There’s something truly magical about the first bite of a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookie dusted with powdered sugar. Lemon snowball cookies take this classic treat to a bright and zesty new level. Perfect for a cozy afternoon tea, a warm gathering with friends, or simply indulging your sweet tooth on a sunny afternoon, these cookies bring a burst of citrus flavor wrapped in a tender, buttery bite.
The inspiration for this recipe comes from the timeless tradition of snowball cookies, often baked during festive seasons for their soft texture and charming powdered sugar coating. By adding lemon, the classic cookie gets a refreshing twist that feels both elegant and approachable. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner looking for a simple yet impressive treat, these lemon snowball cookies are guaranteed to delight everyone at your table.
Ingredients
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
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Cream the butter and sugar together in a large bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and lemon zest, mixing until combined.
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Whisk together dry ingredients in a separate bowl: flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
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Shape the cookies into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The cookies should still appear soft in the center.
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Cool slightly on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then roll each cookie in powdered sugar while still warm.
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Transfer to a wire rack and allow the cookies to cool completely, rolling them in powdered sugar a second time if desired for a snowy finish.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
Notes
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Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They also freeze well if you want to prepare them in advance.
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Flavor variations: For extra brightness, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the dough. For a fun twist, consider rolling the cookies in a mix of powdered sugar and finely grated lemon zest for an extra citrusy coating.
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Texture tips: Avoid overbaking. The cookies will feel soft when you remove them from the oven but will firm up as they cool.
Why These Lemon Snowball Cookies Are Special
Lemon snowball cookies are a unique combination of two beloved elements: the tender, buttery snowball cookie and the fresh, tangy flavor of lemon. This pairing transforms a familiar cookie into something light and bright, perfect for spring or summer, yet comforting enough for colder months.
The powdered sugar coating adds not only visual appeal but also a slight sweetness that balances the lemon’s natural tartness. When baked just right, the cookies literally melt in your mouth, leaving a gentle lemon aroma that is both inviting and addictive. These cookies are excellent for sharing at gatherings, gifting to friends and neighbors, or simply keeping a batch for yourself to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
Tips for Baking Perfect Lemon Snowball Cookies
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Softened butter matters: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming and smooth dough.
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Zest carefully: Only use the yellow part of the lemon peel, as the white pith can make the cookies bitter.
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Even sizing: Use a small cookie scoop to create uniform balls, ensuring even baking.
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Double coating: For the signature snowball look, roll the cookies in powdered sugar both warm and fully cooled for maximum effect.
How to Serve Lemon Snowball Cookies
These cookies are incredibly versatile in presentation and serving options. Here are some ideas:
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Afternoon tea: Serve with hot tea, lemonade, or coffee for a light and refreshing snack.
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Gift boxes: Arrange the cookies in decorative tins or boxes for a homemade gift.
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Dessert platters: Include them in a cookie tray alongside other bite-sized treats for holidays or parties.
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Simple indulgence: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing summer dessert.
The Perfect Occasion for Lemon Snowball Cookies
Lemon snowball cookies aren’t just for a special holiday—they’re a treat that fits any moment worth celebrating. Imagine a sunny afternoon spent on the porch, the gentle scent of lemon wafting from your kitchen. Or picture a cozy winter evening with a warm beverage and a plate of freshly baked snowball cookies.
These cookies are ideal for occasions where simplicity and elegance meet:
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Birthday parties
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Baby showers or bridal showers
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Afternoon tea gatherings
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Spring and summer picnics
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Holiday cookie swaps
They are simple enough to make in bulk yet sophisticated enough to impress guests with their flavor and presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the great things about lemon snowball cookies is how flexible they are when it comes to preparation. You can make the dough a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator, which actually improves the flavor as the butter, sugar, and lemon meld together. Chilled dough is also easier to handle and shape into uniform balls, giving your cookies a consistent, professional look. Once baked and cooled, the cookies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will remain fresh for up to a week. If you want to make them even further in advance, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature and roll them lightly in powdered sugar again to restore their fresh, snowy appearance and soft texture. This method ensures you always have a batch ready for unexpected guests or last-minute gatherings.
Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh zest?
Yes, lemon extract can be used as a substitute for fresh lemon zest, but it’s important to use it sparingly. Lemon extract is far more concentrated than zest, and using too much can easily overpower the cookie with a strong artificial flavor. Typically, 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract is enough to provide a bright, aromatic lemon note. For the best balance, many bakers combine a small amount of zest with the extract, which brings both freshness and depth of flavor. This combination ensures your lemon snowball cookies have the vibrant citrus aroma and tang without losing the soft, buttery texture that makes them so irresistible.
What if I don’t have a stand mixer?
No stand mixer? No problem! These cookies are wonderfully simple and can easily be made by hand. Use a sturdy mixing bowl and a wooden spoon or a hand whisk to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. While a stand mixer can save time and effort, making these cookies by hand gives you complete control over the dough’s consistency and ensures the cookies remain tender and melt-in-your-mouth. Patience and gentle mixing are the keys to achieving the perfect texture without any specialized equipment.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a gluten-free diet. Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour, and make sure it contains xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it. The texture of gluten-free cookies may vary slightly depending on the brand you use, but the result will still be soft, buttery, and flavorful. Baking gluten-free cookies requires careful measuring and gentle handling to maintain their delicate crumb, but with these tips, you can enjoy the same melt-in-your-mouth experience as the traditional version.
Final Thoughts
The Best Lemon Snowball Cookies Ever combine the classic charm of snowball cookies with a zesty twist that makes them unforgettable. Their soft, buttery texture, combined with the bright lemon flavor and snowy powdered sugar coating, makes each bite an experience worth savoring.
Whether you’re baking them for yourself, for friends, or for a festive occasion, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Their balance of sweet and tangy, along with their irresistible texture, ensures that they will be a hit every time.
So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of cookies that not only taste amazing but also fill your home with the warm, inviting aroma of fresh lemon and butter. These lemon snowball cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a little moment of joy in every bite.
Print
The Best Lemon Snowball Cookies Ever
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Bright, zesty, and melt-in-your-mouth, these lemon snowball cookies are a refreshing twist on a classic treat. Perfect for cozy afternoons, tea parties, or sharing with friends, they combine tender, buttery dough with the sunny flavor of lemon, all coated in a delicate layer of powdered sugar. Inspired by traditional snowball cookies, this version adds a citrusy sparkle that makes every bite irresistible.
Ingredients
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
-
1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
-
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract and lemon zest.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
-
Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden and the centers remain soft.
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Allow cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm.
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Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, roll in powdered sugar a second time for a snowy finish.
Notes
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Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
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For extra citrus flavor, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to the dough.
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Roll cookies in powdered sugar twice—once warm and once cooled—for a classic snowball appearance.
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Avoid overbaking to ensure a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
