Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies: A Delightful Treat for Your Holiday Celebrations
Creating sweet memories during the holidays often revolves around wonderful baked goods. Among them, Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies stand out with their vibrant flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. These cookies add a delightful zing to your dessert table and impress your friends and family.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe brings a refreshing twist to traditional holiday cookies. The combination of creamy lemon filling and buttery cookie dough makes it a perfect treat for festive gatherings or cozy family evenings. Plus, they are easy to prepare, making them a great option for novice and experienced bakers alike. These cookies are sure to be a crowd favorite, blending sweetness with citrus brightness that delights the palate.
How to Make Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1½ cups powdered sugar (for filling)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp lemon zest (for filling)
- Pinch of salt (for filling)
- Extra powdered sugar for coating
Step by Step:
- Beat cream cheese and butter together in a mixing bowl. Add powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Chill the filling in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar. Stir in vanilla extract and lemon zest. Gradually mix in all-purpose flour and salt until well combined.
- Take about a tablespoon of the dough, flatten it, and place half a teaspoon of the lemon filling in the center. Roll the dough around the filling into a ball.
- Arrange the cookie balls on a lined baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 14 minutes until lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. Roll them in powdered sugar, then let them cool completely before rolling them in sugar again for a sweet coating.
How to Serve Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies
Serve these cookies on a festive platter at your next gathering. They pair beautifully with tea or coffee and can be placed alongside other holiday treats. Consider garnishing with extra lemon zest or even a sprig of mint for an appealing presentation.
How to Store Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you wish to keep them fresh longer, consider refrigerating them. Just be sure to roll them in powdered sugar once again if they lose their coating.
Tips to Make Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies
- Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened for easier blending.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, increase the lemon zest in the cookie dough.
- Chill the filling long enough to make it easier to work with.
Variation
You can swap out the lemon for other flavors, such as lime or orange, to create a different taste profile. The cookie base works well with various citrus fruits, allowing you to customize these cookies to suit your palate.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies! Just ensure they are in a single layer and wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container.
2. How do I make the filling thicker?
If you want a thicker filling, you can add a little more powdered sugar to stiffen it up until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges but may appear soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool. For more accurate baking times, refer to USDA food safety temperature guidelines.
Get ready to impress everyone with these zesty treats that are sure to bring joy and flavor to your holiday celebrations!
Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies
Ingredients
For the cookie dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure it's at room temperature.
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 tsp lemon zest Freshly grated for best flavor.
For the lemon filling
- 4 oz cream cheese Softened.
- 2 tbsp butter Softened.
- 1½ cups powdered sugar For filling.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice Freshly squeezed.
- ½ tsp lemon zest For filling.
- 1 pinch salt For filling.
For coating
- to taste powdered sugar Extra for rolling the cookies.
Instructions
Make the Filling
- Beat cream cheese and butter together in a mixing bowl.
- Add powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Chill the filling in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Prepare the Dough
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar.
- Stir in vanilla extract and lemon zest.
- Gradually mix in all-purpose flour and salt until well combined.
Assemble the Cookies
- Take about a tablespoon of the dough, flatten it, and place half a teaspoon of the lemon filling in the center.
- Roll the dough around the filling into a ball.
- Arrange the cookie balls on a lined baking sheet.
Bake
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 14 minutes until lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes.
- Roll them in powdered sugar, then let them cool completely before rolling them in sugar again for a sweet coating.