Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies Recipe - Fruity Desserts

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight in the zesty flavor of Lemon Meringue Pie transformed into delightful cookies. These Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies are perfect for anyone craving a burst of citrus sweetness with a light and airy meringue topping.

Helena Wright

Created by

Helena Wright

Last updated on 2025-12-19T15:50:56.288Z

These Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies are inspired by the classic dessert, capturing the essence of tart lemon curd and fluffy meringue in a cookie form. They are perfect for parties or as a delightful afternoon treat!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bright and tangy lemon flavor that refreshes the palate
  • Light and airy texture reminiscent of meringue
  • Perfectly sweet with a hint of tartness, ideal for any occasion

A Taste of Citrus Bliss

Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies encapsulate the essence of a classic dessert in a delightful bite-sized treat. The vibrant lemon flavor shines through, providing a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the meringue. Each cookie is a harmonious balance of tangy and sweet, making them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer picnic or a festive gathering.

The use of fresh lemon juice and zest not only enhances the flavor but also fills your kitchen with an invigorating aroma while baking. These cookies are a feast for the senses, inviting you to indulge in their bright and sunny taste. The meringue topping adds an airy lightness that complements the rich buttery cookie base.

Perfect for Every Occasion

These cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed year-round. Whether served at a birthday party, holiday gathering, or simply as an afternoon treat with tea, they’re sure to impress your guests. The elegant look of the piped meringue makes them a charming addition to any dessert table.

Moreover, they can be packaged beautifully as gifts for friends and family. A box of homemade Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies is a thoughtful gesture that showcases your baking skills and creativity. Their unique flavor profile makes them memorable and cherished by all who taste them.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the best results, it’s crucial to use room temperature ingredients. Softened butter and eggs will blend more easily, resulting in a smoother cookie dough. Additionally, make sure to measure your flour accurately to avoid dense cookies. Using a kitchen scale can help ensure precision in your measurements.

When making the meringue, ensure that your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry. Any trace of fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping up properly. Be patient while adding the sugar; this will help create a glossy meringue that holds its shape beautifully when baked.

Ingredients

For the Cookies

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Meringue

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

Make sure to use fresh lemons for the best flavor!

Instructions

Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing until combined. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.

Shape and Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Make the Meringue

While the cookies are baking, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar in a clean bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.

Top Cookies with Meringue

Once the cookies are out of the oven, spoon or pipe the meringue onto each cookie. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes or until the meringue is lightly browned.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!

Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep the cookies fresh.

Storing Your Cookies

To keep your Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within a few days of baking, as the meringue can lose its crispness over time. If you need to store them for longer, consider refrigerating them, but note that this may affect the texture of the meringue.

If you want to prepare these cookies in advance, you can make the cookie dough and freeze it. Simply roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. When you're ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adjusting the baking time slightly.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with different flavors! You can replace lemon with lime or even orange for a unique twist on this recipe. Adjust the amount of zest and juice according to your taste preferences. Another fun variation is to add a hint of vanilla extract to the cookie dough for extra depth of flavor.

For a more decadent treat, consider drizzling some white chocolate over the cooled cookies. This adds a rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tart lemon flavor. You can also sprinkle some crushed graham crackers on top of the meringue before baking to mimic the crust of a traditional lemon meringue pie.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought lemon curd instead of making my own?

Yes, using store-bought lemon curd can save time and still provide great flavor.

→ How can I make the meringue stiffer?

Ensure your mixing bowl is completely clean and add the sugar slowly while beating the egg whites.

→ What can I do if my meringue weeps?

Make sure to bake the meringue long enough and avoid humidity while storing the cookies.

→ Can these cookies be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze the cookies without the meringue. Add the meringue just before serving.

Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies Recipe - Fruity Desserts

Delight in the zesty flavor of Lemon Meringue Pie transformed into delightful cookies. These Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies are perfect for anyone craving a burst of citrus sweetness with a light and airy meringue topping.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Helena Wright

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 powdered sugar
  3. 2 large egg yolks
  4. 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  5. 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  6. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  7. 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Meringue

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

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing until combined. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.

Step 02

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 03

While the cookies are baking, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar in a clean bowl until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.

Step 04

Once the cookies are out of the oven, spoon or pipe the meringue onto each cookie. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes or until the meringue is lightly browned.

Step 05

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 2g