Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies Recipe - Fruity Desserts
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Delight in the zesty flavor of our Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies, a delightful fusion of your favorite pie transformed into bite-sized treats.
These Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies are inspired by the classic dessert, combining the tartness of lemon with a sweet, airy meringue topping. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home!
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- Bright and zesty lemon flavor that refreshes your palate
- Delicate meringue topping that adds a light, airy texture
- Perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying with a cup of tea
The Perfect Blend of Flavors
Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies bring together the vibrant tang of fresh lemons and the sweetness of meringue, creating a unique flavor profile that stimulates the senses. The bright acidity of the lemon juice is balanced beautifully by the light, sugary meringue, making each bite an explosion of taste. This combination not only tantalizes the taste buds but also evokes the classic dessert experience in a fun, handheld form.
Whether you are a lemon lover or just someone who enjoys fruity desserts, these cookies offer a refreshing alternative to traditional cookies. The citrus notes awaken your palate, while the meringue topping provides a delightful contrast in texture. Serving these cookies at gatherings is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.
A Fun Treat for Any Occasion
Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies are perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual tea parties to festive holiday gatherings. Their charming appearance and delightful taste make them an appealing choice for dessert trays. You can easily prepare them in advance, allowing you to spend more quality time with your guests instead of rushing around in the kitchen.
These cookies also make excellent gifts. Pack them in a decorative box or a mason jar, and you have a thoughtful homemade present for friends or family. The combination of vibrant flavors and elegant presentation guarantees that they will be well-received, making them a versatile treat suitable for any celebration.
Tips for Perfect Cookies
Achieving the perfect Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies requires attention to detail during preparation. Make sure your butter is softened adequately, as this helps in creating a light and fluffy cookie dough. When measuring flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid packing too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.
When preparing the meringue, ensure that your mixing bowl and tools are completely clean and free from grease. This is crucial for achieving stiff peaks. If you’re new to working with meringue, take your time and don’t rush the process – slow and steady wins the race!
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the Meringue
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
Instructions
Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
Make the Meringue
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Top the Cookies
Once the cookies are cool, pipe or spread the meringue on top of each cookie. Use a kitchen torch or broiler to lightly toast the meringue until golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy
Let the meringue cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delightful Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days.
Storage and Shelf Life
Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. However, for longer storage, consider refrigerating them. Just keep in mind that the meringue may lose some of its crispness over time, so it's best to enjoy them fresh whenever possible.
If you need to prepare these cookies in advance, you can bake the cookies and store them separately from the meringue. Assemble the meringue on the cookies right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Pairing Suggestions
These delightful cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. A cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, complements the lemon flavor beautifully. Alternatively, a tall glass of iced tea or lemonade can enhance the refreshing qualities of the cookies, making them even more enjoyable on warm days.
For a more indulgent experience, serve your Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess of the ice cream perfectly balances the tangy lemon and sweet meringue, creating a delightful dessert that is sure to impress.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use store-bought meringue?
Yes, store-bought meringue can be used as a time-saver.
→ How do I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
→ Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, the cookies can be frozen before adding the meringue. Thaw and top with meringue when ready to serve.
→ What can I substitute for lemon juice?
You can substitute lemon juice with lime juice for a different citrus flavor.
Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies Recipe - Fruity Desserts
Delight in the zesty flavor of our Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies, a delightful fusion of your favorite pie transformed into bite-sized treats.
Created by: Lucinda Price
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the Meringue
- 2 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Once the cookies are cool, pipe or spread the meringue on top of each cookie. Use a kitchen torch or broiler to lightly toast the meringue until golden brown.
Let the meringue cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delightful Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 1g