Lemon Snowball Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Lemon Snowball Cookies offer a delightful twist on the classic snowball cookie with a bright, citrusy flavor. Soft, buttery, and coated in powdered sugar, they are perfect for tea time or any sweet craving.

Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for the dough)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Additional powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Step 2: Add the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and salt to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
- Step 3: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Step 4: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 5: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 6: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are slightly golden.
- Step 7: Allow the cookies to cool slightly, then roll them in powdered sugar. Once completely cooled, roll them again for an extra snowy coating.
Tips & Variations
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest or a few drops of lemon extract.
- Swap the lemon juice for orange or lime juice to create different citrus variations.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape better.
- Use superfine sugar for a smoother texture in the dough.
Storage
Store the lemon snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep the coating fresh, add a layer of parchment paper between cookie layers. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature and recoat with powdered sugar if needed before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid making the cookies too salty.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking?
Make sure the dough is well chilled before baking and space the dough balls adequately apart on the baking sheet to avoid merging.
Print
Lemon Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully light and tangy Lemon Snowball Cookies with a soft, buttery texture and a generous coating of powdered sugar that mimics fresh snow. Perfect for a refreshing twist on the classic snowball cookie, offering a bright lemon flavor in each bite.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for the dough)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
Coating
- Additional powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring the sugar is well incorporated to create a smooth base.
- Add Lemon and Salt: Mix in the fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt thoroughly to distribute the citrus flavor evenly throughout the dough.
- Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms without overworking it to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating perfect doneness.
- Coat in Powdered Sugar: Allow the cookies to cool slightly, then roll them generously in powdered sugar. Once fully cooled, give them a second roll in powdered sugar to achieve the signature snowy coating for a beautiful finish.
Notes
- Do not over-bake; cookies should be lightly golden on the edges but still soft inside.
- Let cookies cool before the second powdered sugar coating to ensure it sticks well.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best vibrant flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- These cookies can be frozen after baking and coated for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Lemon Snowball Cookies, lemon cookies, snowball cookies, powdered sugar cookies, lemon dessert, baked cookies, buttery cookies

