Description
Lemon Meringue Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the lightness of meringue with the zesty flavor of lemon, offering a burst of flavor that can brighten any day.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large egg whites: The base of your meringue, egg whites provide the structure and lightness.
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar: This helps stabilize the egg whites, ensuring they whip up nicely.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sugar sweetens the meringue and contributes to its glossy finish.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the flavor of the meringue.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup lemon curd: This is the star of the show! It adds a zesty, creamy filling to your cookies.
- Zest of 1 lemon (for garnish, optional): Lemon zest adds a pop of color and extra lemon flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a clean, dry mixing bowl, add the egg whites and cream of tartar. Beat on medium speed until soft peaks form, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while mixing on high speed until stiff peaks form and the meringue is glossy, about 5-7 minutes. Add vanilla extract and salt, mixing until combined.
- Transfer the meringue mixture into a piping bag and pipe small mounds onto the prepared baking sheets, creating a small well in the center of each.
- Bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, until the meringue is dry and can easily lift off the parchment paper.
- Turn off the oven and let the meringues cool completely inside.
- Once cooled, fill each meringue with lemon curd and garnish with lemon zest if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry to achieve the best meringue.
- Add sugar gradually to maintain the stability of the meringue.
- Avoid opening the oven door while baking to prevent temperature fluctuations.
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- Fill meringues with lemon curd just before serving to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Lemon Meringue Cookies, Meringue, Lemon Dessert, Gluten-Free Cookies