Description
Delight in these Bright Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies, featuring a tender melt-in-your-mouth texture with a refreshing lemon zest and extract infusion. These cookies are lightly dusted with powdered sugar for a snowy finish, perfect for spring gatherings or any time you crave a citrusy treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 0.75 cup powdered sugar (plus more for coating)
- 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.25 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- 1.5 teaspoons lemon extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 1 drop yellow food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Cream Butter: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter until smooth using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Add Sugar: Add 0.75 cup powdered sugar to the creamed butter and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Flavors: Mix in the fresh lemon zest, lemon extract, vanilla extract, salt, and optionally, one drop of yellow food coloring for a vibrant hue.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and cornstarch, mixing gently until a soft dough is formed without overworking.
- Chill Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up for easier handling.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Form Cookies: Remove dough from the fridge and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place them evenly spaced on the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are just starting to turn a light golden color, ensuring a tender texture.
- First Sugar Coating: Allow the cookies to cool slightly (while still warm), then gently roll them in powdered sugar to coat.
- Final Sugar Finish: Once cookies are completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar a second time for a beautiful, snowy appearance.
Notes
- Using fresh lemon zest enhances the bright citrus flavor more than dried lemon peel.
- Chilling the dough is essential to prevent spreading and to make rolling easier.
- Powdered sugar coating while warm helps the sugar adhere better for that classic snowball appearance.
- You can substitute lemon extract with fresh lemon juice, but adjust dry ingredients slightly.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
