Start by creaming together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1/3 cup of sugar, and 1 cup of softened butter. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to mix for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture becomes light and creamy. The sugars and butter should be fully incorporated and smooth, which helps give the cookies a soft texture.
Once the butter and sugars are well-creamed, add a pinch of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of lemon extract, and 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice. Mix everything together until the ingredients are fully combined. The lemon extract and juice will provide a fresh, citrusy flavor that’s key to these cookies.
Next, add the 1 egg yolk to the mixture and stir until it’s fully incorporated. The egg yolk helps bind the dough and adds richness to the cookies.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the 3 cups of flour and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in a denser texture. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
If you’d like to add color to your cookies, now is the time to add a few drops of food coloring. For a cheerful yellow hue, add yellow food coloring to match the lemon flavor. Mix until the color is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Once your dough is ready, roll it into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone mats. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow for any spreading during baking.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Once the oven is heated, bake the cookies for 15-18 minutes, or until they are set but not browned. The cookies should remain pale in color, so keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. They are done when they are firm to the touch but still soft in the center.
After baking, let the cookies cool on the cookie sheet for about 2 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly, making them easier to handle.
While they are still warm, gently roll the cookies in powdered sugar. This first coating creates a sweet, sugary crust. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely before rolling them in powdered sugar again. The second coat of powdered sugar gives them a snowy, delicate finish that makes them look just as beautiful as they taste.
Once cooled and coated, your Lemon Snowballs are ready to serve! Enjoy them with a cup of tea or as a refreshing dessert after a meal.
