Bright Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies

Save this recipe on:

Melt-in-your-mouth soft with a lemony cream center, these Bright Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies are the ultimate festive treat. Each bite is tender and rich, coated in a generous dusting of powdered sugar, and bursting with zesty citrus flavor. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just craving something cozy and sweet, these snowball cookies bring brightness to any dessert tray.

The combination of a buttery vanilla cookie and a creamy lemon filling feels like biting into a cloud—but better. They’re easy to prep ahead, stay fresh for days, and look like little snow-covered domes, making them perfect for Christmas, Easter brunch, or any special occasion.

---

What Kind of Lemon Should I Use?

Fresh lemons are key to achieving that vibrant citrus flavor. Use both the zest and juice for maximum brightness. Meyer lemons work beautifully here for a naturally sweeter twist, while regular lemons offer more tart punch. Avoid bottled lemon juice—the flavor simply doesn’t compare.

---

Ingredients for the Bright Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies

Unsalted Butter – The base of the cookie dough, offering that rich, creamy texture.

All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure to these pillowy cookies.

Powdered Sugar – For both sweetness and that classic snowball finish.

Cornstarch – Keeps the cookies ultra-soft and delicate.

Vanilla Extract – Adds depth to the buttery dough.

Lemon Zest – Brings an aromatic, fresh citrus brightness.

Lemon Juice – Enhances the creamy filling with tangy flavor.

Cream Cheese – The star of the creamy center, giving that luscious texture.

Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the lemon cream center.

---

How To Make the Bright Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Make the Lemon Cream Filling

In a small bowl, beat softened cream cheese with lemon juice, lemon zest, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Chill in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to firm up.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Cream the butter and powdered sugar together until fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract. Slowly add flour and cornstarch, blending until a soft dough forms. Chill dough for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Cookies

Scoop about a tablespoon of dough, flatten it in your palm, and place a small scoop of chilled lemon cream in the center. Wrap the dough around the filling and roll gently into a ball. Repeat with remaining dough.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place cookie balls on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-14 minutes, or until just set but not browned. Let cool completely.

Step 5: Coat with Powdered Sugar

Roll each cooled cookie generously in powdered sugar. For an extra snowy look, dust them again right before serving.

---

Serving and Storing Your Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies

These cookies are best served at room temperature when the lemon filling is soft and luscious. They make a stunning addition to holiday dessert platters and are perfect for tea parties or cookie exchanges.

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If stacking them, place parchment between layers. For longer storage, freeze the filled (but unbaked) dough balls and bake from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the bake time.

---

What to Serve With Bright Buttery Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies?

Hot Tea

A floral Earl Grey or chamomile tea complements the lemon flavor beautifully.

Sparkling Lemonade

Keep the citrus theme going with a chilled glass of sparkling lemonade or even a lemon spritzer.

White Chocolate Drizzle

Drizzle melted white chocolate over the tops for an elegant twist.

Lemon Sorbet

Pair with a small scoop of lemon sorbet for a refreshing dessert plate.

Almond Biscotti

Serve alongside crunchy biscotti to balance textures on your cookie tray.

---

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you adore these lemon cream snowball cookies, you’ll want to try these next:

• Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for a meltaway texture with a creamy surprise.
• Chocolate Cherry Cookies that combine rich cocoa with bursts of fruit.
• Strawberry Cream Cheese Crumble Cookies for a fruity, tangy delight.
• Raspberry Cookies Recipe for jammy centers that complement lemon notes.
• Peanut Butter Cookies that bring nostalgic richness to your cookie jar.

---

Save This Pin For Later

Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe added coconut flakes or swapped in orange zest? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen.com on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: