Name: Bright & Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling); 1 tbsp lemon zest; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1/4 tsp salt

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Bright & Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies are melt-in-your-mouth treats with a zesty twist. These delicate, buttery cookies are filled with the refreshing flavor of lemon and rolled in powdered sugar for a beautiful, snowy finish. I love making them around the holidays or whenever I want a light, citrusy dessert that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these cookies combine that classic snowball texture with the vibrant, creamy flavor of lemon. They’re soft, tender, and have just the right balance of sweetness and tartness. Because they don’t spread, they keep their round, snowball-like shape, which makes them great for gifting or serving on a dessert tray. Plus, the lemon flavor makes them stand out from traditional versions in the best way.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter, softened
Powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
Lemon zest
Lemon juice
All-purpose flour
Cornstarch
Salt
Vanilla extract

Directions

I start by creaming the softened butter and powdered sugar together until it’s light and fluffy.
Then, I mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt.
I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
I chill the dough in the fridge for about 30–60 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Once chilled, I roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
I bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes, just until the bottoms are lightly golden.
After letting them cool slightly, I roll them in powdered sugar while still warm, then roll them again once fully cooled for that perfect snowy coating.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24–30 cookies, depending on the size. The total time is around 1 hour and 30 minutes, including chilling time—about 15 minutes to prep, 30–60 minutes to chill, and 12–14 minutes to bake.

Variations

Sometimes I add a bit of lemon extract for an even bolder citrus punch. I’ve also tried filling the centers with a small dab of lemon curd for a surprise twist. For a fun change, I swap the lemon with orange zest and juice for a sweet, floral version. And when I want to make them extra festive, I mix a little yellow food coloring into the dough or sprinkle the tops with finely crushed lemon candies.

Storage/Reheating

I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully—both the baked cookies and the raw dough. If frozen, I thaw the cookies at room temp and re-roll them in powdered sugar if needed. I don’t reheat them since they’re meant to be soft and tender, not crisp.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the dough a day or two ahead and keep it chilled until I’m ready to bake. The baked cookies also freeze well.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling helps the cookies keep their shape and makes the dough easier to handle. It also enhances the texture.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

I prefer fresh lemon juice for the best flavor, but bottled works in a pinch—just make sure it’s 100% lemon juice with no added sugar.

Why are my cookies dry or crumbly?

This can happen if too much flour is added. I make sure to spoon and level the flour when measuring and don’t overbake them.

Can I skip the powdered sugar coating?

Technically yes, but I wouldn’t—it adds the perfect sweetness and classic snowball look. If I want to reduce sugar, I roll them just once while they’re warm.

Conclusion

Bright & Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies are one of those simple pleasures that always bring a smile. I love their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and the fresh lemon flavor that sets them apart. Whether I’m baking for a special occasion or just treating myself, these cookies are always a citrusy little delight.