If you adore tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies bursting with bright, zesty flavor, then the Lemon Snowball Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. These delightful treats combine the soft, buttery texture of classic snowball cookies with the fresh, uplifting zing of lemon, creating a perfect balance that’s as fun to make as it is delicious to eat. Whether you’re baking for a party or simply craving a sweet citrusy bite, this recipe brings a sunny twist to your cookie jar that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients right is the secret to making these lemon snowball cookies truly shine. Each element plays a crucial role, from the rich butter that provides softness to the zesty lemon that adds a refreshing punch. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need and why.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Ensures a creamy, tender crumb without extra salt altering the flavor balance.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup + ¾ cup): The first half sweetens the dough; the extra batch is perfect for rolling the cookies for that classic snowball finish.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 tbsp): Adds natural citrus tang that brightens the cookie’s flavor beautifully.
- Large lemon zest (from 1 lemon): Infuses the dough with aromatic oils for an irresistible lemon fragrance and taste.
- Flour (2 ¼ cups): Provides the structure needed to hold these delicate cookies together.
- Kosher salt (¼ tsp): Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors without overpowering the lemon.
How to Make Lemon Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining two cookie sheets with silicone mats. This creates the perfect non-stick surface so you can effortlessly remove your cookies once baked without a crumb left behind.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Powdered Sugar
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened butter together with half a cup of powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step sets the base for your cookies to be tender and melt in your mouth.
Step 3: Add Lemon Juice
Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and mix it thoroughly with your creamed butter and sugar. This little addition introduces a subtle, natural citrus essence, lifting the overall flavor profile to new refreshing heights.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk the flour, kosher salt, and lemon zest together in a medium bowl. The zest gives tiny pops of lemony brightness in every bite, while the salt gently balances the sweetness.
Step 5: Form the Dough
Gradually mix your dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough comes together. Be gentle with mixing to keep the texture light and delicate.
Step 6: Roll the Dough into Balls
Using a cookie scooper or spoon, scoop dough into your hands and roll it into smooth balls. This hands-on step is where the cookie shape begins to take form — giving each one that classic snowball look.
Step 7 & 8: Arrange on Sheets
Place the dough balls evenly spaced on the lined cookie sheets. Roll 14 balls on one sheet and 15 on the other to ensure they bake evenly without sticking together.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Pop the trays into your preheated oven and bake for 13 to 15 minutes. The cookies should be just set, maintaining their soft, tender centers while developing a delicate crust.
Step 10 & 11: Cool Slightly
Allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for a few minutes so they firm up just enough for handling but remain warm enough for the finishing touch.
Step 12 & 13: Roll in Powdered Sugar
Pour the ¾ cup of powdered sugar into a medium bowl and gently roll each cookie in the sugar until fully coated. This final step creates that snowy, dreamy coating reminiscent of winter magic but bursting with lemon freshness.
Step 14: Cool Completely
Let your Lemon Snowball Cookies cool completely on a wire rack. This ensures the powdered sugar sets nicely and the cookies achieve the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
How to Serve Lemon Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of extra powdered sugar right before serving makes these cookies look like they’re dressed for a festive occasion. For a touch of flair, sprinkle a tiny bit of grated lemon zest on top to intensify the citrus aroma and brighten their presentation.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with an afternoon cup of tea, a glass of cold milk, or even a tangy lemonade to amplify the lemon notes. They also make a lovely finish to a light fruit salad or a creamy dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your lemon snowball cookies in a decorative tin or on a colorful plate surrounded by lemon slices or edible flowers for extra charm. You can also stack them with parchment paper between layers to create an inviting homemade gift for friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Lemon Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for up to a week, making them a perfect treat to enjoy gradually without losing their delightful flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully for up to three months and thaw quickly when you’re ready for a lemony indulgence.
Reheating
To refresh their tender texture, warm your thawed Lemon Snowball Cookies slightly in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. This brings back the soft, buttery delight as if they were freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use regular granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar?
Powdered sugar is essential in this recipe to create that delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture and the signature powdered coating. Using granulated sugar may result in a grittier cookie and won’t achieve the classic snowball appearance.
What if I don’t have fresh lemons for juice and zest?
Fresh lemon juice and zest provide the brightest flavor here. If fresh lemons aren’t available, use pure lemon juice from a bottle, but zest is harder to substitute—try adding a small amount of lemon extract carefully for extra lemony aroma.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substituting with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can work well. Just ensure your blend includes xanthan gum or another binder to keep the dough together. Texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The edges should look just set, and the tops slightly firm but not browned. These cookies are best when soft, so avoid overbaking as they continue to firm up while cooling.
Can I add herbs like lavender or mint to the recipe?
Absolutely! Adding dried lavender or finely chopped fresh mint can complement the lemon beautifully. Just use sparingly to maintain balance and not overpower the lemon’s bright flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking your own Lemon Snowball Cookies Recipe — from the fresh citrus aroma filling your kitchen to biting into that soft, sugary treat that feels like a little celebration every single time. If you’re searching for a cookie recipe that’s simple, fun, and absolutely irresistible, give this one a try. I promise it will become a cherished favorite you reach for again and again.
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lemon Snowball Cookies are soft, buttery treats bursting with fresh lemon flavor, coated in a sweet powdered sugar dusting. Perfect for a light, citrusy dessert or snack, they combine zingy lemon juice and zest with a tender crumb for an irresistible melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 large lemon, zested
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
For Rolling
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter together with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Lemon Juice: Mix in the freshly squeezed lemon juice to infuse the dough with bright citrus flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and freshly grated lemon zest to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing just until a cohesive dough forms without overworking.
- Shape Cookies: Using a scooper or spoon, portion out dough and roll it into balls with your hands, preparing them for baking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the dough balls evenly spaced on the prepared cookie sheets to allow for spreading during baking.
- Fill First Sheet: Roll and place 15 dough balls on the first cookie sheet.
- Fill Second Sheet: Roll and place 15 dough balls on the second cookie sheet, total 30 cookies.
- Bake Cookies: Place the trays into the preheated oven and bake for 13 to 15 minutes, until cookies are set but not browned.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the sheets for a few minutes to firm up.
- Prepare Coating: Pour the remaining 3/4 cup powdered sugar into a medium bowl for rolling each cookie.
- Roll in Sugar: Gently roll each warm cookie in the powdered sugar until fully coated, creating the signature snowball look.
- Cool Completely: Allow the coated cookies to cool entirely on a wire rack before serving to ensure they retain their shape and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for easy mixing.
- Lemon zest should be finely grated to avoid bitter pith.
- Use silicone mats or parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking during baking.
- Do not overbake; cookies should remain pale to ensure a soft texture.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For an extra lemon kick, add a little lemon extract if desired.
