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

There’s something irresistible about a cookie that looks as beautiful as it tastes. These Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies are pure winter wonder buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread shells dusted in powdered sugar and filled with a luscious lemon cream center. They’re like a burst of sunshine on a snowy day, balancing sweet richness with bright citrus flavor.
Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday trays, or cozy winter baking, these cookies are elegant, festive, and delightfully unexpected the kind of treat that makes people pause mid-bite and ask, “What are these?!”

What Is Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies

Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies are a festive twist on classic snowball cookies (also known as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies), but with a surprise inside. Instead of plain buttery shortbread, these snowballs are filled with a smooth, tangy lemon cream. Each cookie is rolled in powdered sugar for a snowy finish, creating a beautiful contrast between a tender cookie exterior and a creamy citrus center.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

These cookies combine everything we love about holiday baking — buttery richness, delicate texture, and bright flavor. The lemon filling adds freshness without making the cookies heavy, while the soft shortbread exterior melts in your mouth. They’re simple to prepare, require no special equipment, and can be made ahead, making them perfect for gifting or entertaining. Plus, they stay beautiful for days.

How Does It Taste?

Every bite is soft, buttery, and tender, with a delicate crumb that melts as you chew. Then comes the surprise a creamy lemon center that’s smooth, lightly tangy, and perfectly sweet. The powdered sugar coating adds just enough sweetness and gives the cookies their signature snowy finish.

Health & Ingredient Benefits

While these cookies are a treat, they use simple, real ingredients. Fresh lemon juice and zest provide natural brightness and vitamin C, while butter delivers rich flavor and structure. The filling relies on classic pantry staples with no artificial flavors. Reduced-fat cream cheese or plant-based alternatives can be used if desired.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest
2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Cream Filling:
4 oz (½ block) cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1½ cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Pinch of salt

Tools You’ll Need

• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Microplane or zester
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Small spoon or piping bag

Optional Substitutions & Additions

Add a touch of almond extract for a subtle nutty note. Swap lemon for orange or lime for a different citrus profile. Replace the lemon cream with raspberry jam, Nutella, or white chocolate ganache. For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and vegan cream cheese.

How to Make

1. Make the lemon filling: Beat the cream cheese and butter until completely smooth. Add powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt, then beat until thick and creamy. Freeze for 45–60 minutes until firm enough to scoop.
2. Prepare the cookie dough: Beat butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla and lemon zest. Add flour and salt gradually until a very soft dough forms.
3. Assemble: Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten slightly, and place ½ teaspoon of frozen filling in the center. Gently wrap the dough around the filling and roll into a smooth ball. If the dough feels too soft, chill briefly before continuing.
4. Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden.
5. Cool and coat: Let cookies cool for 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar while warm. Once fully cooled, roll again for a snowy finish.

What to Serve With

These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa. They’re also the perfect addition to a dessert platter or holiday cookie box. For a luxurious pairing, serve alongside lemon curd tartlets, shortbread bars, or white chocolate truffles. You can even present them in a festive tin tied with a ribbon they make wonderful homemade gifts.

Why They’re Perfect for the Holidays

These cookies look like tiny snowballs, making them ideal for winter celebrations. Their bright lemon flavor adds a refreshing twist among richer holiday treats like fudge or gingerbread. They’re easy to make in large batches, travel well, and stay fresh for days. Plus, the creamy surprise inside gives them that “wow” factor at cookie exchanges and family gatherings.

Tips for Success

Use fully softened butter and cream cheese for smooth mixing. Freeze the filling thoroughly for easy assembly. Work quickly and keep dough chilled if needed. Avoid overbaking the cookies should stay pale with lightly golden bottoms.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overfilling the cookies can cause leaking. Using bottled lemon juice dulls the flavor. Skipping the second sugar roll reduces the classic snowball look.

How to Store & Reheat

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be chilled for up to 2 days in advance. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before shaping.

Can I freeze the filling?
Yes, the lemon filling can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using.

Can I use lemon curd instead of cream filling?
Absolutely! Lemon curd creates a tangier, softer center. Be sure to chill it well before filling the cookies.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend designed for baking.

Nutritional Info (approximate per cookie)

Calories: 130 | Fat: 7g | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Sugars: 8g | Sodium: 45mg

Conclusion

These Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies truly capture the magic of holiday baking soft, buttery shortbread wrapped around a bright, creamy lemon center and finished with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. They’re the kind of cookie that feels special without being complicated, offering a beautiful balance of richness and freshness in every bite. Whether you’re sharing them at a holiday gathering, adding them to a cookie exchange, or packaging them as homemade gifts, they always make a memorable impression. Simple yet elegant, comforting yet vibrant, these cookies bring a little sparkle to the table and a lot of joy to anyone lucky enough to taste them.

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October 26, 2025 by Melissa