Lemon Snowballs
Lemon Snowballs are delicate, tangy cookies with a tender crumb and a sweet coating of confectioners sugar. The bright lemon flavor makes them perfect for spring gatherings or teatime treats, appealing to those who enjoy citrusy desserts with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening ⓘ
- 2/3 cup sugar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon rind ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 3 teaspoons lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon water ⓘ
- 1 3/4 cups sifted flour ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts ⓘ
- about 1 cup confectioners sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream vegetable shortening and sugar together in a bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add grated lemon rind and egg; beat well.
- Stir in lemon juice and water.
- Sift flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt into a separate bowl.
- Add the sifted dry ingredients to the shortening mixture and blend well.
- Stir in finely chopped nuts.
- Refrigerate the dough until well chilled.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra zesty flavor, consider adding a little lemon extract along with the lemon juice. If you need a substitution, you can replace vegetable shortening with coconut oil, but the texture may vary slightly. Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly; this helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. For a nut-free version, simply omit the finely chopped nuts.
Serving Suggestions
These Lemon Snowballs are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For an elegant presentation, dust them with additional confectioners' sugar before serving. Consider serving alongside Aunt Susan's Waffles for a brunch spread that balances sweetness and tartness perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Lemon Snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave for a soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon Snowballs contains roughly 641 calories, with 14g protein, 136g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (106% of the Daily Value), iron (39% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1828mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled?
Yes, using fresh lemon juice enhances the flavor of your Lemon Snowballs. Freshly squeezed juice provides a brighter, more vibrant taste compared to bottled varieties, making your cookies even more delicious.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, try chilling it for an additional 30 minutes. You can also dust your hands and work surface with a bit of flour to make it easier to handle. Avoid adding too much flour, as it can alter the final texture of the cookies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make gluten-free Lemon Snowballs, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains a binding agent to help maintain the cookie's structure. Check the blend's packaging for the best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).