Name: Bright Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Soft, delicate, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor, these Bright Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies are a dreamy treat perfect for winter gatherings or cozy moments at home. With a tender buttery crumb and a hidden zesty lemon cream center, they melt in your mouth and look like festive snowballs thanks to a generous dusting of powdered sugar. Whether you’re searching for a quick breakfast cookie, an easy dessert idea, or just the best lemon-flavored food idea this season, these cookies will brighten your baking tray and your taste buds. Imagine a light, fluffy texture with every bite, complemented by a fresh burst of lemon that dances on your palate. The combination of flavors and textures makes these cookies irresistible!

Not only are they delicious, but their stunning appearance also makes them a hit at any gathering. These cookies invite joy and sunshine even on the coldest winter days. They’re perfect for holiday cookie exchanges, family get-togethers, or simply to savor while curled up on the couch with a cup of tea. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make and require minimal ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to delight everyone with these tasty treats!

Why You’ll Love This Bright Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies

Exquisite Flavor: The zesty lemon filling brings a refreshing twist, making them the perfect treat for lemon lovers.
Simple Preparation: Despite their elegant appearance, these cookies are easy to whip up and require just a few key ingredients.
Festive Appearance: The generous dusting of powdered sugar makes these sweet treats look like little snowballs, perfect for holiday events.
Versatile Serving: Whether enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or at brunch, these cookies fit any occasion.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you embark on crafting these delightful snowball cookies, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the right tools. Start by ensuring you have all ingredients ready, as this allows for a smoother baking process. You will need basic baking equipment, including measuring cups, mixing bowls, and a whisk or electric mixer.

Having a parchment-lined baking tray will help the cookies bake evenly and prevent them from sticking. A compact cookie scoop or tablespoon can assist in forming uniform cookie dough balls around the creamy lemon filling. A wire rack will be invaluable for cooling your cookies post-baking. Also, don’t forget to chill your cream cheese mixture as this helps it firm up, making it easier to enclose within the cookie dough. Once everything is organized, baking these cookies becomes not only simple but highly enjoyable!

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Filling

Start by placing the softened cream cheese into a small mixing bowl. Add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat the mixture until it’s completely smooth and creamy. The citrus elements will combine beautifully with the cream cheese to create a delicious filling. Once ready, cover the bowl and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling allows the filling to firm up slightly, making it much easier to work with later on.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a larger mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will incorporate air into the dough, lending the cookies their delightful texture. Once you achieve this, add in the vanilla extract and mix it in thoroughly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the creamed butter mixture, stirring until you form a cohesive dough. The consistency should be soft yet manageable.

Step 3: Enclose the Filling

To form the cookies, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and flatten them slightly in your palm. Place about 1/2 teaspoon of the chilled lemon filling in the center. Carefully wrap the edges of the dough around the filling, ensuring you completely seal it to prevent any leaks during baking. Once shaped into a tight ball, place the cookie dough on your parchment-lined tray. Repeat for the remainder of the dough and filling. Once all cookie balls are formed, chill them in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to firm up further.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the cookie balls have chilled, it’s time to bake! Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 12 to 14 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake, as you want them to remain soft and tender. After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Dust with Powdered Sugar

After the cookies have cooled, it’s time for that magical touch—dusting them with powdered sugar! Generously sprinkle some powdered sugar over the cookies, giving them that delightful snowy appearance. If you want, you can double-dust them right before serving for an even more impressive presentation. The sweetness of the sugar complements the zesty lemon flavor beautifully, making every bite a heavenly experience.

Variations

Protein: Add finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans mixed into the dough for added texture and flavor.
Vegetables: Introduce grated coconut for a tropical twist or even zestier lemon into the filling for a stronger flavor profile.
Spices: A hint of cinnamon or nutmeg can bring a warm depth to the cookies, complementing the lemon perfectly.

Cooking Notes

Use fresh lemons for the best flavor—both the zest and juice are key to achieving that vibrant citrus taste.
It’s essential to completely seal the dough around the filling to prevent any leaking while baking, so take time with shaping the balls.
Chilling the dough and filling ensures the cookies hold their shape and remain soft after baking.
If you want an even richer taste, consider substituting half of the butter with cream cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies with a side of lemon tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
Pair them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an elegant dessert.

Tips

Make sure to bring the butter and cream cheese to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
To increase lemon flavor, consider using lemon extract in addition to the fresh juice and zest.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fresh.
Feel free to experiment with different citrus flavors like orange or lime for a fun variation.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 160
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 45mg

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cream cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with flavored cream cheese, such as a strawberry or vanilla, to give your cookies a unique twist.

How can I store leftover cookies?

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer longer storage, consider freezing them.

What can I use instead of granulated sugar?

You may substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or another granular sweetener, adjusting measurements as needed.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the same measurements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bright Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies are not just a treat; they are a celebration of flavors and textures! They blend buttery richness with a refreshing lemon zing, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a family gathering or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to try out variations to suit your taste or experiment with fillings. If you enjoyed this recipe, please share your experience in the comments below and let others know how these delightful cookies turned out for you. Happy baking!