Name: Delightful Italian Snowball Cookies with Orange and Lemon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (substitute with gluten-free flour for nut-free version); 1 teaspoon baking powder (leavens the cookies); 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt (enhances flavor); 0.5 cups unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 tablespoon lemon zest (infuses citrusy flavor); 1 tablespoon orange zest (complements lemon zest); 0.5 cups granulated sugar (can substitute coconut sugar); 0.5 cups powdered sugar (for coating the cookies); 1 large egg (acts as a binder)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

The sweet aroma of citrus wafting through the kitchen evokes memories of festive gatherings where laughter mingles with the scent of freshly baked treats. These Italian Snowball Cookies with Orange and Lemon are a delightful addition to any holiday cookie platter, effortlessly combining tangy zest and fluffy texture into a nut-free delight. With their quick prep time and melt-in-your-mouth quality, they are perfect for impressing guests or simply satisfying your own craving for something special. As each powdered-sugar-dusted bite melts away, you’re transported to a cozy Italian kitchen brimming with warmth and cheer. Why settle for the ordinary when you can bring a touch of the extraordinary to your seasonal festivities?

Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?

Melt-in-your-mouth texture: These cookies are soft and fluffy, dusted with powdered sugar that makes each bite feel like a hug.
Citrusy brightness: The vibrant lemon and orange zest elevate the flavor, giving a refreshing twist that’s perfect for holidays.
Quick and easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch that everyone will love, making them an ideal last-minute dessert.
Nut-free delight: Perfect for those with nut allergies, these cookies are safe and satisfying for all your guests.
Festive charm: Their delightful appearance and flavor make them an impressive addition to any holiday cookie platter. Don’t forget to pair them with our Cinnamon Rolls Lemon for an extra treat!

Italian Snowball Cookies Ingredients

• Get ready to create these delightful treats!

For the Cookies

All-purpose flour – Provides structure; substitute with gluten-free flour for a nut-free version.
Baking powder – Leavens the cookies, making them light and airy.
Kosher salt – Enhances flavor; you can use regular salt in the same amount.
Unsalted butter – Adds richness and moisture; ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
Lemon zest – Infuses a bright, citrusy flavor; a microplane works wonders for fine zesting.
Orange zest – Complements the lemon zest with a touch of sweetness; also best zested with a microplane.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies; coconut sugar is a great substitute.
Powdered sugar – Coats the cookies and adds sweetness; cornstarch can be used in a pinch.
Large egg – Serves as a binder; you can replace it with a flax egg for a vegan option.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Italian Snowball Cookies With Orange And Lemon

Step 1: Sift Dry Ingredients
Begin by sifting together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt in a medium bowl. This step ensures a light texture, which is essential for the melt-in-your-mouth quality of the Italian Snowball Cookies. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Zests
In a large mixing bowl, beat ½ cup of room-temperature unsalted butter with the zests of 1 lemon and 1 orange until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. The citrus oils will infuse the butter with delightful flavors, making your cookies deliciously aromatic.

Step 3: Combine Sugars
Gradually add ½ cup of granulated sugar and ½ cup of powdered sugar to the creamed butter and zests, mixing until fully combined and smooth. This sweet mixture adds a rich flavor while creating an ideal consistency for the Italian Snowball Cookies.

Step 4: Incorporate Egg
Crack in 1 large egg, mixing it into the sugar-butter blend until thoroughly integrated. The egg acts as a binder, giving the cookies structure. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to incorporate any lingering butter or sugar, ensuring a uniform dough.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients
Slowly incorporate the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, gently stirring until a crumbly dough forms. This should take about 1-2 minutes of mixing, so avoid overworking the dough to maintain the lightness that characterizes Italian Snowball Cookies.

Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This chilling period is crucial, as it allows the flavors to meld and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking. Use this time to preheat your oven and line baking sheets.

Step 7: Preheat Oven
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for creating a lightly golden base while keeping the cookies soft and fluffy. Preparing your baking sheets should also be done to ensure the cookies don’t stick.

Step 8: Shape the Cookies
Once the dough is chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into balls in your hands. Place the dough balls on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You’ll want them to bake evenly for the perfect snowball cookie shape.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until they are lightly browned on the bottoms. This visual cue is essential; over-baking can alter the delightful fluffiness of the Italian Snowball Cookies.

Step 10: Cool and Coat
Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes before rolling them in powdered sugar. Aim for an even coating to create that snowy effect. The warmth of the cookies will help the sugar adhere nicely, completing the festive look of your Italian Snowball Cookies.

Italian Snowball Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with the flavors and textures of your Italian Snowball Cookies!

