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Lemon meringue cookies are the perfect blend of light, airy sweetness and tangy citrus flavor. These delicate treats are a delightful spin on classic meringue cookies, adding a vibrant twist to an already beloved dessert.

Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a special occasion or simply craving a guilt-free indulgence, these cookies are bound to impress. With a few tips and tricks, you’ll have beautifully colored lemon meringue cookies that taste as good as they look!

lemon meringue cookies stacked in a bowl, with easter candies scattered around

Table of Contents

Why Are Meringue Cookies So Popular?

Meringue cookies have stood the test of time for several reasons:

Light and Airy Texture: Made primarily from whipped egg whites and sugar, these cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth quality that’s hard to resist.
Naturally Gluten-Free: Perfect for those with dietary restrictions, meringue cookies are free of gluten without any special ingredients.
Customizable Flavors: From classic vanilla to tangy lemon, the possibilities are endless for flavor experimentation.
Elegant and Versatile: They’re ideal for everything from a casual snack to a sophisticated party treat.

Their popularity stems from their simplicity and adaptability, making them a favorite in kitchens worldwide.

How to Achieve That Sunny Yellow Hue

Lemon meringue cookies are naturally white, but adding a cheerful yellow tint can make them more visually appealing. Here’s how:

Food Coloring: Add a drop or two of yellow gel food coloring to your meringue mixture before piping. Gel colors work best as they won’t alter the texture.
Natural Options: For a more natural approach, a pinch of turmeric or a drop of yellow fruit juice can provide a subtle hue. Just be cautious, as too much can affect the flavor.

a display of festive holiday cookies that includes lemon meringue cookies and chocolate balls

Tips for Perfect Lemon Meringue Cookies

Achieving flawless lemon meringue cookies requires attention to detail. Keep these tips in mind:

Whip the Egg Whites to Stiff Peaks: Use room-temperature egg whites and ensure your bowl and whisk are completely clean and dry. Any grease or residue can prevent the whites from whipping properly.
Gradual Sugar Addition: Add sugar slowly, one spoonful at a time, to help it dissolve fully and create a glossy, stable meringue.
Low and Slow Baking: Bake at a low temperature to ensure the cookies dry out rather than brown. Patience is key!
Use Lemon Extract Sparingly: A little goes a long way with lemon extract. Too much can overpower the delicate sweetness of the meringue.
Cool Completely: Let the cookies cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar to prevent cracking from sudden temperature changes.
Add Streaky Color: Instead of adding your food coloring directly to the batter, drip a few drops on the inside of your piping bag before adding the batter. The piped cookies will come out with stripes of yellow.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon meringue cookies are versatile and pair wonderfully with various accompaniments:

Serve alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee for a light afternoon treat.
Pair with fresh fruit or sorbet for a refreshing dessert.
Crumble them over yogurt or ice cream for added texture and flavor.

stacked lemon meringue cookies in a silver pedestal dessert dish

Recipe Variations to Try

If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some fun ways to switch things up:

Coconut Lemon Meringue Cookies: Add shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Lemon-Lavender Meringue Cookies: Incorporate a pinch of culinary lavender for a sophisticated flavor.
Chocolate-Dipped Lemon Meringue Cookies: Dip the cooled cookies in melted dark or white chocolate for a decadent touch.

Storage Tips

Proper storage ensures your cookies stay fresh and crispy:

Airtight Container: Store in a dry, airtight container to prevent moisture from softening them.
Layer with Parchment Paper: If stacking, use parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
Freeze for Later: Meringue cookies freeze well. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Sweet and Sunny Lemon Meringue Cookies

Recipe by Jessie

Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy

Servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

These lemon meringue cookies are like little bites of sunshine! Light, airy, and delicately crisp, they melt in your mouth with a perfect balance of sweetness and tangy lemon flavor. Their cheerful yellow swirls make them as beautiful as they are delicious, perfect for brightening up any dessert table or tea party

Ingredients

4 large egg whites (room temperature)
1 c fine granulated sugar
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 – 1 teaspoon lemon extract
2-3 drops yellow gel food coloring (optional)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or foil to ensure easy cleanup and perfect meringues (silicone baking mats are great too!).
Place the egg whites and cream of tartar into a clean, dry mixing bowl. Beat on medium with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
Increase the mixer speed to high. Slowly add the fine granulated sugar, about 1/4 cup at a time, allowing each addition to dissolve completely before adding the next. This process ensures a smooth and glossy meringue.
Continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
Gently fold in the salt, lemon extract, and yellow gel food coloring, if using. Mix just until evenly incorporated, being careful not to deflate the meringue.
Transfer the meringue mixture to a piping bag fitted with a large star or round tip. Pipe small swirls or dollops onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Bake for about 20 minutes. Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and allow the meringues to dry out for an additional 30 minutes. Let them cool completely before removing from the parchment paper.
Once cooled, your lemon meringue cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Serve immediately or store them as directed.

Notes

Lemon meringue cookies are a delightful treat that combines beauty, flavor, and ease. With a little effort, you can create these light and sunny cookies to brighten any occasion. They’re sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire!

Looking for other cookie ideas? Check these out!

lemon meringue cookies in a glass bowl, candy hearts scattered around

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