Heat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment.
Beat butter and cream cheese in a large bowl until light and creamy.
Mix in confectioners' sugar, lemon zest, vanilla, lemon juice, and salt until smooth.
Add flour and cornstarch. Stir on low just until no dry spots remain.
Chill the dough for 20 minutes to firm slightly for easier rolling.
Scoop 1-tablespoon portions, roll into smooth balls, and place 1 inch apart on sheets.
Bake 12–14 minutes, until set and just lightly golden on the bottoms.
Stir the coating sugar with the extra lemon zest in a shallow bowl.
Cool cookies 5 minutes on the sheet, then roll gently in the sugar.
Let cool completely and roll once more for a snowy finish.
Notes
Variation: Swap 1 tsp of the vanilla for lemon extract for extra zing, or add a handful of finely chopped toasted almonds to the dough for light crunch. Storage: Keep in an airtight tin at room temperature for 4–5 days, or freeze up to 2 months and dust with a fresh coat of sugar after thawing.This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Lemon Cream Snowball Cookies flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.