Introduction
These delightful Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies are the perfect treat to bring a burst of sunshine to your holiday gatherings! With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and a refreshing lemon flavor, they are sure to become a family favorite. Each bite is a tender explosion of zestiness, dusted in a snowy coating of powdered sugar—just imagine the smiles these little cookies will bring to your loved ones!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and a pale yellow color.
- Mix in the zesty lemon peel, fresh lemon juice, and fragrant vanilla extract until everything is well combined and you can almost smell the sunshine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and salt for an even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Using your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls, and place them neatly on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space for them to expand.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn a light golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, tempting scents filling your kitchen.
- While the cookies are still warm, roll them in the additional powdered sugar until they are completely coated and look like little snowballs.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
Notes or Tips
- For an extra zing, consider adding more lemon zest to the dough for a stronger citrus flavor.
- These cookies are perfect for gifting or holiday parties—just be sure to keep some for yourself!
- To ensure uniformity, you can use a small cookie scoop to measure out the dough.
Cooking Techniques
Creaming the butter and sugars thoroughly is essential to achieving that light, fluffy texture that makes these cookies so delightful. Be sure to whip air into the mixture to ensure they bake up soft and tender. Gently folding in the dry ingredients will help maintain the airiness of the dough, giving you cookies that melt in your mouth!
FAQ
- Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking or freeze it for longer storage.
- How do I store the cookies? These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, though they are best enjoyed fresh!
- Can I substitute the lemon juice? While lemon juice gives these cookies their signature flavor, you can substitute with lime juice for a different citrus twist.
Conclusion
With their heavenly texture and bright lemon flavor, these Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies are an absolute must for your holiday baking list. They’re more than just cookies; they’re little bites of joy that evoke the festive spirit! Perfect for sharing or simply enjoying yourself, these cookies will surely bring warmth and sweetness to any gathering. Happy baking!