Classic Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies
These delightful Classic Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies are a burst of citrusy sweetness, perfect for any occasion. Made with real lemon zest and juice, these tender cookies are rolled twice in powdered sugar for that iconic "snowball" look and irresistibly melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Equipment
- Electric Mixer
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Medium Bowl
- Whisk
- Baking Sheets
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter softened to room temperature
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar plus extra for rolling (about 1.5 - 2 cups)
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour spooned and leveled
- Lemon Zest From 2-3 large lemons
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Extract optional
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Soften butter, zest and juice lemons, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Mixing the Dough
- Cream softened butter and 1 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy for 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Beat in lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and optional lemon extract until combined, scraping down the bowl.
- Whisk together flour and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined without overmixing.
Chilling and Baking
- Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to handle and prevent spreading.
- Roll chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them 1.5 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are very lightly golden and cookies remain pale.
Finishing Touches
- Roll warm cookies generously in powdered sugar, allowing the warmth to help it adhere.
- Once completely cooled, roll cookies in powdered sugar a second time for a thick "snowball" coating.
Notes
Ensure your butter is properly softened for the best dough consistency. Chilling the dough is a crucial step that prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in perfectly shaped snowballs. For an intense lemon flavor, do not skip the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. The optional lemon extract can further enhance the citrus notes. The double roll in powdered sugar ensures a beautiful, thick coating that is characteristic of these classic cookies.