen! I love hearing about your perseverance in finding your true calling. So many (including myself) can learn from that. So amazing!
kristy @ the wicked noodle says
Thanks for sharing your struggles with us. It’s nice getting to see a different side to you and I’m really glad you found yourself. I think it’s something a lot of us can relate to!
DessertForTwo says
I loved reading this :) Thanks for sharing. These cookies look divine!