Lemon Snowball Cookies are a really simple cookie recipe that's loaded with a burst of lemon!
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I find it ironic that as I sit here editing these pictures, and writing this post about Lemon Snowball Cookies, it's actually cold. As a matter of fact right now it's 54 degrees outside, on this sunny Saturday morning.
These past few weeks have been unseasonably warm, and then all of a sudden this morning when I opened the door to let the dogs out, it's quite chilly out. I'm even contemplating about needing my slippers or not.
If you know me, it's gotta be pretty cold for me to need something on my feet. I'm a flip flop year round gal. I love the winter, then again, living in north Florida we don't get "winter." We experience a few days out of the year where it's actually "cold." That cold is normally highs in the 40's, if I'm lucky.
For once I'm actually looking forward to the summer. I don't know if it's because I'm excited about what is planned, or if it's just because that means I'm one month closer to Christmas! Yea, I did mention the "C" word, haha.
This is actually a big summer for our little family. Kayla will graduate Navy boot camp at some point around the beginning of June, and head off to A school in San Antonio to become a Hospital Corpsman, and Kelsie turns 13!
My youngest, turning a teenager, that thought is rather scary. It means she will only be two years away from getting her driver's permit, which unlike her big sister, she's excited about it. *cue the tears*
Let's step away from the fact that time is passing by far too quickly, and let's focus on these perfect Lemon Snowball Cookies!
These are Kelsie's favorite cookies. She's always been a lemon lover. Unlike myself that adores any and all chocolate, she loves lemon.
This is just the first of several lemon treats coming your way over the next few weeks. I decided to start with the simplest cookie recipe that I've ever made.
Have you had snowball cookies before? I'll admit that I've never had one, ever. Yea, that may be a shocker to some, but these perfect little bites never once found themselves on a plate near me.
When Kelsie ask me to make something lemon, the only thing I could come up with was lemon poppy seed bread or muffins. (the muffins are coming soon, they are a recipe in progress)
I ask Kelsie what sort of lemon dish she had in mind, and she said cookies. Hmmm, ok. After looking online and trying to find the perfect lemon recipes to try out, I was left with a lot of lemon shortbread cookies, which me and shortbread don't get along, so I had to resort to cookbooks.
I don't have very many newer cookbooks, as much as I love cookbooks, I just don't have a big collection, and the majority that I do own, just happen to be old. I was flipping through one of them, without the cover I might add, (it's an old early 90's spiral bound) and ran across snowball cookies.
They were filled with chopped pecans and vanilla flavoring, but I knew that if I played with the recipe enough, I could get a lemon cookie. I did, I did! These are perfect little pillows that melt in your mouth, hence the term snowball. And they are loaded with lemon flavor, thanks to the zest and the Rodelle Lemon Extract!
If you've never baked with lemon extract, you have no idea what you're missing out on. Of course not any lemon extract will do. I've used another brand before, when I made my Lemon Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting, and let me tell you, there is a huge difference in flavor and ingredients.
I have plans to go back to that recipe and use the Rodelle Lemon Extract in its place.
These cookies are seriously so versatile. You can go from lemon to orange, to even lime. Anything you can zest, you can use to make these cookies. The flavors won't be as strong, since there aren't any extracts for orange or lime, but that's ok, because citrus flavors are so yummy, and scream summer!
Back to these particular cookies...you don't have to chill the dough! Woot! There is a time and a place to chill dough, but sometimes you want to whip up some dough and bake some cookies, because you don't even want to wait the 30 minute chill time. Am I right?
How do you make snowball cookies?
These snowball cookies start with butter, flour, sugar and lemon extract, which are mixed together to form a crumbly shortbread style dough.
The the cookies are formed into little balls, then baked. The finishing touch is the two coats of powdered sugar for a treat that's irresistible!
How do you make your snowball cookies perfect?
- When forming into little balls, it’s best to keep them on the smaller side, so that they hold their shape while baking.
