Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that bursts with citrusy freshness and melts delicately on your tongue, you’ve found it! These Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies combine the zesty brightness of lemon with a tender, crumbly texture, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Ideal for any occasion, from afternoon tea to festive gatherings, they are surprisingly easy to make and utterly irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright and Refreshing Flavor: The lemon infusion adds a vibrant twist to traditional snowball cookies, making every bite lively and fresh.
• Melts in Your Mouth: Soft, buttery, and crumbly textures make these cookies wonderfully tender and delicate.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh lemon zest, they’re easy to whip up anytime.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday, a casual coffee break, or a special celebration, these cookies impress every time.
• Great for Sharing: Their bite-sized elegance makes them perfect party favors or thoughtful homemade gifts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things refreshingly simple with ingredients that each play a crucial role—zest for flavor, butter for texture, and powdered sugar for that classic dusted finish. Let’s take a look at what you’ll gather to create these irresistible Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy base to hold the cookies together with a tender crumb.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture; room temperature is best for mixing.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens gently and gives that iconic snow-dusted appearance.
• Lemon Zest: Brings in the bright and aromatic citrus flavor that defines these cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, smooth note.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and boosts the lemon’s brightness.
• Heavy Cream or Milk: Helps bind the dough and adds slight moisture, creating a tender cookie.

Variations for Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies

Make these Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies truly your own by trying some fun tweaks or adjusting ingredients to suit your preferences or needs. It’s easier than you think to customize this recipe!

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a safe, tasty alternative.
• Lavender Lemon: Add a teaspoon of dried culinary lavender to the dough for a floral hint complementing the lemon.
• Cream Cheese Twist: Mix in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese for extra softness and tang.
• Sugar-Free Version: Use powdered erythritol or a sugar substitute to make it diabetic-friendly.
• Lemon Glaze: Drizzle a simple lemon sugar glaze over cooled cookies for added zing and shine.

How to Make Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon-Infused Dough

Start by creaming the softened unsalted butter with powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in finely grated lemon zest and vanilla extract. Slowly add all-purpose flour and salt, mixing gently until combined. If the dough feels dry, add a small splash of heavy cream or milk to bring everything together without overworking the dough.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

Once the dough is firm yet pliable, scoop out small tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into smooth balls between your palms. Place the balls evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them room to maintain their shape as they bake.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn a very light golden shade. The cookies should remain pale to preserve their delicate flavor and texture.

Step 4: Dust With Powdered Sugar

Let the cookies cool slightly but while still warm, carefully dust them generously with powdered sugar for that classic snowball effect. For the best coating, dust them again after they have fully cooled.

Pro Tips for Making Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies

• Fresh Lemon Zest: Use fresh lemon zest rather than bottled for the most vibrant flavor and aroma.
• Proper Butter Temperature: Butter should be soft but not melted for perfect creaminess and texture.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies tender, avoiding tough dough.
• Even Sizing: Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
• Double Dusting: Powdered sugar should be applied once warm, then again once cooled for the best look and taste.

How to Serve Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a tiny pinch of extra lemon zest or edible glitter on top of the powdered sugar for an elegant, festive touch that elevates presentation effortlessly.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a cup of classic Earl Grey tea, lemonade, or even a rich vanilla latte to balance the tanginess and create a comforting, sophisticated snack pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies in decorative tins or on pastel-colored platters lined with doilies, or pack them individually in clear cellophane bags tied with a lemon-yellow ribbon for charming party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain their freshness and delicate texture.

Freezing

These cookies freeze wonderfully: place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. This preserves flavor and texture beautifully.

Reheating

Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature and, if desired, warm briefly in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes to refresh their softness without melting the sugar coating.

FAQs

Can I use lemon juice instead of lemon zest in Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies?

Lemon zest delivers concentrated oils and brightness without adding moisture, which is key for dough texture, so it’s best not to substitute lemon juice directly in this recipe.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

The classic recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but you can easily swap in a gluten-free flour blend to make Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies gluten-free without sacrificing taste or texture.

What is the best way to store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days; for longer storage, freeze them to keep their tender crumb intact.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

By replacing butter with a plant-based alternative and using a vegan milk substitute, you can create vegan versions while maintaining their soft, crumbly nature.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Ensure your dough is chilled if it feels too soft before shaping and bake at the recommended temperature to help the cookies hold their shape well.

Final Thoughts

These Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies are a delightful way to brighten up your baking routine with a burst of citrus and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this easy recipe will quickly become a favorite to share and savor. Go ahead, grab those ingredients, and enjoy the sweet, tangy comfort of homemade Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies—you won’t regret it!

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