Snowball Cookies – Melt-in-Your-Mouth Holiday Magic Recipe
Snowball Cookies are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth holiday treats filled with a tangy, creamy lemon filling. These buttery cookies are perfectly soft, dusted generously with powdered sugar, making them an irresistible festive delight that melts away with each bite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 34 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookies
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Cream Filling
- 4 oz (½ block) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Lemon Cream Filling: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Continue to beat until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy. Freeze the filling for 45–60 minutes until firm enough to scoop.
- Make Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and fresh lemon zest, mixing well. Gradually incorporate the flour and salt, mixing until a very soft dough forms.
- Assemble Cookies: Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place ½ teaspoon of the frozen lemon cream filling in the center. Carefully wrap the dough around the filling and gently roll it into a smooth ball, ensuring the filling is fully enclosed.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the formed cookie balls evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Bake Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 12–14 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden, signaling they are baked through.
- Cool and Sugar Coat: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar. Once completely cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again to achieve a snowy, festive finish.
Notes
- Make sure the lemon cream filling is well chilled before scooping to prevent it from leaking during baking.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best bright and tangy flavor.
- Softened butter at room temperature ensures easier mixing and a smoother dough.
- Rolling the cookies twice in powdered sugar gives them the signature ‘snowball’ look and extra sweetness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Keywords: snowball cookies, lemon cream filling, holiday cookies, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, buttery cookies, festive desserts
