Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings the sunny flavors of summer to your table, you’ve just found it! This Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies Recipe is a special favorite in my home. These cookies capture the classic taste of lemon meringue pie but in a fun, bite-sized format. They’re perfect for any occasion—from busy weeknights to festive family gatherings. Every bite is light and airy, bursting with tangy lemon goodness that will make your taste buds dance!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, whipping up these cookies is a breeze.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore their sweet and zesty flavor. They make for a great snack or dessert!
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake when you’re ready to serve. Perfect for busy days!
• Impressive Dessert: These cookies look stunning on any dessert table, making them great for parties or celebrations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies Recipe is simple and fun! You’ll find everything you need right in your kitchen or at your local grocery store. These wholesome ingredients come together to create a delightful treat.

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! Here are some tasty variations to try:

• Add Some Color: Consider folding in a bit of food coloring to the meringue for a fun twist—think pastel shades for springtime!
• Switch Up the Citrus: If lemon isn’t your favorite, feel free to swap it out with lime or orange juice for a different citrus kick.
• Mix in Some Flavor: Add a dash of vanilla extract to either the filling or meringue for an extra layer of flavor.
• Change the Texture: Try adding crushed graham crackers into the cookie base for a bit of crunch reminiscent of traditional pie crust.

How to Make Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cutting in chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs is essential; this gives your cookies that tender texture we all love. Once combined, press the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out later.

Step 2: Roll Out and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out your chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter to cut out circles—these will be the base of our delightful cookies! Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 8-10 minutes or until they’re lightly golden around the edges. Let them cool completely on the sheet so they hold 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. Stirring constantly ensures that this mixture thickens nicely without burning. Once it comes to a boil and thickens up beautifully, remove it from heat and let it cool completely.

Step 4: Whip Up the Meringue

In another large bowl, beat your egg whites using an electric mixer on medium speed until they become foamy. Adding cream of tartar here helps stabilize your meringue. Keep beating until soft peaks form before gradually adding in granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time. Beat until stiff peaks form; this means your meringue should stand tall when lifted from the bowl!

Step 5: Assemble Your Cookies

Now comes my favorite part—assembly! Spoon a small amount of cooled lemon filling onto each cookie base, followed by a generous dollop of meringue on top. The combination looks beautiful already!

Step 6: Broil to Perfection

Place your assembled cookies under the broiler for just 1-2 minutes until the meringue turns lightly golden brown—keep an eye on them so they don’t burn! Once done, let them cool completely before serving.

And there you have it! A scrumptious Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies Recipe that’s sure to brighten anyone’s day with its bright flavors and charming presentation. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies Recipe

Making perfect Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies can be a delightful experience, especially when you keep these handy tips in mind!

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 30 minutes helps it firm up, making it easier to roll out and cut into shapes without sticking.

• Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances the flavor of the cookies. It adds a vibrant, zesty taste that bottled lemon juice simply can’t match.

• Beat Egg Whites Properly: Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free from grease before beating egg whites. This helps achieve maximum volume for the meringue.

• Watch the Broiling: Broiling is quick! Stay close to the oven while broiling the cookies, as they can go from perfectly golden to burnt in just a minute or two.

• Store Separately: If you’re not serving immediately, store the cookies and meringue topping separately. This keeps the cookies crisp and prevents the meringue from becoming soggy.

How to Serve Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies Recipe

These delightful cookies are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying on a quiet afternoon. Here are some fun ways to present them:

Garnishes

• Lemon Zest: A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest on top of each cookie adds a pop of color and extra citrus aroma.

• Mint Leaves: A small sprig of fresh mint next to each cookie makes for an elegant presentation and adds an aromatic contrast to the lemon flavor.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Berries: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries complements the tangy sweetness of the cookies while adding a burst of color and flavor.

• Whipped Coconut Cream: Light and airy whipped coconut cream pairs beautifully with lemon flavors, providing a creamy counterpart that enhances each bite.

• Iced Tea or Lemonade: Refreshing drinks like iced tea or lemonade serve as perfect accompaniments, balancing out the sweetness with their own tangy notes.

• Fruit Salad: A simple fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits can lighten up your dessert table while adding freshness that pairs beautifully with lemon flavors.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies will surely impress family and friends alike! Enjoy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time, store them properly, and enjoy their delightful taste throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you have leftover lemon filling or meringue, keep them in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing

• To freeze the cookies, cool them completely and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen, transfer the cookies to an airtight freezer bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
• For best results, freeze the cookies without the lemon filling and meringue, then assemble them fresh before serving.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour.
• If they seem a bit soft after thawing, you can warm them briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

If you have questions about this delightful recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries to help you out.

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

Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to choose one that has xanthan gum included for better texture.

How long do these Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, consider freezing them!

What can I use instead of egg whites in this Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies Recipe?

You can use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as a substitute for egg whites. Use 3 tablespoons of aquafaba per egg white for a similar meringue effect!

Can I add other flavors to my Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies?

Certainly! Feel free to experiment by adding different citrus zests like lime or orange into your filling or even mixing in some coconut flakes for a tropical twist.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies! They truly capture the essence of classic lemon meringue pie while being perfectly portable and shareable. Whether it’s for a brunch gathering or a simple snack at home, these cookies are sure to impress your family and friends. Happy baking—enjoy every sweet bite!