Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies – Melt-in-Your-Mouth Holiday Magic Recipe
Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treats perfect for holiday celebrations. These tender cookies combine a zesty lemon cream cheese filling with a buttery dough, rolled in powdered sugar for a sweet, snowy finish. With a burst of fresh lemon flavor and a soft crumb, they offer a delightful balance of tangy and sweet in every bite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 4 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tsp lemon zest
Lemon Cream Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp lemon zest
- Pinch of salt
For Coating
- Extra powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Prepare the Lemon Cream Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1½ cups powdered sugar, lemon juice, ½ teaspoon lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Cover and chill the filling in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a separate bowl, cream together 1 cup softened unsalted butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 teaspoons lemon zest. Gradually mix in the 2 cups all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon salt until a smooth dough forms.
- Assemble the Cookies: Take a tablespoon of the cookie dough and flatten it in your hand. Place about ½ teaspoon of chilled lemon cream filling in the center, then carefully wrap the dough around the filling and roll it into a ball, sealing the filling inside.
- Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the filled dough balls onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the cookies remain soft.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack, then roll them in powdered sugar once more for a snowy finish.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter for the filling are softened to achieve a smooth mixture.
- Chilling the filling helps it hold its shape inside the cookies during baking.
- Do not overbake; cookies should be soft in the center to maintain a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Double rolling in powdered sugar provides the classic snowball look and extra sweetness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