- The cookies are dipped in powdered sugar two times – make sure that the second time is when they've completely cooled. Wait it out!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Make the dough and freeze for up to one month. Thaw and roll into balls and bake.
Do y'all love lemon in recipes? Here are some recipes I think you'll enjoy:
- Lemon Chicken & Vegetable Skillet
- Lemon Cheesecake White Chocolate Cookie Bars
- Lemon Zucchini Bread
- Simple Lemon Squares
Lemon Snowball Cookies
Lemon Snowball Cookies are a really simple cookie recipe that’s loaded with a burst of lemon!
Ingredients
- 2 sticks butter, room temperature
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¾ teaspoon lemon extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- zest and juice from one lemon
- 2 ¼ cups flour
- Rolling the cookies after baking
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- zest from one lemon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and set aside.
- In a stand mixer, beat together butter, powdered sugar, lemon extract, lemon juice, zest, and salt until smooth. Add the flour, and beat on low until your dough comes together. Should only take a minute or so.
- Using a tablespoon measuring spoon, scoop out one tablespoon of dough, roll into a ball, and place on the cookie sheet, leaving one to two inches between the cookie dough. (don't worry, these don't spread out)
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the pans for 5 minutes, before removing to cooling racks. Allow to cool completely before rolling in the powdered sugar/zest mixture.
- Once the cookies are cooled completely, mix together the two cups of powdered sugar and the lemon zest. Roll each cookie coating completely. I roll mine twice to really get them coated. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
30Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 135Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 92mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 0gSugar: 10gProtein: 1g
robin rue says
My mom used to make these, but I haven't had them in years. I should make a batch just for old times sake 🙂
Joanna says
Food memories are the best! 🙂 I love remembering all the things my momma and grandmothers made when I was growing up.
Candy says
These colors lies scream spring in my house. My mom always made them first day of spring. Great memories
Joanna says
Love bringing back food memories. Sounds like a great first day of spring when you were growing up. 🙂
Amber Myers says
These look incredible! I tend to love all lemon things, so I'd eat so many of these. They look pretty too!
Joanna says
Kelsie loves all things lemon as well. These are long gone, and she's begging for me to make them again.
Jessica Taylor says
My daughter LOVES the lemon cookies like that from the store, but I never thought about making my own! I can't wait to show her this!
Joanna says
Yes! These are totally easy, go for it!
Cherishingflo says
Wow! These look so good. So, like, I’m gonna do this and see if it turns out as good as yours! I know my boyfriend will love these!
Joanna says
Come back and let us know! They are totally easy, I have faith in you! 🙂
Jessica Joachim says
What a fun idea! I love a good sweet, and these look like they would be really fun to make with my daughter! Perfect for an Easter get together as well.
Joanna says
They are perfect for Easter! My daughter loves helping make these. She loves to scoop and roll the cookies.
Karen Morse says
At first look, I thought these were Russian cookies until I read your post. I think it's perfect with tea and I wouldn't mind making it. I love the fact that you don't have to chill the dough. Just bake it straight up and you're good!
Joanna says
They do remind me of the look of Russian tea cookies! 😀 Sometimes you just don't want to wait for the dough to chill! 😉
Jeanette says
I have not had snowballs in years! Those look really good and I like anything with lemon! They looks so light and airy and well anything lemon Kinda reminds me of summer. So I may have to make it just for that reason alone.
Joanna says
Lemon snowballs are amazing! You've got to make them soon!
Deepika says
This looks delectable. I'm going to try a Keto version, will let you know how it goes!
Joanna says
That sounds like a great idea! Please let us know if they turn out for you!
Lisa says
Snowball cookies are my favorite cookies of all time. But I only have them around Christmas. This looks like the perfect way to enjoy them year round.
Joanna says
They are perfect year round! I make them all the time. 😀
Nikki says
Oh I bet these are so refreshing to eat! Sweet, but the citrus will just burst in your mouth. Perfect summer or winter treat!
Sara Welch says
I love lemon desserts. They just grab my tongue!
