Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies – Easy Desserts Recipe

Table of Contents

• Why These Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies Are So Special
• The Story Behind This Recipe
• Tips for Making Perfect Snowball Cookies
• Achieving the Perfect Bake
• Creative Serving Ideas
• Storing and Freezing Tips
• The Recipe: Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies
• Notes & Tips

Key Takeaways

These Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies are the epitome of simple yet impressive easy desserts. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and about 30 minutes of hands-on time, you can create buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats with a bright citrus flavor. The double dusting of powdered sugar gives them their signature “snowball” appearance, making them perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or any time you want a light, sweet treat. They’re beginner-friendly, easily customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Why These Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies Are So Special

When it comes to easy desserts, few treats deliver as much flavor and charm as these Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies. Unlike fussy pastries or complicated cakes, these cookies come together in one bowl with minimal effort. The combination of rich butter and bright lemon creates a sophisticated flavor profile that feels both indulgent and refreshing. The texture is truly remarkable – they literally melt in your mouth with each bite. As far as easy desserts go, this recipe is a true winner in both simplicity and deliciousness.

The Story Behind This Recipe

This recipe was born from a desire to create something special with what I had in my pantry. Traditional snowball cookies (also known as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies) are a holiday staple in my family, but I wanted to give them a bright, sunny twist. By adding fresh lemon zest and juice, I transformed a classic winter cookie into a treat that works year-round. Now, it’s one of the most requested easy dessert recipes among my friends and family. I’m thrilled to share it with you on Betty Cooks!

Tips for Making Perfect Snowball Cookies

The secret to achieving the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture lies in the quality of your ingredients and a few simple techniques. Use real butter (never margarine) that’s properly softened – it should yield to gentle pressure but still hold its shape. Fresh lemon zest is non-negotiable; the oils in the zest carry the purest lemon flavor. When rolling the dough, don’t compact it too much – gentle hands create the lightest cookies. These tips will help you master these delightful easy cookie recipes every single time.

Achieving the Perfect Bake

Baking these cookies requires a gentle touch. Watch carefully as they bake – you want just the faintest golden color on the bottoms while the tops remain pale. Overbaking will dry them out, while underbaking might leave them too soft to handle. The timing is forgiving within a minute or two, but paying attention makes all the difference. Letting them cool slightly before the first sugar coating is crucial; too hot and the sugar will melt, too cold and it won’t adhere properly. This careful balance ensures your buttery cookies are perfect every time.

Creative Serving Ideas

While these cookies are fantastic on their own, you can elevate them for special occasions. Create a cookie platter with these lemon snowballs alongside chocolate-dipped shortbread and classic chocolate chip cookies. For a festive touch during the holidays, serve them in individual paper liners on a tiered stand. They pair beautifully with afternoon tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. If you’re looking for quick desserts for dinner parties, these are a perfect choice – elegant enough for guests but simple enough to make last-minute.

Storing and Freezing Tips

One of the best things about these simple homemade sweets is how well they keep. Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze both the baked cookies and the unbaked dough. To freeze dough balls, arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months – just thaw at room temperature and give them a fresh dusting of powdered sugar before serving.

Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies – Easy Desserts Recipe

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time12 minutes mins

Total Time27 minutes mins

Cuisine: American

Keywords: buttery cookies, easy desserts, easy recipes, holiday treats, lemon cookies, quick cookies, snowball cookies

Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients

For the Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Rolling

• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Make the Dough

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Shape and Bake

1. Scoop dough by tablespoonfuls and roll into 1-inch balls. Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.

Coat with Sugar

1. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then roll each warm cookie in the remaining powdered sugar.
2. Once completely cool, roll again in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For a stronger lemon flavor, add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest. Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.