Classic Lemon Snowball Cookies With Creamy Flavor
Lemon Snowball Cookies are light, soft, and full of gentle lemon flavor. These cookies feel cool and creamy when you take a bite. The outside is coated in powdered sugar, and the inside stays tender and smooth. They are the kind of cookies that disappear fast once they hit the table.
I like making these cookies when I want something sweet but not heavy. The lemon flavor keeps them fresh and bright. The creaminess balances the citrus so the cookies never taste sharp. They are great for sharing, gifting, or enjoying with a glass of milk after school.
If you enjoy lemon desserts, you may also like my Italian Lemon Cream Cake, which has the same soft texture with a brighter citrus taste.
Why Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies Are So Loved
Snowball cookies are popular because of their soft texture and sweet coating. Adding lemon and cream takes them to another level. The lemon adds a clean flavor, and the cream makes each bite smooth.
People also love these cookies because they store well. They stay soft for days and still taste fresh. The powdered sugar coating protects the cookies and keeps them tender.
They also look beautiful without much effort. The snowy white outside makes them feel special, even though the recipe is simple.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This recipe uses cream cheese to give the cookies a rich and smooth texture. The cream cheese also helps balance the lemon flavor so it stays gentle.
Fresh lemon zest is used instead of too much lemon juice. This gives the cookies flavor without making the dough wet. The result is a cookie that holds its shape and bakes evenly.
The dough is easy to roll and does not spread too much in the oven. Each cookie comes out round, soft, and coated in sugar.
Ingredients You Will Need
Main Ingredients
- One cup unsalted butter softened
- Four ounces cream cheese softened
- One half cup powdered sugar
- One teaspoon vanilla extract
- One tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- Two cups all-purpose flour
- One quarter teaspoon salt
For Coating
- One cup powdered sugar
These ingredients work together to create cookies that are soft, creamy, and lightly sweet.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the oven and pan
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This keeps the cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream the butter and cream cheese
Place the butter and cream cheese in a large bowl. Use a spoon or mixer to blend them until smooth. Take your time here. The mixture should look creamy with no lumps. This step helps create a soft cookie texture.
Step 3: Add powdered sugar and flavor
Add the powdered sugar to the bowl. Mix slowly so it does not puff into the air. Add the vanilla extract and lemon zest. Stir until everything is blended. The mixture should smell fresh and light.
Step 4: Add dry ingredients
Sprinkle the flour and salt into the bowl. Mix gently until a soft dough forms. Stop mixing as soon as the flour disappears. Overmixing can make the cookies firm instead of soft.
Step 5: Chill the dough
Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for thirty minutes. This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to roll. Chilling also helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
Step 6: Roll the cookies
Scoop small portions of dough and roll them into balls about one inch wide. Place them on the baking sheets with space between each cookie. The dough should feel cool and smooth.
Step 7: Bake the cookies
Place the baking sheets in the oven. Bake for twelve to fourteen minutes. The cookies should look set but not browned. The bottoms should be light in color.
Step 8: Cool slightly
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for five minutes. This helps them firm up enough to handle without breaking.
Step 9: Roll in powdered sugar
While the cookies are still warm, roll them gently in powdered sugar. Coat each cookie fully. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Roll again for a thick coating
Once the cookies are fully cool, roll them in powdered sugar a second time. This creates a thick snowy coating and gives the cookies their classic look.
Helpful Tips for Best Results
- Use room temperature butter and cream cheese
- Do not skip chilling the dough
- Roll cookies gently so they stay smooth
- Do not overbake the cookies
- Roll twice in powdered sugar for best coating
These tips help keep the cookies soft and tender.
Easy Flavor Variations
- Add a small splash of lemon juice for stronger citrus
- Mix in white chocolate chips for sweetness
- Add finely chopped nuts for texture
- Use lime zest instead of lemon
Each option adds something new while keeping the cookie base the same.
How to Store Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Keep them in a cool place away from heat.
For longer storage, place the cookies in the fridge for up to one week. Let them sit at room temperature before serving.
To freeze, place the cookies in a sealed container with parchment between layers. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these cookies taste very lemony
No. The lemon flavor is light and smooth. It adds freshness without being strong.
Can I use bottled lemon juice
Fresh lemon zest works best. Bottled juice can change the texture.
Why are my cookies flat
The dough may be too warm. Chill the dough longer before baking.
Can kids help make this recipe
Yes. Kids can help roll the dough and coat the cookies in sugar.
Do these cookies stay soft
Yes. The cream cheese keeps them soft for days.
A Soft Cookie That Feels Light and Fresh
Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies are a great choice when you want a treat that feels gentle and bright. The soft texture and creamy center make them easy to love. The lemon flavor keeps them from feeling heavy, and the powdered sugar coating adds just the right amount of sweetness.
These cookies are simple to make, easy to share, and always welcome on a table. They work for everyday baking or special moments. Once you make them, they often become a favorite that people ask for again.
