Description
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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 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.
- In a larger mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. 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.
- 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. Chill them in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the cookie balls have chilled, 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. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- After the cookies have cooled, dust them with powdered sugar, giving them that delightful snowy appearance.
Notes
Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. It’s essential to completely seal the dough around the filling to prevent any leaking while baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Protein: 1 g