Lemon Snowball Cookies
Lemon Snowball Cookies
These Lemon Snowball Cookies are soft, buttery, and dusted in a delicate layer of powdered sugar that melts the moment they touch your tongue. Each bite is filled with a bright lemony sweetness that feels like sunshine in cookie form — simple, comforting, and absolutely irresistible.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
There’s something magical about the way these cookies come together. The creamy butter, fragrant lemon zest, and soft powdered sugar create a cookie that’s light yet rich — the kind that disappears faster than you expect.
If you’ve ever had traditional snowball cookies, you’ll love this lemon twist.
The fresh citrus adds a cheerful brightness to the buttery base, making them perfect for spring brunches, summer picnics, or even Christmas cookie trays when you want something a little unexpected.
These cookies are also no-fuss and beginner-friendly, which makes them perfect for a quick baking day or last-minute treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually add flour and salt, stirring just until a soft dough forms.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes, then gently roll in powdered sugar while still warm.
- Once cooled completely, roll again for that beautiful, snowy finish.
Jennie’s Thoughts
These cookies make me happy every single time I bake them. There’s something about the scent of butter and lemon that fills the kitchen with warmth and calm.
I always bake a double batch — one for sharing and one for keeping at home — because everyone who tries them immediately wants the recipe.
The dough itself is soft and easy to work with, and I love how the powdered sugar creates that signature snowball look. They’re delicate but not fussy — and they have that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture that just makes you stop and smile.
If you’re someone who loves a little joy in the form of food, these cookies are it. Simple ingredients, minimal effort, and such a lovely, sunny payoff.
Baking Tips
- For extra lemon flavor, add a few drops of lemon extract or an extra teaspoon of zest.
- Don’t skip rolling them twice in powdered sugar — it gives that soft, cloud-like coating.
- These cookies freeze beautifully. Store them in an airtight container for up to 2 months and roll in sugar again before serving if needed.
Make It a Cookie Tray
Pair your Lemon Snowball Cookies with other delicate treats like Raspberry Almond Snowballs, Gingerbread Snowballs, or Cherry Thumbprint Cookies for a beautiful assortment of flavors and colors. They all complement each other perfectly and make your dessert table feel extra special.
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If you loved these lemon snowballs, try my Raspberry Almond Snowball Cookies next — they’re another melt-in-your-mouth favorite with a beautiful fruity twist.
