If you’ve been searching for a bright, delightful treat that perfectly balances zest and sweetness, the Lemon Snowball Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These charming little bites deliver a tender, buttery crumb infused with fresh lemon flavor and a delicate powdered sugar coating, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels like a hug from your favorite citrus tree. Perfectly simple yet irresistibly flavorful, they’re a joyous way to bring sunshine to your cookie jar any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these Lemon Snowball Cookies just right depends on a handful of simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a special role, whether it’s building the tender dough, adding zesty brightness, or creating that characteristic snowball finish.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The base of the cookies, butter provides rich creaminess and smooth texture.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the dough naturally while giving a delicate crumb.
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds a sharp, refreshing zing that awakens the palette.
- 1 large lemon, zested: The zest contributes vibrant citrus aroma and subtle bitterness.
- 2 ¼ cups flour: Gives the structure needed to hold these snowballs together without toughness.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the sweet and tangy flavors perfectly.
- ¾ cup powdered sugar for rolling: Creates that classic snowy coating and an extra touch of sweetness.
How to Make Lemon Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot and ready when your dough is formed. Line two cookie sheets with silicone mats to create a non-stick surface that helps the cookies bake evenly and prevents sticking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened butter together with the powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This step is key for that light, tender texture in your cookies.
Step 3: Add Lemon Juice for the Perfect Tang
Mix in the freshly squeezed lemon juice to the butter and sugar. This infusion of citrus juice starts to wake up the flavor and keeps the cookies bright and lively.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the flour with kosher salt and the freshly grated lemon zest. This blend brings in the necessary structure, seasoning, and that unmistakable citrus aroma.
Step 5: Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet lemon mixture, mixing lightly until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies tender and delicate.
Step 6: Shape Your Snowballs
Use a cookie scooper or spoon to portion out the dough, then roll each piece gently into a ball with your hands. This classic shape is what gives these cookies their charming “snowball” look.
Step 7: Arrange and Bake
Place the dough balls evenly spaced on your prepared cookie sheets—about 14 on one, 15 on the next. Pop them into the oven and bake for 13 to 15 minutes until firm but still soft inside.
Step 8: Cool and Coat with Powdered Sugar
Once the cookies come out of the oven, let them cool slightly to handle. Then, roll each cookie in the powdered sugar until fully coated, giving them that snowy, irresistible finish before cooling completely.
How to Serve Lemon Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the powdered sugar coating is perfectly beautiful on its own, feel free to add a light dusting of extra lemon zest or a sprinkle of edible flower petals for an elegant presentation that brightens any cookie platter.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, especially green or chamomile varieties, which complement the citrus notes. A fresh berry compote on the side also adds a luscious burst of fruity contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For celebrations, arrange these Lemon Snowball Cookies in a pyramid on a tiered dessert stand. Tie a delicate ribbon around the tray for gifting, or stack them inside clear cellophane bags tied with lemon-yellow twine to make charming favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and tender for up to five days, perfect for sharing throughout the week or savoring a few at a time.
Freezing
This Lemon Snowball Cookies Recipe freezes beautifully. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a sealed bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months.
Reheating
If you want freshly baked vibes from frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature, then warm gently in a 300-degree oven for 5 minutes. This revives the soft texture and bright lemon kick.
FAQs
Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemon juice and zest?
While lemon extract can provide lemon flavor, fresh lemon juice and zest offer the most vibrant, natural taste and aroma essential to this recipe’s fresh brightness. Using fresh ingredients is highly recommended.
What type of flour is best for Lemon Snowball Cookies Recipe?
All-purpose flour is ideal here as it provides the right balance of structure without making the cookies tough. Avoid bread flours, which are higher in protein and would create a chewier texture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to help maintain the cookie’s delicate texture.
How do I prevent the powdered sugar coating from melting quickly?
Ensure the cookies are completely cooled before rolling them in powdered sugar. Warm cookies can cause the sugar to dissolve and lose that beautiful snowy appearance.
What’s the best way to achieve a uniform cookie size?
Using a cookie scooper or tablespoon to portion your dough ensures even-sized cookies that bake uniformly, giving your Lemon Snowball Cookies Recipe a professional and consistent look.
Final Thoughts
There is something deeply comforting about baking and sharing lemony, melt-in-your-mouth treats, and this Lemon Snowball Cookies Recipe is a shining example. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a cozy afternoon, or a sunny spring day, giving these cookies a try will fill your kitchen with warmth, your heart with joy, and your palate with zest-filled sweetness that simply can’t be beaten. Go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and make a batch — you won’t regret it!
Print
Lemon Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Lemon Snowball Cookies are delicate, buttery treats with a refreshing citrus twist from fresh lemon juice and zest. Rolled in powdered sugar, they offer a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a sweet, tangy flavor that makes them perfect for teatime or festive occasions.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 large lemon, zested
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
For Rolling
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with silicone baking mats to ensure non-stick baking and easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter and ½ cup powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Add Lemon Juice: Mix in the freshly squeezed lemon juice into the creamed butter and sugar, incorporating the citrus flavor throughout the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, kosher salt, and lemon zest to evenly distribute the zest and salt in the flour.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing continuously until the dough just comes together into a soft, pliable ball.
- Shape Cookies: Using a cookie scooper or spoon, portion out dough and roll each into a smooth ball between your palms.
- Arrange on Sheets: Place the rolled balls onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them adequately to allow for slight spreading.
- Finish Shaping First Batch: Repeat the rolling and placing process until 14 balls are on the first cookie sheet.
- Finish Shaping Second Batch: Repeat with the remaining dough to roll 15 balls onto the second cookie sheet.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes until set but not browned.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes to firm up slightly before handling.
- Prepare Sugar Coating: Place ¾ cup powdered sugar in a medium bowl, ready for rolling the cookies.
- Coat Cookies: Roll each warm cookie in the powdered sugar until fully coated, giving them the signature snowball appearance.
- Final Cooling: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing to ensure the sugar coating sets perfectly and the cookies firm up.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter to ensure easy creaming with the sugar.
- You can adjust the amount of lemon zest to your taste for a stronger or milder lemon flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- These cookies can also be frozen before rolling in powdered sugar; roll them in sugar after thawing and slight warming.
- Make sure not to overbake to keep the cookies tender and crumbly.