Lemon-Only: Substitute orange zest with additional lemon zest for a zesty twist. A bright, tangy flavor can awaken your senses.
Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour blends, ensuring everyone can enjoy these festive treats without worry.
Vanilla Boost: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter mixture for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
Coconut Sugar: Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with citrus.
White Chocolate Delight: Fold in white chocolate chips for a sweet, creamy surprise in every bite—perfect for chocolate lovers!
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a little cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a festive spice that complements the citrus beautifully.
Nutty Flavor: If nut allergies aren’t a concern, incorporate finely chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch and flavor.
Berry Brightness: Mix in dried cranberries or cherries for a tangy burst—a colorful addition that also enhances visual appeal!

When you’re ready for more delicious baking ideas, consider trying our Zucchini Bread Lemon or baking some delightful Cookies Cream Cupcakes to accompany these lovely cookies!

Make Ahead Options

These Italian Snowball Cookies with Orange and Lemon are perfect for meal prep lovers! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing it according to the recipe and chilling it in the refrigerator. This chilling step allows the flavors to develop beautifully while ensuring the dough holds its shape during baking. If you need even more flexibility, you can also freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months; just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the dough, roll it into balls, and follow the baking steps as usual for delicious cookies that taste just as fresh and bright as if you made them today!

How to Store and Freeze Italian Snowball Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This keeps them fresh and maintains their delightful texture.

Fridge: For extended freshness, place the cookies in the refrigerator. They can last up to two weeks when properly stored in an airtight container.

Freezer: While it’s best not to freeze the finished cookies, you can freeze the dough for up to three months. Roll it into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for future baking.

Reheating: If you want to enjoy a warm cookie, microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just enough to warm the cookie while keeping its melt-in-your-mouth quality intact.

What to Serve with Italian Citrus Snowball Cookies

Indulging in these nut-free, citrus-infused delights creates a beautiful opportunity to build a full holiday feast.

Rich Hot Chocolate: The creamy texture of a rich hot chocolate contrasts beautifully with the fluffy cookies, creating a cozy pairing.
Fruity Side Salad: A light salad featuring mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, and citrus dressing brightens the palate between bites of sweet cookies.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly, allowing the flavors of the cookies to shine through.
Sparkling Lemonade: A refreshing drink that complements the citrus notes of the cookies while offering a crisp, fizzy contrast.
Coconut Macaroons: Their chewy texture and subtle sweetness provide a delightful contrast to the light, fluffy Italian snowball cookies.
Gingerbread Cookies: Add a festive twist to your spread with these spiced cookies, enhancing the holiday theme and flavor variety.
Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee or espresso enhances the experience, the bitterness balancing the sweetness of the dessert earnestly.
Meringue Kisses: Light, airy, and subtly sweet, these delicate cookies create a whimsical touch alongside the snowball cookies.
Lemon Thyme Infused Water: Crisp and refreshing, this beverage complements the citrus flavors and keeps the atmosphere lively.

Tips for the Best Italian Snowball Cookies

Chill the Dough: A crucial step is refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes. This helps maintain the cookies’ shape and enhances the flavors.
Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overworking the dough can lead to tougher cookies instead of the delightful fluffiness we want in our Italian Snowball Cookies.
Sugar Coating: Roll the cooled cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm. This allows the sugar to stick better, giving them that beautiful snowy appearance.
Watch Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden on the bottoms; over-baking can compromise their melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a light and airy base by incorporating more air into the mixture.

Italian Snowball Cookies with Orange and Lemon Recipe FAQs

Can I use different citrus fruits for the zest?
Absolutely! If you’re not keen on the combination of lemon and orange, feel free to use only lemon zest for a more subtle flavor. You can also experiment with lime zest for a unique twist, although it will change the overall taste profile.

What is the best way to store leftover cookies?
To keep your Italian Snowball Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you’re hoping to extend their life, refrigerate them, where they can stay fresh for up to two weeks. Just ensure the container is airtight to prevent them from drying out.

Can I freeze Italian Snowball Cookies?
It’s best not to freeze the baked cookies since freezing may compromise their delightful texture. However, you can freeze the dough for up to three months! After rolling them into balls, spread them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a zip-top bag, and whenever you’re ready, bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

What should I do if the dough is too crumbly?
If you encounter a crumbly dough, don’t worry! This can happen if the flour measurement is slightly off or if the butter isn’t soft enough. Try adding a small amount of milk (1-2 teaspoons at a time) until the dough comes together. Alternatively, ensure that your butter is at room temperature before mixing to achieve a better consistency.

Can my pets eat these cookies?
No, it’s best to keep these Italian Snowball Cookies away from pets. Ingredients like granulated sugar are not ideal for them, and the cookie’s texture can pose a choking hazard. Always stick to pet-safe treats to keep your furry friends happy.

Is there an allergy-friendly version I can make?
Very! You can easily make these cookies vegan by replacing the egg with a flax egg—simply mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for about five minutes until it thickens. For gluten-free cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a good-quality gluten-free blend, ensuring it includes xanthan gum for texture.