Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies Recipe - Fruity Desserts

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Enjoy the delightful taste of lemon meringue pie in a cookie form with these Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies offer a burst of citrus flavor combined with a light and fluffy meringue topping.

Amelia Grant

Created by

Amelia Grant

Last updated on 2025-12-18T14:21:31.897Z

Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies combine the classic flavors of lemon meringue pie into a delightful cookie. The tangy lemon filling is perfectly balanced with the sweet meringue topping, making these cookies a hit for gatherings and special occasions.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Zesty lemon flavor that brightens your day
  • Light and airy meringue that complements the cookie
  • Perfectly sized for snacking or sharing

The Perfect Balance of Flavor

These Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies encapsulate the essence of a classic lemon meringue pie, delivering a delightful burst of citrus flavor with every bite. The combination of zesty lemon and the sweetness of the meringue creates a perfect harmony that is both refreshing and indulgent. Whether you're enjoying them with a cup of tea or sharing them with friends at a gathering, these cookies are bound to impress and satisfy your sweet tooth.

The bright lemon zest and juice infuse the cookie dough with a tangy flavor, while the meringue topping adds a light and airy texture. This recipe is all about balance; the tartness of the lemon cuts through the sweetness of the meringue, making for a deliciously well-rounded treat. You’ll find that each cookie offers a unique experience, with the chewy base contrasting beautifully with the fluffy topping.

A Fun Twist on a Classic Dessert

Lemon meringue pie is a beloved dessert, but making it from scratch can be time-consuming and a bit daunting. These cookies offer a fun and accessible twist on the traditional pie, allowing you to enjoy the same delightful flavors in a more manageable form. The simplicity of cookie-making means you can whip up a batch in no time, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or a sweet treat after dinner.

Kids and adults alike will love helping out in the kitchen with this recipe. From creaming the butter and sugar to piping the meringue, there are plenty of opportunities for everyone to get involved. Plus, these cookies are easy to customize; you can play around with the lemon flavor or even experiment with other citrus fruits for a unique take!

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Once your Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies are baked and cooled, it's important to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them without the meringue topping. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw and add the meringue before placing them in the oven for a quick warm-up.

These cookies are perfect for various occasions, from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations. Consider serving them on a beautiful platter to showcase their delightful appearance. Pair them with a refreshing beverage, such as iced tea or lemonade, for a delightful afternoon treat. The bright flavors and unique texture will leave your guests asking for the recipe!

Ingredients

For the Cookies

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

For the Meringue Topping

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

Instructions

Prepare the Cookie Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk, lemon zest, and lemon juice.

Gradually blend in the flour and salt until just combined.

Shape and Bake the Cookies

Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

Make the Meringue Topping

In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add in sugar, continuing to beat until the meringue is glossy and stiff peaks form.

Top Cookies with Meringue

Once the cookies are cool, pipe or spread meringue on top of each cookie. Place them back in the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes to lightly brown the meringue. Watch closely to avoid burning!

Cool and Serve

Allow the meringue to cool before serving. Enjoy your Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies!

Key Baking Tips

To achieve the best results with your Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies, ensure that your butter is properly softened before starting. This will help create a light and fluffy cookie base. Additionally, be cautious not to overmix the dough; you want just enough mixing to combine the ingredients without developing too much gluten, which can lead to a tougher texture.

When making the meringue, use a clean bowl and whisk to avoid any grease, which can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly. Make sure to beat the egg whites until they reach stiff peaks, which will give your meringue the right structure to hold its shape while baking.

Variations to Try

If you're looking to switch things up, try incorporating different flavors into the cookie base. For example, adding a touch of vanilla extract or almond extract can complement the lemon beautifully. You might also consider folding in some finely chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.

For a unique presentation, consider adding a drop of food coloring to your meringue. This can create a visually stunning effect, especially if you swirl in different colors for a marbled look. Experimenting with flavor and color will make your cookies stand out and impress your guests!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. However, it's best to make the meringue fresh before serving.

→ What can I do if my meringue is runny?

Make sure your egg whites are at room temperature and that there is no yolk in them. If the meringue is still runny, you may need to beat it longer until stiff peaks form.

→ How do I store leftover cookies?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. However, the meringue may lose its texture over time.

→ Can I use a different flavor instead of lemon?

Absolutely! You can substitute lemon with lime or orange for a different citrus twist.

Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies Recipe - Fruity Desserts

Enjoy the delightful taste of lemon meringue pie in a cookie form with these Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies offer a burst of citrus flavor combined with a light and fluffy meringue topping.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Amelia Grant

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 24 cookies

What You'll Need

For the Cookies

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1 large egg yolk
  4. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  5. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  6. 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  7. 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

For the Meringue Topping

  1. 2 large egg whites
  2. 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  3. 1/2 cup granulated sugar

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolk, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Gradually blend in the flour and salt until just combined.

Step 02

Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

Step 03

In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add in sugar, continuing to beat until the meringue is glossy and stiff peaks form.

Step 04

Once the cookies are cool, pipe or spread meringue on top of each cookie. Place them back in the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes to lightly brown the meringue. Watch closely to avoid burning!

Step 05

Allow the meringue to cool before serving. Enjoy your Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Total Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 9g
  • Protein: 2g