Lemon Meringue Cookies are light, airy bites of sweetness with a tangy lemon twist that makes them irresistibly refreshing. These delicate cookies combine the crisp texture of meringue with a zesty lemon flavor, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. The balance between the sweet meringue and the sharpness of lemon creates a delightful contrast, while their melt-in-your-mouth quality makes it hard to stop at just one. These cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients. They’re ideal for anyone who loves a burst of citrus with their sweets.
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- A pinch of salt
- Yellow food coloring (optional, for a fun lemony look)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Beat the egg whites: In a large, clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until they become frothy.
- Add cream of tartar and salt: Add the cream of tartar and salt to the egg whites, and continue beating on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar: Slowly add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat the egg whites. Beat until stiff, glossy peaks form, and the sugar is completely dissolved. This can take about 5-7 minutes.
- Incorporate lemon: Gently fold in the lemon juice and lemon zest. If you want to add a fun pop of color, fold in a few drops of yellow food coloring at this point.
- Pipe the meringue: Transfer the meringue mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star tip, or use a spoon to create small dollops of meringue on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake the meringue cookies in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cookies are dry and can be easily lifted from the parchment paper. Turn off the oven and let the cookies cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve: Once cooled, the cookies can be stored in an airtight container. Enjoy them as a light dessert or with a cup of tea!
These Lemon Meringue Cookies are crisp, sweet, and tangy—perfect for satisfying your citrus cravings in a bite-sized treat.