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
These lemon snowball cookies look terrific. I usually think of lemon for summer recipes but these little snowballs are perfect for the snowy weather we're having and I bet they smell terrific.
Joanna says
These are perfect all year, but especially when you are ready for spring/summer! The scent alone reminds you of that!
Alison Rost says
Lemon is such a lovely flavor especially for desserts. Sounds like I just found another one to make and it looks SO good. Thanks for the instructions and tips!
jeanette radmall says
You have the BEST recipes! I so look forward to your posts and save them ALL! You are a great photographer with the photos as well, food photography is tricky!
Joanna says
Thank you so much Jaeanette! 🙂
Farrah less says
I love any deserts with lemon , this one looks delicious. I would love to try this recipe this weekend.
Aashima says
Wow! Thats a delicious recipe. I love eggless recipes, i am going to try this out for sure. Thanks for sharing.
Karissa @WithOurBest says
I love lemon desserts! There are so many different good ones. These remind me of wedding cookies!
Joanna says
Lemon is so versatile when it comes to desserts. Yum!
MaLee @ This Blue Dress says
These look so amazing! I have never had snowball cookies before and I LOVE lemon! I think these have to go on my dessert list. 🙂
Joanna says
I think that you should totally make these! They are unlike any cookie you've ever had before, and so easy!
Annreeba says
These looks yummy! Those look really good and I like anything with lemon! I will try this soon.
Joanna says
We also like anything with lemon. I hope you get to make these soon.
Dee Jackson says
Wow. These cookies look so good. i want to eat them now!
Joanna says
Thanks Dee! They are quite tasty! 😀
Carol Cassara says
I can imagine sitting on the sofa, sipping on tea, and enjoying these lovely lemon snowball cookies. It looks so soft on the inside. I'd love to try the recipe!
Joanna says
That sounds like the perfect afternoon, only I'll take coffee. 😉 I hop you try these out soon!
Farrah Less says
Any desserts that has lemon on it is my thing. The name snowball is perfect for this cute threats. I can't wait to try this recipe this weekend, my family will be thrilled.
Joanna says
I hope y'all enjoy these as much as we do!
Amanda says
These are the absolute perfect Spring cookies. Light, airy, and there is something about lemon that always makes me think of Spring. Can't wait to try them!
Joanna says
Thanks Amanda! They are the ultimate spring cookie. 🙂
Meeta says
Usually make these over Christmas but I do not see why not these lemony zesty treats of yours cannot be enjoyed ... NOW!
Sondra Barker says
These look delicious. I love anything with lemon.
Dogmomseanna says
i freaking love lemon cookies....lemon anything really. disappointed that the girl scouts got rid of the lemon cookies i really liked. i will have to save this post so i can make them when im off this meal plan!
Joanna says
You'll totally have to make these! These are better than those Girl Scout cookies anyway. 😉
Adelina V Priddis says
We woke up this morning to snow! But seeing these cookies makes me feel a bit warmer on the inside. They're the perfect treat I needed for after school snacking this week.
Joanna says
So many people got snow yesterday, it's crazy to me! We were in the 80's last week. These are perfect for that spring snow, with the lemon it will at least give you a happy feeling that spring is on it's way! 🙂
Lisa Marie Heath says
I love citrus in my cookies - but especially lemon! THese look so good! I'll have to make them soon - perfect Spring cookie!
Claudia Krusch says
They sound amazing! I can't wait to try your recipe! It has some of my favorite ingredients!
Cynthia Nicoletti says
I love lemon and these sound delicious. I have to save your recipe and give it a try.
Anchal says
OMG These look so delicious. Though I am too bad at baking but I would love to try these. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Vanessa Palma says
I love lemon desserts. I need to make these soon. And yes, time does pass much too quickly.
Amber Stanfield says
I love lemon cookies and pies; especially for spring! My grandmother used to make delicious snowball cookies (among everything else!) and I never got her recipes before she passed. I am thrilled to find this recipe, and I will be pinning it!