Are you ready for a burst of citrusy sunshine in your cookie jar? Look no further! Lemon meringue cookies are a classic combination that never goes out of style, and we’ve got 18 zesty recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth. From classic sandwich cookies to creative twists like toasted meringue lemon drops and gluten-free macarons, there’s something for everyone.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the world of lemon meringue cookies, where tangy lemon zest meets fluffy meringue goodness. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking to try something new, these recipes are sure to inspire your next baking adventure.
Classic Lemon Meringue Sandwich Cookies
Brighten up your snack game with these tangy and sweet cookies that combine the flavors of lemon, vanilla, and meringue. Perfect for a quick pick-me-up or as a delightful addition to your next party.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large egg yolks
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup lemon curd (see note)
– Meringue topping (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Meringue Topping:
– 2 large egg whites
– 1 cup granulated sugar
Beat egg whites and sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread on cooled cookies immediately.
Lemon Meringue Thumbprint Cookies
Brighten up your snack time with these sweet and tangy cookies featuring a surprise burst of lemon curd filling, topped with a fluffy meringue topping. Perfect for a quick treat or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Lemon curd (homemade or store-bought)
– Meringue topping (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Use your thumb or a spoon to make an indentation in each cookie.
7. Fill with lemon curd, then top with meringue topping (see below).
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Meringue Topping:
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup egg whites
Mix sugar and egg whites in a bowl until stiff peaks form. Use immediately.
Toasted Meringue Lemon Drop Cookies
These buttery cookies are infused with the brightness of lemon zest and topped with a toasted meringue that adds a delightful crunch. Perfect for a sweet treat or as a gift for friends.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp grated lemon zest
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Stir in lemon zest and juice.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden.
8. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before topping with toasted meringue (recipe not included).
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Lemon Meringue Macarons
These delicate French macarons get a burst of citrus flavor from a lemon curd filling, topped with a fluffy meringue topping.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) almond flour
– 1 1/2 cups (200g) powdered sugar
– 3 large egg whites
– 1/2 cup (120ml) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (60ml) lemon juice
– 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened
– Meringue topping ingredients: 3 large egg whites, 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together almond flour and powdered sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whip egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add granulated sugar and continue whipping until smooth.
4. Fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until fully incorporated.
5. Pipe small rounds onto prepared baking sheet. Tap gently to remove air bubbles.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until firm to the touch.
7. Allow macarons to cool completely before filling with lemon curd and topping with meringue.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chewy Lemon Meringue Cookies
Brighten up your day with these chewy cookies infused with the sweetness of lemon and the fluffiness of meringue. Perfect for a snack or dessert, they’re sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Meringue topping (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and confectioners’ sugar. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Stir in lemon juice and the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
7. While still warm, spread meringue topping over cookies (see below).
Meringue Topping:
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tsp lemon juice
Mix all ingredients together until smooth and spreadable.
Lemon Meringue Shortbread Cookies
These buttery shortbread cookies get a burst of sunshine from the addition of lemon zest and juice, topped off with a fluffy meringue topping. Perfect for a sweet treat or as a unique gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 sticks (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Meringue topping (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add lemon zest and juice; mix well.
3. Gradually add flour and salt; mix until just combined.
4. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
5. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Meringue Topping:
– 2 large egg whites
– 1 cup granulated sugar
Beat egg whites and sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread over cooled cookies.
Gluten-Free Lemon Meringue Cookies
Elevate your snack game with these citrusy, crunchy, and sweet treats that are perfect for any occasion. This gluten-free recipe is a twist on the classic meringue cookie, with a burst of lemon flavor in every bite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 2 large egg whites
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add confectioners’ sugar and whisk until combined.
3. Beat in egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold in lemon zest and juice.
4. Gradually add gluten-free flour and salt; mix until just combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Lemon Meringue Sugar Cookies
Add a burst of citrusy sunshine to your baking routine with these tender and tangy lemon meringue sugar cookies. Perfect for a sweet treat or as a unique dessert option.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and lemon juice.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Place cookies 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lemon Meringue Butter Cookies
These tender cookies combine the sweetness of meringue with the brightness of lemon zest, all wrapped up in a buttery package.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– 1/2 cup meringue powder (see notes)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar. Add softened butter and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
3. Gradually add granulated sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until combined.
4. Divide dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten slightly onto prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Allow to cool on wire rack.
