Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies

why make this recipe

Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that can brighten up any holiday gathering. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and zesty lemon flavor make them special. These cookies are not just easy to make; they look beautiful on a dessert table. The sweet and tangy filling adds a surprise element that makes each bite enjoyable. They are perfect for sharing with family and friends during the festive season.

how to make Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tsp lemon zest
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1½ cups powdered sugar (for the filling)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp lemon zest (for the filling)
• Pinch of salt (for the filling)
• Extra powdered sugar for coating

Directions

1. Beat the cream cheese and butter together in a bowl. Add 1½ cups of powdered sugar, lemon juice, and ½ tsp lemon zest. Chill the filling in the fridge for 30 minutes.
2. In another bowl, cream the softened butter with ½ cup powdered sugar. Add vanilla extract and the 2 tsp of lemon zest. Mix in the all-purpose flour and ¼ tsp salt until well combined.
3. Take a tablespoon of dough, press it flat, and place ½ tsp of the chilled filling in the center. Roll the dough into a ball around the filling.
4. Place each ball on a lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes, or until the cookies just start to turn golden.
5. Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes. Roll each cookie in extra powdered sugar, then cool completely before rolling them in powdered sugar again for a delightful finish.

how to serve Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies

These cookies are best served at room temperature. They can be placed on a beautiful serving platter or in a festive tin for sharing. They pair well with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a lovely addition to any holiday gathering.

how to store Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also refrigerate them for longer freshness. If you want to keep them for even longer, freeze them in a freezer-safe container. Just be sure to roll them in powdered sugar after thawing for the best taste.

tips to make Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies

• Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier blending.
• Chill the filling for a firmer texture, making it easier to handle.
• Experiment with different citrus zest, such as lime or orange, if you want to try new flavors.

Serving Ideas

Consider serving these cookies alongside other treats like gingerbread cookies or sugar cookies. They also make great gifts packaged in pretty gift boxes or tins during the holiday season.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies are a simple yet elegant dessert that everyone will enjoy. Their unique flavor and soft texture make them a standout treat for any celebration. Give this recipe a try, and you may have a new holiday favorite in your home!

FAQs

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While you can use margarine, using unsalted butter will give the best flavor and texture for these cookies.

2. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

3. Can I add nuts to the cookies?
Yes! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can be added to the dough for added crunch and flavor. Just mix them in along with the flour.

Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies

These delightful cookies feature a melt-in-your-mouth texture and zesty lemon flavor, making them perfect for holiday gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 14 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 14 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 100

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dough Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure butter is at room temperature for easier blending.
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour Can be substituted with gluten-free flour blend.
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tsp lemon zest

Filling Ingredients

• 4 oz cream cheese Soften cream cheese for easier blending.
• 2 tbsp butter Should be at room temperature.
• 1½ cups powdered sugar For the filling.
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp lemon zest For the filling.
• Pinch salt For the filling.
• Extra as needed powdered sugar for coating

Method

 

Prepare the Filling

1. Beat the cream cheese and butter together in a bowl.
2. Add 1½ cups of powdered sugar, lemon juice, and ½ tsp lemon zest.
3. Chill the filling in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Make the Dough

1. In another bowl, cream the softened butter with ½ cup powdered sugar.
2. Add vanilla extract and 2 tsp of lemon zest.
3. Mix in the all-purpose flour and ¼ tsp salt until well combined.

Form and Bake Cookies

1. Take a tablespoon of dough, press it flat, and place ½ tsp of the chilled filling in the center.
2. Roll the dough into a ball around the filling.
3. Place each ball on a lined baking sheet.
4. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes, or until the cookies just start to turn golden.
5. Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes.
6. Roll each cookie in extra powdered sugar, then cool completely before rolling them in powdered sugar again for a delightful finish.

Notes

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be refrigerated or frozen for longer freshness.