Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the zesty brightness of lemon with the airy sweetness of meringue, then you’re in for a real treat with this Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies Recipe! These little gems are perfect for those moments when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. They’re great for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or just a cozy afternoon with a cup of tea.

What makes this recipe even more special is how it captures the essence of classic lemon meringue pie in a fun and easy-to-eat cookie form. Trust me, once you bake these cookies, they will become a favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Make: With just 45 minutes from start to finish, these cookies fit perfectly into your busy schedule.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids love helping out in the kitchen! Making these cookies can be a wonderful bonding experience.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just an ordinary day, these cookies are sure to impress.
• Zesty Flavor Explosion: The tangy lemon filling paired with fluffy meringue creates a taste sensation that’s simply irresistible.
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake them when you need them!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need for these delicious cookies!

For the Cookie Base:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Lemon Filling:

• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest

For the Meringue Topping:

• 2 large egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible and can be adjusted to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add Some Color: Feel free to mix in some food coloring to the meringue for festive occasions!
• Switch Up the Zest: Try using lime or orange zest instead of lemon for a different flavor profile.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dairy-free chocolate on top of the meringue for an extra indulgent treat.

How to Make Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Then, cut in the chilled butter using your fingers or a pastry blender until it looks like coarse crumbs. This step is crucial as it creates that tender texture we love in cookies. Once ready, press the dough into a ball, wrap it up, and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Roll and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out your chilled dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8-inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutter to cut out circles. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 8-10 minutes until they are lightly golden. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet; this ensures they keep their shape.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together lemon juice, granulated sugar, egg yolk, cornstarch, and lemon zest. Stir constantly until it thickens and comes to a boil—this step creates that luscious filling full of zesty goodness! Once thickened, remove it from heat and let it cool completely.

Step 4: Whip Up the Meringue

In another bowl, beat your egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until foamy. Add cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form—that’s when you know it’s getting fluffy! Gradually add granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time; keep mixing until you reach stiff peaks. This will give you that airy meringue topping we adore!

Step 5: Assemble Your Cookies

Now comes the fun part! Spoon a small amount of that delicious lemon filling onto each cooled cookie base and top it off with a dollop of meringue.

Step 6: Broil the Meringue

Finally, broil your cookies for just 1-2 minutes or until the meringue turns lightly golden brown—watch closely so they don’t burn! Allow them to cool completely before serving; this way you’ll have perfect little treats ready to enjoy.

Enjoy every bite of these delightful Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies—they’re sure to become one of your new favorites!

Pro Tips for Making Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies Recipe

Creating delicious Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies is a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can elevate your cookie game to the next level!

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes helps to solidify the butter, resulting in a flakier cookie. This step prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

• Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled. Fresh juice packs more flavor and brightness into your cookies, enhancing that delightful citrus zing.

• Beat Egg Whites Properly: For perfectly fluffy meringue, ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are clean and free from any grease. This allows the egg whites to whip up to their fullest volume.

• Broil with Care: When broiling the meringue, keep a close eye on it! It can go from beautifully golden to burnt very quickly. Stay nearby to monitor its progress.

• Serve Chilled: For an extra refreshing treat, consider chilling the cookies after they’ve cooled. This enhances the flavors and provides a satisfying contrast to the sweet meringue.

How to Serve Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies Recipe

These Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies are not only tasty but also visually appealing. Presenting them well can make them even more inviting for your guests!

Garnishes

• Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest on top of the meringue adds a vibrant touch and reinforces that zesty flavor.
• Mint Leaves: A small sprig of fresh mint can provide a beautiful contrast in color and a hint of freshness that complements the lemon.

Side Dishes

• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits complements these cookies perfectly. The sweetness of fruits balances out the tangy lemon flavor.
• Iced Tea: Serve alongside a chilled glass of iced tea, perhaps flavored with mint or lemon, for a delightful pairing that enhances the citrus notes.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds richness and creaminess that beautifully contrasts with the light, airy texture of the cookies.
• Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites offer a creamy counterpart that rounds out your dessert table while keeping things light and sweet.

Now you’re all set to bake these scrumptious Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies! Enjoy sharing this delightful treat with friends and family—it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time for parties or gatherings, ensuring a delightful treat is always on hand.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you need to keep them longer, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be aware that the meringue may lose some of its texture over time.

Freezing

• To freeze, layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature.

Reheating

• If desired, you can gently reheat the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes to refresh their texture.
• Avoid microwaving as it may make the meringue chewy rather than light and airy.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about our Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies Recipe!

Can I make Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it’s suitable for baking.

How long do Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies last?

These cookies typically last around 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge. For longer storage, consider freezing them!

What is the best way to store Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you want to keep them fresh for a longer period.

Can I use egg substitutes in this Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies Recipe?

Yes, you can use flax eggs or aquafaba (chickpea water) as substitutes for egg whites and yolks. The results may vary slightly, but they work well!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies! They truly capture the refreshing tang of lemon and the lightness of meringue in every bite. Perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!), these cookies will surely bring smiles to your loved ones. Enjoy baking and savoring these treats!