Dessert

Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies – Melt-in-Your-Mouth Holiday Magic Recipe

BySimon Carel December 11, 2025December 11, 2025

Introduction

Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies offer a delightful twist on a classic treat, combining zesty lemon flavor with a rich cream cheese filling. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are perfect for holiday celebrations or anytime you crave a sweet, tangy bite.

A white plate holds nine small round cookies dusted with white powdered sugar, with one cookie broken open to show its soft, creamy, pale yellow filling inside. The cookies have a light golden-brown base layer and a smooth, slightly cracked top layer covered in powdered sugar. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with blurred warm lights, pine cones, green pine branches, red and yellow round ornaments in the background, giving a cozy festive look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
2 tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp lemon zest
Pinch of salt
Extra powdered sugar for coating

Instructions

Step 1: Beat cream cheese and 2 tablespoons butter until smooth. Add 1½ cups powdered sugar, lemon juice, ½ teaspoon lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Mix well, then chill the filling in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, cream 1 cup softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract and 2 teaspoons lemon zest.
Step 3: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon salt until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Flatten about a tablespoon of dough in your hand, place ½ teaspoon of chilled filling in the center, then roll the dough around it to form a smooth ball.
Step 5: Arrange cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden.
Step 6: Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes, then gently roll them in powdered sugar. Allow them to cool completely and roll in powdered sugar again before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a stronger lemon flavor, add extra lemon zest to the dough or filling as desired.
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before shaping can make handling easier and prevent spreading during baking.
Try using a mix of lemon and orange zest for a citrus blend twist.

Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. Allow frozen cookies to thaw completely, then recoat with powdered sugar if needed before serving.

How to Serve

A white plate holds eight round cookies dusted with white powdered sugar. The cookies are pale yellow and soft-looking, with one cookie placed on top showing its inside filled with a smooth, yellow creamy center. The plate is set on a wooden surface with some greenery and blurry Christmas lights in the background, including pinecones and red and yellow decorations. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and dough filling a day ahead. Keep them refrigerated separately and assemble the cookies just before baking for best results.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

Cream cheese is key for the creamy filling, but you can substitute with mascarpone for a similar texture and flavor, or use softened butter for a less tangy filling.