A Little Slice of Holiday Magic
When I think of the cheeriest time of year, my mind inevitably drifts to cozy kitchens filled with rich aromas, laughter echoing against the walls, and something sweet baking in the oven. One of my all-time favorites during the festive season are the Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies. These melt-in-your-mouth gems infused with zesty lemon and creamy goodness capture the essence of holidays—warm, whimsical, and undeniably delightful. Perfect for celebrations or simply as a treat to brighten a winter’s day, these cookies have a way of making every gathering feel extra special.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies don’t just look enchanting; they bring a little sunshine to even the cloudiest days. Here are a few reasons you’ll want to whip up a batch:
Timeless Taste: The buttery, rich texture paired with a light lemony zing creates a balancing act that tantalizes the taste buds in the best way. It’s a unique flavor combo that has earned an enthusiastic nod from family and friends alike.
Perfect for Every Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party, a casual afternoon coffee with friends, or just because, these cookies are versatile enough to fit any occasion. They seem to sparkle on a platter and beckon to be enjoyed.
Kid-Approved Magic: Little helpers eagerly join in the fun of rolling these cookies in powdered sugar—who wouldn’t want to be dusted in something sweet? If there’s one way to make baking a cherished family memory, these cookies are it.
"These cookies are not just a treat; they fill the room with the warmth of the holidays as they melt in your mouth!" – Happy Baker
Preparing Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies – Melt-in-Your-Mouth Holiday Magic
The process of making these cookies might seem a little involved at first, but trust me, it’s well worth the effort. In just a handful of steps, you’ll have a batch of cookies that are sure to impress. Here’s a quick overview of what’s in store:
- Prepare the creamy lemon filling.
- Make the cookie dough.
- Fill and form the cookies.
- Bake until light golden.
- Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy the tasty results.
Let’s gather the ingredients and get started!
Gather These Items
To create these delightful cookies, here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1½ cups powdered sugar (for filling)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp lemon zest (for filling)
- Pinch of salt
You could easily swap the lemon zest for lime if you’re feeling adventurous, or even use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a vegan twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s dive into making these lovely cookies!
Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of softened butter. Blend until smooth. Gradually add 1½ cups of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon of lemon zest. Mix well, then chill for 30 minutes.
Make the Dough: In another bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and ½ cup of powdered sugar. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and the 2 teaspoons of lemon zest. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.
Fill the Cookies: Take a tablespoon of dough and flatten it in your hand. Place about ½ teaspoon of the chilled filling in the center, then fold the dough over and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the cookie balls on the sheet and bake for 12–14 minutes until they are lightly golden around the edges.
Coat in Sugar: Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes after removing them from the oven. While they’re still warm, roll them in powdered sugar, then let them cool completely before giving them another rolling in powdered sugar.
The Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serving these cookies is half the fun! Here are some ideas to present your Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies beautifully:
Classic Platter: Arrange them on a festive platter and sprinkle some additional powdered sugar on top for that “snowy” effect. Add a few lemon slices or zest for an appealing touch.
Coffee Pairing: These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them the perfect companion for an afternoon break or holiday brunch.
Gift-Worthy Treats: Package them in a charming box or tin, and you have a delightful gift for friends or neighbors that shows you care.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Storing these cookies is straightforward! To maintain their magical texture, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last about a week, but I suspect they won’t last that long once the family catches a whiff of them!
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just ensure they are cooled completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They should hold up for about a month. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them defrost in the fridge and roll them in sugar again!
Helpful Cooking Tips
To elevate your cookies even further, consider these simple tips:
Zest with Care: Use a microplane for zesting lemons—the finer the zest, the more the flavor will permeate your cookies.
Chill Time Matter: Giving the filling time to chill not only makes it easier to work with but amplifies the flavors as well.
Don’t Overbake: For the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture, keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. It’s always better to underbake slightly than to overdo it.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations to try:
Nutty Delight: Add finely chopped nuts to the dough for a bit of crunch. Almonds or walnuts could bring a delightful contrast to the soft texture.
Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle some melted white or dark chocolate on top for a decadent twist.
Infusion Variance: Experiment with other citrus zest—like orange or lime—for a refreshing change in flavor.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to make these cookies? From start to finish, expect about an hour, including chilling time for the filling. It’s a labor of love but well worth it!
Can I substitute cream cheese? Yes! For a dairy-free option, try using a vegan cream cheese alternative. It works surprisingly well!
What’s the best way to store leftovers? An airtight container at room temperature keeps them fresh for about a week. For longer storage, wrap them and freeze—just remember to roll them in powdered sugar again when you thaw.
The warmth of these Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies brings a little holiday magic into any home. With each bite, you’re reminded of cozy moments and cherished gatherings—what’s not to love?
Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of softened butter. Blend until smooth.
- Gradually add 1½ cups of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon of lemon zest. Mix well, then chill for 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened butter and ½ cup of powdered sugar.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and the 2 teaspoons of lemon zest.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.
- Take a tablespoon of dough and flatten it in your hand.
- Place about ½ teaspoon of the chilled filling in the center, then fold the dough over and roll it into a ball.
- Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the cookie balls on the sheet and bake for 12–14 minutes until they are lightly golden around the edges.
- Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes after removing them from the oven.
- While they’re still warm, roll them in powdered sugar, then let them cool completely before giving them another rolling in powdered sugar.