Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies: Delicious Holiday Gems

Name: Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 44 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 oz cream cheese; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1½ cups powdered sugar; 2 tbsp lemon juice; ½ tsp lemon zest; Pinch of salt; 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; Powdered sugar for coating

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a little holiday sparkle without the stress, these Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies are about to become your new seasonal best friend. Bright, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth soft, and filled with a creamy lemon center… honestly, they taste like sunshine wrapped in a winter sweater. And if your schedule looks anything like mine—kids, errands, work, repeat—you’re going to love how easy these are to make.

I say this all the time at SlowCookersRecipes.com, but cooking should feel like comfort, not another chore on your already overflowing to-do list. These cookies deliver joy with minimal effort. Plus, any recipe that lets me sneak cream cheese into a dessert earns a permanent spot in my heart.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies Recipe

When life feels chaotic (aka, every weekday between Thanksgiving and New Year’s), these Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies swoop in like little edible hugs. Here’s why they’ll win you over:

They practically bake themselves. Mix, fill, roll, bake. No fuss, no fancy tools.
The lemon cream center. It’s tangy, sweet, and gives each bite a gentle surprise.
Perfect for gifting. They look adorable and taste like you spent hours making them. (We’ll keep the truth between us.)
Kid-approved. Even picky eaters love the soft texture and powdered-sugar magic.
Holiday-friendly. They hold their shape beautifully and stay tender for days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep this simple and cozy—just the way we like it.

For the Lemon Cream Filling

4 oz cream cheese
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1½ cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp lemon zest
Pinch of salt

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

For Rolling

Extra powdered sugar for coating

How to Make Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies

Simple, cozy steps for busy home cooks.

Step 1: Make the Lemon Cream Filling

In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, zest, and a small pinch of salt. Mix until creamy.
Pop the filling into the fridge and let it chill for about 30 minutes. This makes stuffing the cookies much easier and far less messy—trust me.

In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Add the vanilla and lemon zest.
Slowly mix in the flour and salt. The dough will look soft but hold together when pressed.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Scoop a tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Add about ½ teaspoon of the chilled lemon filling into the center.
Gently pinch the dough closed and roll it into a smooth ball.

It’s okay if your first few look a little “creative.” By cookie number four, you’ll be rolling like a holiday pro.

Step 4: Bake

Place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes.
The cookies should look set but not golden brown—snowballs stay pale.

Step 5: Snowball Magic

Cool the cookies for 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar.
Let them cool completely, then roll again for that dreamy, snowy finish.

Your kitchen will smell like a cozy lemon bakery, and honestly, the hardest part of this recipe is not eating them all while they’re still warm.

LLemon Cream Snowball Cookies broken open to show creamy lemon center and soft crumbemon Cream Snowball Cookies — Delicious Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies split open to highlight their smooth lemon cream center.

Tips for the Best Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies

Because every baker deserves a few shortcuts and secrets.

Don’t skip chilling the filling. Warm filling will ooze out like a toddler escaping bedtime.
Double-roll the cookies in sugar. The first coat melts slightly; the second one gives that perfect powdery look.
If the dough feels crumbly, squeeze it with your hands for a few seconds. The warmth helps everything come together.
For extra lemon brightness, add a tiny pinch of zest to the final powdered sugar roll.
Want bigger cookies? Go for it! Just add 1–2 extra minutes of bake time.

And if your sauce—or in this case dough—ever looks too thick or stiff, don’t worry. It’s just more excuse to knead and sneak a bite of dough. (No judgment here.)

A Little Story From My Kitchen

One December, during the “I have three holiday parties in one week” panic, these Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies genuinely saved me. I needed something festive, delicious, and fast—preferably something I could make while answering emails and reminding my kids again to please stop hiding the gift bows.

These cookies came through like the holiday heroes they are. They packed beautifully, tasted like citrus-filled joy, and earned me three separate “Can you text me the recipe?” messages.

If a recipe can calm seasonal chaos and make you look like a baking goddess… it’s a keeper.

Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely. These Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies stay soft for several days in an airtight container. You can also refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours.

Can I freeze them?

Yes! Freeze baked cookies (without powdered sugar) for up to 2 months. Thaw, then roll in fresh powdered sugar.

What if I don’t have lemon juice?

Bottled lemon juice works fine in a pinch, but fresh delivers the best flavor. You can also use a mix of zest and juice to bump up the brightness.

Can I add other flavors?

A little almond extract or orange zest pairs beautifully with lemon. Just keep the filling ratio the same.

Why did my cookies crack?

Usually, the dough was a bit dry. Next time, add a teaspoon of softened butter or gently warm the dough with your hands before shaping.

Bringing It All Together

These Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies are everything I love about holiday baking—easy, cozy, bright, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re whipping up a sweet treat for a party, gifting a tin to a friend, or just craving something tender and citrusy after a long day, this recipe delivers every time.

So go ahead, preheat that oven and let these little lemony clouds bring some joy to your kitchen. One bite in, and you’ll understand why they’ve become one of my go-to winter favorites.

If you make them, tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful batches of snowy, lemon-filled goodness. Happy baking!

More Cozy Treats to Enjoy Next

If you loved baking these Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies, here are a few more festive favorites your kitchen will adore. Each treat brings its own charm—perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie boxes, or those quiet evenings when you just want something sweet and comforting. And if you want to explore another delicious twist on this cookie style, you’ll enjoy this lovely version of Lemon Snowball Cookies from a fellow baker.

For another cheerful, showstopping dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to serve, try the delightful Christmas Tree Dirt Cake.
If you enjoy bright citrus flavors, the buttery and fragrant Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies make a lovely companion to your lemon treats.
For melt-in-your-mouth goodness with a minty twist, whip up a batch of Peppermint Meltaways. They practically disappear from the cookie plate.
And for a sparkling, sweet-tart snack that feels like a winter jewel, don’t miss the festive Candied Cranberries.

Feel free to mix and match these treats to create the ultimate holiday dessert spread—your guests will think you’ve been baking all season long.