Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies Recipe - Fruity Desserts
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Experience the delightful fusion of lemon and meringue in these irresistible cookies that capture the essence of a classic dessert.
These Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies bring the tartness of fresh lemons and the sweetness of meringue into a delightful bite-sized treat. Perfect for any occasion!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Bright and zesty lemon flavor that awakens your taste buds
- Light and airy meringue topping that adds a delightful crunch
- Perfect for tea parties, celebrations, or simply as a sweet snack
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
These Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies are a delightful marriage of flavors, combining the bright zestiness of lemon with the sweet, airy texture of meringue. Each bite delivers a burst of refreshing citrus that invigorates the palate, making them an ideal treat for any occasion. The cookies themselves are soft and chewy, providing the perfect foundation for the cloud-like meringue topping that contrasts beautifully with their texture.
The use of fresh lemon juice and zest elevates these cookies beyond the ordinary, ensuring a vibrant flavor that is both uplifting and comforting. The balance between the tartness of the lemon and the sweetness of the meringue creates a harmonious dessert experience that is sure to please both lemon lovers and those new to this delightful combination.
Versatile Treats for Any Occasion
Whether you're hosting a tea party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for a sweet snack, these Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies fit the bill perfectly. Their charming appearance and delightful taste make them a crowd-pleaser, and they are sure to impress guests at any gathering. You can serve them on elegant platters or enjoy them casually with a cup of tea or coffee.
These cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Feel free to experiment with the recipe by adding variations such as a hint of lavender or using lime instead of lemon for a tropical twist. Regardless of how you choose to customize them, the base recipe ensures a satisfying treat that can be adapted to suit any palate or occasion.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
To achieve the best results with your Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially when it comes to flour and sugar. This will help maintain the correct texture and flavor balance in your cookies. Additionally, don’t skip the step of letting the butter soften at room temperature; this is crucial for achieving that light and fluffy cookie base.
When it comes to the meringue topping, ensure that your mixing bowl and utensils are completely clean and dry, as any trace of fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping up to their full potential. Be patient while adding the sugar gradually, as this process will help create that glossy finish and stable structure in your meringue. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating the perfect batch of Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies!
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to get started:
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Meringue Topping
- 3 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
Once you have all your ingredients ready, you can start baking!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious cookies:
Make the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Prepare the Meringue
While the cookies are baking, in a clean bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
Add Meringue Topping
Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and immediately pipe or spoon the meringue on top of each cookie. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the meringue is lightly browned.
Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy your delicious Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies!
Now that your cookies are ready, they are perfect for sharing or indulging on your own!
Storing Your Cookies
To store your Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the cookies without the meringue topping. Simply bake the cookies, let them cool completely, and then freeze them in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw the cookies and top them with freshly made meringue.
Be cautious about storing cookies with meringue topping, as the meringue can become sticky and lose its crispness over time. If you opt to make these cookies ahead of time, it's best to prepare the cookie base and meringue separately, adding the meringue and baking just before serving to ensure the best texture.
Pairing Suggestions
These delightful cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. For a classic combination, serve them with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea, which complements the citrus flavor beautifully. Alternatively, a chilled glass of lemonade or iced tea can enhance the refreshing qualities of the cookies, making for a delightful afternoon treat.
If you're looking to elevate your dessert experience, consider pairing the cookies with a light dessert wine or a sparkling wine. The sweetness of the wine will harmonize with the flavors of the cookies, creating a sophisticated pairing that is perfect for celebrations or special occasions.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
→ How should I store the cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
→ Can I use store-bought meringue?
Yes, store-bought meringue can be used as a convenient alternative.
→ What can I do with leftover egg yolks?
Leftover egg yolks can be used in custards, sauces, or even homemade mayonnaise.
Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies Recipe - Fruity Desserts
Experience the delightful fusion of lemon and meringue in these irresistible cookies that capture the essence of a classic dessert.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Meringue Topping
- 3 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
While the cookies are baking, in a clean bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and immediately pipe or spoon the meringue on top of each cookie. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the meringue is lightly browned.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy your delicious Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 23g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g