Here’s a recipe for light and tangy Lemon Meringue Cookies! These cookies are a delightful twist on classic meringues, with a bright lemon flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Lemon Meringue Cookies
Ingredients:
- 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, for extra lemon flavor)
- Yellow food coloring (optional, for a lemony look)
Instructions:
Prepare the Meringue:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Beat the egg whites: In a large, clean mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites on medium speed until they become frothy. Add the cream of tartar and continue beating.
- Add the sugar gradually: Increase the mixer speed to high, and slowly add the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until fully incorporated. Continue beating until the mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks. This can take 5-7 minutes.
- Add the flavor and color: Gently fold in the lemon extract and lemon zest. Add a few drops of yellow food coloring if you want a pale yellow color, and fold until evenly combined.
Pipe or Scoop the Cookies:
- Pipe or shape the meringue: Spoon the meringue into a piping bag fitted with a large star or round tip. Pipe small mounds (about 1-2 inches in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheets, or use a spoon to dollop the meringue if you prefer a rustic look.
Bake the Meringues:
- Bake: Bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the meringues are crisp and dry to the touch. Turn off the oven and let the cookies cool inside with the door closed for about an hour to ensure they’re completely dry.
Serve:
- Store and enjoy: Once fully cooled, store the lemon meringue cookies in an airtight container to keep them crisp.
Recipe Notes:
- Avoid humidity: Humid weather can make meringues sticky, so choose a dry day if possible.
- Adding zest: Zest can add more lemon flavor, but keep it minimal to avoid affecting the meringue’s texture.
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Time and Temperature:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Bake time: 1 1/2 to 2 hours
- Cooling time: 1 hour
- Total time: Approximately 3-3 1/2 hours
These Lemon Meringue Cookies are light, airy, and perfect for lemon lovers. Enjoy these as a sweet treat or pair them with a cup of tea!