Bright Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies Recipe

There is nothing quite like biting into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that bursts with sunny, citrusy delight. The Bright Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies Recipe brings together the perfect balance of rich butteriness and fresh lemon zest, creating a cookie experience that feels both indulgent and refreshingly light. These snowball cookies are not just beautiful with their powdery coating; they’re a joyful celebration of flavor and texture that can brighten up any afternoon tea or festive gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is delightfully straightforward. Each item plays a vital role, from lending creamy richness to adding zesty brightness and ensuring the cookies have the ideal tender crumb and soft texture.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The base that provides a rich, creamy texture essential for the perfect tender crumb.
• 0.75 cup powdered sugar (plus more for coating): Adds sweetness and creates the iconic snowy finish after baking.
• 1.75 cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure and stability to the cookies.
• 0.25 cup cornstarch: Lightens the dough for a melt-in-your-mouth softness.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest: Infuses the dough with bright citrus oils for an uplifting aroma.
• 1.5 teaspoons lemon extract: Amplifies the lemon flavor, bringing boldness to every bite.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Balances the tartness with a warm, sweet undertone.
• 0.25 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and prevents the cookies from tasting flat.
• 1 drop yellow food coloring (optional): Adds a subtle sunny hue, making these snowballs look even more inviting.

How to Make Bright Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter

Start by softly creaming the unsalted butter in a large bowl. This step ensures that your cookies will have a smooth, velvety texture, setting the stage for a tender crumb throughout. Beat the butter until it looks light and creamy—this aeration is key for a delightful softness.

Step 2: Blend in the Powdered Sugar

Once the butter is smooth, add the powdered sugar and continue beating until the mixture becomes fluffy and pale. This step sweetens the base and gives the cookies their characteristic melt-in-your-mouth quality. Don’t rush it; a light, airy butter and sugar mixture will result in the best texture.

Step 3: Add the Flavorings

To the fluffy butter and sugar, mix in the fresh lemon zest, lemon extract, vanilla extract, salt, and if you want that cheerful yellow tint, a drop of food coloring. These ingredients build the bright and buttery flavor profile that makes this Bright Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies Recipe stand out. The lemon zest and extract deliver vibrant citrus notes, while vanilla wraps everything in gentle warmth.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and cornstarch, stirring just until a soft dough forms. The cornstarch is what gives these cookies their wonderfully tender, crumbly texture, so be sure not to skip it. The dough should be soft but manageable, pliable enough to roll into balls without sticking excessively.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors meld and firms up the dough, making the rolling process much easier. Plus, it prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, keeping their snowball shape intact.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure even baking and easy cleanup. Getting this ready ahead of time keeps your baking flow smooth and stress-free.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them spaced apart on the baking sheet. The uniform size means the cookies bake evenly, creating that perfect snowball silhouette with slightly golden bottoms and a soft, crumbly surface.

Step 8: Bake Until Just Golden

Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes, watching carefully for the bottoms to turn a light golden shade. This subtle browning is crucial; it means the cookies are cooked through but still retain their delicate texture. Remove them from the oven promptly to avoid overbaking.

Step 9: First Powdered Sugar Coating

While the cookies are still warm, roll each one gently in powdered sugar. The heat helps the sugar adhere beautifully, creating the first soft, snowy coat that makes these treats so visually and texturally special.

Step 10: Final Powdered Sugar Dusting

After the cookies cool completely, give them one more roll in powdered sugar. This second coating intensifies the snowy effect, making each cookie look irresistibly festive and perfectly finished, just like a snowball kissed by fresh powder.

How to Serve Bright Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While these cookies shine on their own, you can elevate presentation with a twist of lemon zest or a delicate drizzle of white chocolate for added elegance. A sprinkle of finely chopped candied lemon peel can add a sparkling touch and a slight textural surprise that complements the powdery sugar perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a lightly brewed herbal tea—think chamomile or mint—for a soothing experience that balances the bright lemon flavors. They also make a charming companion to a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream when served as a dessert treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Bright Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh lemon slices and sprigs of rosemary to create a feast for the eyes. Place them in pretty gift tins or stack them with parchment paper lined between layers for a delightful homemade gift that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These cookies stay wonderfully fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep their tender texture and bright flavors for up to one week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy days or unexpected guests.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these snowball delights later, freeze the uncoated dough balls on a baking sheet before baking, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When ready, bake them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for flawless results.

Reheating

To bring your cookies back to their just-baked splendor, warm them gently in a low oven for 3 to 5 minutes. This revives their tender texture and intensifies their buttery lemon aroma. Re-roll in powdered sugar if desired to restore their classic snowy finish.

FAQs

Can I substitute lemon extract with lemon juice?

Lemon juice adds moisture and acidity, which can alter the dough’s texture. Lemon extract provides concentrated flavor without extra liquid, so it’s best to stick with the extract for the intended tender crumb and bright lemon notes.

Why is cornstarch used in this recipe?

Cornstarch softens the texture by reducing gluten formation, making the cookies delightfully tender and crumbly — just like a perfect snowball cookie should be.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

It’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level and prevent the cookies from becoming too salty. If only salted butter is available, reduce the added salt accordingly.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough thoroughly before baking and rolling uniform-sized balls helps maintain the classic snowball shape. Avoid over-mixing the dough at the flour stage to keep the texture tender but stable.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Not as is, since they contain all-purpose flour. However, a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum may work with some adjustments, but the texture might vary from the original recipe.

Final Thoughts

There is truly something magical about the Bright Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies Recipe — a cookie that not only tastes like sunshine but also offers a tender, buttery texture that simply melts in your mouth. Whipping up this recipe is an absolute joy and sharing these bright, luscious snowballs with friends and family will make every moment a little sweeter. Give it a try, and watch these cookies quickly become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire.

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