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Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies

Delicate and festive, these Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies feature buttery dough filled with a tangy lemon cream, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 44 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 100
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the filling
  • 4 oz cream cheese Softened for easier mixing
  • 2 tbsp butter Softened for easier mixing
  • 1.5 cups powdered sugar Plus extra for coating
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice Freshly squeezed
  • 0.5 tsp lemon zest From a fresh lemon
  • pinch salt Balances sweetness
For the cookie dough
  • 1 cup unsalted butter Softened
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar For the cookie texture
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract For flavor
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Base for the dough
  • 0.25 tsp salt For flavor
  • 2 tsp lemon zest From a fresh lemon
  • extra powdered sugar For coating

Method
 

Prepare the filling
  1. Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
  2. Add powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined.
  3. Chill the filling for 30 minutes.
Make the cookie dough
  1. Cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl.
  2. Add vanilla extract and lemon zest, mixing until blended.
  3. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until just combined.
Assemble and bake
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Flatten a tablespoon of dough in your hand, add ½ teaspoon of the chilled filling, and roll into a ball.
  3. Place the cookie balls on a lined baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 12-14 minutes until just set and slightly golden.
  5. Cool for 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar while still warm.
  6. Allow to cool fully, then roll again in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.

Notes

For best results, chill the filling well to maintain its shape when encasing in dough. Use a scoop for even dough portions to ensure consistent baking. If the dough softens, chill for easier handling.