Savory Lemon Snowball Cookies Recipe

While December usually brings waves of heavy chocolate and molasses, I always find myself craving something bright and citrusy to cut through the richness. These Lemon Snowball Cookies are my answer, offering a fresh zestiness that feels like a burst of sunshine in the middle of winter.

It is amazing how the simple addition of lemon transforms a traditional buttery snowball into an entirely new experience.

What Sets This Lemon Snowball Cookies Recipe Apart

The texture here is absolutely incredible, crumbling perfectly the moment it hits your tongue. I use cornstarch in the dough to ensure every single bite remains tender rather than tough.

I love that the tart lemon flavor keeps the generous powdered sugar coating from feeling too overwhelmingly sweet.

This dough is wonderfully forgiving, allowing you to prep it ahead of time and bake whenever you need a fresh batch. It holds its shape beautifully in the oven while staying soft on the inside.

If you enjoyed this citrusy treat, you have to try my Hearty Red Velvet Shortbread Cookies Recipe, and the Ultimate Peanut Butter Blossoms Cookie Recipe is another classic I bake every single year.

Gathering Your Lemon Snowball Cookies Ingredients

Here is the simple list of items you will need to get started on this recipe:

• All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie structure that provides stability.
• Cornstarch: This is the secret ingredient that makes the texture tender and soft.
• Salt: A small amount helps balance the sweetness and brings out the citrus notes.
• Unsalted butter: Make sure it is softened to room temperature for proper creaming.
• Powdered sugar: You will need this for both the cookie dough and the double coating.
• Lemon zest: Fresh zest provides the most authentic and vibrant citrus flavor.
• Lemon extract: Adds a concentrated punch of lemon that zest alone cannot achieve.
• Vanilla extract: mellows the tartness and adds a warm, floral background note.
• Finely chopped almonds: These add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor to the soft cookie.

My Method for Perfect Lemon Snowball Cookies

Let’s get baking and fill the kitchen with the smell of fresh citrus:

1. Whisk the flour, cornstarch, and salt together in a mixing bowl until fully combined.
2. Cream the butter in a stand mixer on medium speed for about 20 seconds until it looks smooth and creamy, then blend in the powdered sugar.
3. Mix in the fresh lemon zest, lemon extract, and vanilla extract until the aroma is fragrant.
4. Lower the mixer speed and slowly add the flour mixture, mixing just until combined, then stir in the chopped almonds by hand.
5. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes; preheat your oven to 350 degrees halfway through this time.
6. Scoop the dough by the tablespoon, roll into balls, and bake on a lined sheet for 14 to 16 minutes until the bottoms are barely golden.
7. Let the cookies cool for a few minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm.
8. Once fully cooled on a wire rack, roll the Lemon Snowball Cookies in powdered sugar a second time for a thick, snowy coat.

My Lemon Snowball Cookies Secrets

The secret to that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture lies in properly chilling the dough before it hits the oven. If you skip this step, the cookies will spread too much and lose their charming round shape.

Be sure to coat your Lemon Snowball Cookies twice in powdered sugar to get that classic snowy look and extra sweetness.

If you do not have a zester, use the finest side of a box grater to get those aromatic oils into the dough. Just be careful to avoid the bitter white pith when removing the yellow skin.

I suggest chopping the almonds very finely so they distribute evenly throughout the dough without making the cookies crumble apart.

Best Ways to Enjoy Lemon Snowball Cookies

I think these cookies taste best when served alongside a hot cup of tea or strong coffee to balance the sugar. The bright citrus flavor makes them a refreshing end to a heavy dinner.

You can also package these Lemon Snowball Cookies in tins for a festive gift that travels surprisingly well.