Lemon Meringue Cookies

Lemon Meringue Cookies are light, airy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. These melt-in-your-mouth treats combine the crisp texture of classic meringue with the tart-sweet zing of lemon, creating a delightful cookie that’s perfect for spring, summer, or anytime you want a refreshing and elegant bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are naturally gluten-free, low in fat, and absolutely stunning in presentation. They’re easy to make with just a few ingredients and require no flour or butter. The lemon flavor is perfectly balanced—vibrant without being overpowering—and the crisp meringue texture makes them addictively snackable. Ideal for tea parties, holidays, or as a light finish to a rich meal.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Egg whites (room temperature)
• Cream of tartar
• Granulated sugar
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• Vanilla extract (optional)
• Yellow food coloring (optional)
• Pinch of salt

directions

1. Preheat oven to 200°F (95°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar and salt until soft peaks form.
3. Gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy.
4. Gently fold in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Add a drop of yellow food coloring if desired.
5. Transfer mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star or round tip.
6. Pipe small mounds or swirls onto the prepared baking sheets.
7. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until meringues are dry and can be easily lifted from the parchment.
8. Turn off the oven and let cookies cool inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour.
9. Store in an airtight container once fully cooled.

Servings and timing

Makes about 30–40 small cookies.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 1.5–2 hours
Cool time: 1 hour
Total time: Approx. 3.5 hours

Variations

• Lemon Curd Center: Pipe a small amount of lemon curd in the center of the meringue before baking for a tangy surprise.
• Mini Sandwiches: Use two cookies with a bit of lemon buttercream or curd between them.
• Coconut-Lemon: Fold in a tablespoon of finely shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
• Lavender Lemon: Add a pinch of culinary lavender for a floral touch.
• Zesty Swirl: Swirl in more zest and food coloring for a marbled look.

storage/reheating

Store lemon meringue cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Keep them in a dry place—humidity will make them sticky or chewy.
Do not refrigerate or freeze, as moisture can ruin their crisp texture.

FAQs

Can I make these on a humid day?

It’s best to make meringues on a dry day. Humidity can prevent them from drying properly.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor and acidity balance.

Why didn’t my meringues get stiff?

Ensure your bowl and beaters are clean and free of any fat or yolk, and that you beat long enough for stiff peaks to form.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, as long as they’re stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

What can I do if my meringue mixture is too runny?

You may need to beat it longer or check that your sugar was added slowly enough. Avoid overmixing after adding the lemon juice.

Can I add lemon extract?

Yes, a drop or two of lemon extract will enhance the citrus flavor, especially if you want a bolder lemon punch.

Do I need cream of tartar?

It helps stabilize the egg whites, but you can substitute with a few drops of lemon juice or white vinegar.

Can I color these cookies?

Yes, use gel food coloring for best results. A little goes a long way.

Are lemon meringue cookies gluten-free?

Yes, they contain no flour or gluten-based ingredients.

Can I pipe these in different shapes?

Absolutely—stars, rosettes, kisses, or nests all work beautifully.

Conclusion

Lemon Meringue Cookies are a light, airy, and flavorful treat that combines the elegance of meringue with the refreshing zest of lemon. With their delicate crunch and bright citrus notes, they’re the perfect addition to any dessert table. Simple to make and impossible to eat just one, these cookies will brighten your day and impress your guests.

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