Notes: Meringue powder can be found in most grocery stores or online. If unavailable, substitute with 1/4 cup powdered sugar mixed with 2 tablespoons cornstarch.
Vegan Lemon Meringue Cookies
Brighten up your day with these tangy and sweet vegan lemon meringue cookies, perfect for a quick snack or dessert. Made with simple ingredients and a touch of citrus, these chewy treats are sure to delight!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup vegan butter (softened)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 egg replacement (such as Ener-G Egg Replacer or flaxseed meal mixed with water)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, oats, and sugar.
3. Add softened vegan butter, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out dough between two pieces of parchment paper to about 1/4 inch thickness.
5. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or glass rim.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lemon Meringue Crinkle Cookies
Brighten up your day with these tangy and sweet cookies that combine the flavors of lemon zest, lemon juice, and a hint of meringue. These crinkled cookies are perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup meringue powder (or 2 large egg whites)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add lemon zest and juice; mix well.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture; mix until just combined.
5. Stir in meringue powder (or egg whites).
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
8. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lemon Meringue Snowball Cookies
Brighten up your holiday season with these tangy and sweet cookies that combine the flavors of lemon and meringue in a crispy, snowball-like treat. These bite-sized treats are perfect for cookie exchanges or gift-giving.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– Meringue topping (recipe below)
Meringue Topping:
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
– 3 egg whites
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and lemon juice.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Place on prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool completely before topping with meringue.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lemon Meringue Coconut Cookies
Lemon Meringue Coconut Cookies: A Twist on a Classic Treat!
These chewy cookies combine the brightness of lemon zest and juice with the sweetness of meringue and the nutty flavor of shredded coconut. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup shredded coconut
– 2 tbsp lemon zest
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup meringue powder (or 2 large egg whites)
– Colored sugar or sprinkles for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in lemon zest and juice.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Stir in shredded coconut.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes per batch
Lemon Meringue Oatmeal Cookies
Brighten up your day with these citrusy and chewy oatmeal cookies, infused with the zesty flavor of lemon zest and topped with a fluffy meringue kiss.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tbsp grated lemon zest
– Meringue topping (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and lemon juice.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Fold in lemon zest.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Meringue Topping:
– Beat 1 cup egg whites and 2 tbsp granulated sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread meringue over cooled cookies.
Lemon Meringue Almond Cookies
These cookies combine the brightness of lemon zest with the nutty flavor of almonds, topped with a light and airy meringue topping.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– Meringue topping (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, confectioners’ sugar, and lemon zest.
3. Add softened butter and vanilla extract; mix until a dough forms.
4. Fold in sliced almonds.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet.
Meringue Topping:
– 2 large egg whites
– 1 cup granulated sugar
Beat egg whites and sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread over cooled cookies.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lemon Meringue Spritz Cookies
Lemon Meringue Spritz Cookies Recipe
Lemon Meringue Linzer Cookies
Elevate your cookie game with these unique and flavorful Lemon Meringue Linzer Cookies. The combination of buttery linzer crust, tangy lemon filling, and crunchy meringue topping will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup meringue topping (see below)
Meringue Topping:
– 1 cup egg whites
– 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
3. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
4. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
6. Allow cookies to cool completely before topping with lemon filling and meringue.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Lemon Meringue Biscotti
Lemon Meringue Biscotti Recipe
Brighten up your day with these citrusy biscotti, topped with a tangy lemon meringue. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of the day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (100g) confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Meringue topping: 3 large egg whites, 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch (1 cm) thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Allow biscotti to cool completely before topping with meringue.
Meringue Topping:
1. Beat egg whites and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
2. Spread the meringue mixture over the cooled biscotti.
3. Return to oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: Total time: approximately 30-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the sweet and tangy world of lemon meringue cookies! This collection of 18 recipes offers a variety of twists on the classic treat, from chewy cookie sandwiches to crispy macarons. Whether you’re looking for gluten-free or vegan options, there’s something for everyone. From toasted meringue drop cookies to sugar-coated linzer cookies, each recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. So go ahead and squeeze some sunshine into your baking routine with these zesty lemon meringue cookie recipes!
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