Description
Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies are tender, buttery treats infused with fresh lemon zest that deliver a bright, citrusy flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. These soft, crumbly cookies are dusted generously with powdered sugar, perfect for festive gatherings, afternoon tea, or as elegant homemade gifts.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from about one lemon)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Lemon-Infused Dough: Cream the softened unsalted butter with powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the finely grated lemon zest and vanilla extract. Slowly add all-purpose flour and salt, mixing gently until just combined. If the dough feels dry, add a small splash of heavy cream or milk to bring the dough together without overworking it.
- 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 parchment-lined baking sheet to allow even baking and to help them keep their shape.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges start to turn a very light golden color. The cookies should stay pale to preserve their delicate flavor and texture.
- Dust With Powdered Sugar: Allow the cookies to cool slightly. While still warm, dust them generously with powdered sugar for the classic snowball effect. For the best coating, dust again after the cookies have fully cooled.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon zest rather than bottled for the brightest, most aromatic flavor.
- Butter should be softened but not melted for optimal texture.
- Mix ingredients just until combined to keep cookies tender and avoid tough dough.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes and even baking.
- For best appearance and taste, dust cookies twice with powdered sugar: once warm, then again when cooled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: lemon cookies, snowball cookies, lemon cream cookies, citrus cookies, buttery cookies, melt-in-mouth cookies, holiday cookies
