Lemon Snowball Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a bright and refreshing cookie with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these Lemon Snowball Cookies are your answer! Picture a classic snowball cookie, but infused with the sunny flavors of lemon. They’re soft, buttery, and beautifully coated in powdered sugar—perfect for a holiday treat or a sweet citrus twist any time of year. Let’s dive in and bring some extra zest to your baking!

Why You’ll Love These Lemon Snowball Cookies

These cookies are everything you want in a dessert: simple, delicious, and satisfying in each bite. They’ve got that classic, crumbly snowball texture with a lovely lemony bite. Not too sweet, with just the right amount of tang, these cookies bring a lightness that’s a welcome change from heavier holiday treats. The smell of these cookies baking in the oven is absolutely delightful—it’s like having sunshine on a cookie sheet! ☀️

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for these Lemon Snowball Cookies is wonderfully short and sweet! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for the dough)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• Zest of 1 large lemon (adds extra zing!)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for that bright, citrusy flavor)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Additional powdered sugar for coating

Step-By-Step: How to Make Lemon Snowball Cookies

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
2. Add Lemon and Salt: Mix in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and salt until well combined. The aroma here is fantastic!
3. Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, or the cookies may become tough.

2. Shape and Bake

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Roll the Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for slight spreading.
3. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden. These cookies won’t brown much, so keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

3. Coat in Powdered Sugar

1. First Sugar Coating: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. While still slightly warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to create that classic snowball look.
2. Second Sugar Coating: Once the cookies have fully cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for a beautiful frosted finish.

Optional Decorations

• Extra Lemon Zest: Add a sprinkle of lemon zest on top of each cookie for a pop of color and extra flavor.
• Powdered Sugar Dusting: Give a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving for a fresh, snowy effect.

What to Serve with Lemon Snowball Cookies

These cookies pair perfectly with a hot cup of tea, especially Earl Grey or chamomile. They’re also a delightful addition to any holiday cookie platter, balancing richer flavors with their bright citrus notes.

Tips for Making the Perfect Lemon Snowball Cookies

• Use Fresh Lemon: Fresh lemon zest and juice really elevate these cookies, so don’t skip them!
• Chill the Dough (Optional): For a slightly firmer texture, chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before rolling.
• Don’t Skip the Double Coating: Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar twice adds the ideal frosty finish that makes these cookies so special.

How to Store Lemon Snowball Cookies

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully! Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes and roll in powdered sugar if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bottled lemon juice?
For the best flavor, fresh lemon juice is recommended, but bottled juice can work in a pinch.

Why are my cookies crumbly?
Snowball cookies are meant to be tender and crumbly. Be sure not to overbake them, as this can dry them out.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend, and they should turn out wonderfully.

Wrap-Up: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

These Lemon Snowball Cookies are a beautiful addition to any cookie collection. Easy to make and delicious to eat, their fresh lemony flavor combined with a soft, powdery finish is simply irresistible. Give them a try—you’ll be surprised how quickly they disappear! And if you loved this recipe, don’t miss my other citrus-infused treats to keep the flavor party going.

For more holiday baking inspiration, check out these festive treats:

• Christmas Stocking Sugar Cookies – Fun and festive, these sugar cookies bring a touch of holiday magic to your cookie tray!
• Gingerbread Cake – Warm, spicy, and oh-so-cozy, this cake is a holiday classic you’ll want to make again and again.
• Christmas Cake: A Festive Masterpiece – This rich, flavorful cake is bursting with festive flavors perfect for the season.

Let’s Get Baking!

If you tried this recipe, leave a review below! And don’t forget to share your cookie creations with me on Pinterest. I love seeing how your batches turn out!

Print