Are you looking for a burst of citrusy flavor to brighten up your baking routine? Look no further! Lemon meringue cookies are a classic favorite that never go out of style. With their tangy, sweet, and tangy (yes, we said it twice – that’s how good they are!) flavors, these treats are perfect for satisfying your cravings.
From classic recipes to creative twists, we’ve got you covered with our collection of 18 delicious lemon meringue cookie recipes. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these recipes are sure to inspire your next baking adventure.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the world of lemon meringue cookies, featuring a diverse range of recipes that cater to various tastes and dietary preferences. From classic sandwich cookies to vegan and gluten-free options, there’s something for everyone in our list of mouthwatering treats.
Classic Lemon Meringue Cookies
These soft-baked cookies are infused with the brightness of lemon zest and topped with a fluffy meringue topping, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
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 lemon zest
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 cup meringue topping (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar in a medium bowl.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Stir in lemon zest and juice.
5. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
7. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Meringue Topping:
– 3 large egg whites
– 1 cup granulated sugar
Whisk together egg whites and sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread over cooled cookies.
Lemon Meringue Sandwich Cookies
Brighten up your snack time with these tangy and sweet cookies filled with a burst of citrusy flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons 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. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
3. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
4. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch space between each.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Meringue Topping:
– Beat 2 large egg whites and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
Zesty Lemon Meringue Thumbprint Cookies
Brighten up your day with these tangy and sweet treats! These bite-sized cookies are perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large egg yolks
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup meringue topping (homemade or store-bought)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, baking powder, 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 lemon juice.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until combined.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool on wire rack before filling with meringue topping.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Gluten-Free Lemon Meringue Cookies
Say goodbye to traditional gluten-containing ingredients and hello to these tangy, sweet, and utterly delightful Gluten-Free Lemon Meringue Cookies. Perfect for a pick-me-up or as a special treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 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, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
4. Beat in eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool completely before topping with meringue (see below).
Meringue Topping:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large egg whites
Beat egg whites and sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread over cooled cookies.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Vegan Lemon Meringue Cookies
These chewy cookies get a burst of citrus flavor from lemon zest and juice, topped with a tangy vegan meringue topping. Perfect for a sweet treat or as a gift.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup vegan butter (softened), plus more for greasing the baking sheet
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup lemon juice
– 2 tbsp lemon zest
– 1 egg replacement (e.g., Ener-G Egg Replacer or flax eggs)
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
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. Add vegan butter and mix until crumbly.
3. Stir in lemon juice, zest, egg replacement, and vanilla extract.
4. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
6. While cookies cool, prepare meringue topping by whipping 1/2 cup vegan cream with 1 tsp lemon juice and 1 tbsp granulated sugar.
Yield: About 20 cookies
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lemon Meringue Macarons
Brighten up your dessert table with these delicate, citrusy macarons topped with a fluffy lemon meringue.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) almond flour
– 1 1/2 cups (200g) confectioners’ sugar
– 3 large egg whites
– 1/4 cup (60g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Meringue topping (see below)
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 confectioners’ sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whip egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add granulated sugar and whip until combined.
4. Add lemon zest and juice to the egg mixture; fold until smooth.
5. Sift almond flour mixture over the egg mixture; gently fold until combined.
6. Pipe macarons onto prepared baking sheet.
7. Tap baking sheet gently to remove air bubbles.
8. Allow macarons to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until tops are firm and edges are lightly golden.
Meringue Topping:
– 2 large egg whites
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
Whip egg whites until stiff peaks form; gradually add sugar and whip until combined. Spread over macarons after baking.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Meringue Cookie Bars
Lemon Meringue Cookie Bars: A tangy and sweet treat that combines the brightness of lemon with the fluffiness of meringue, all wrapped up in a convenient bar form.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large egg yolks
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 3 large egg whites
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Mix crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until well combined. Press into prepared baking dish.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Pour over crust.
4. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until filling is set.
5. In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Spread meringue topping evenly over warm bars.
6. Return to oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes or until meringue is lightly browned.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into squares and dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Chewy Lemon Meringue Cookies
Brighten up your day with these chewy lemon meringue cookies that combine the tanginess of lemon zest with the sweetness of meringue. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Meringue topping (recipe 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 confectioners’ sugar.
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 zest and juice. Gradually add flour mixture; mix until just combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack.
Meringue Topping:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
– 2 large egg whites
Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar; beat until smooth.
Lemon Meringue Shortbread Cookies
These buttery shortbread cookies get a burst of citrus flavor from lemon zest and juice, topped with a sweet and tangy meringue topping. Perfect for a springtime snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 sticks (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– 1 egg white
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for meringue topping)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
3. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
4. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
5. While cookies are still warm, prepare meringue topping by whipping egg white and sugar until stiff peaks form.
6. Spread meringue over cooled cookies.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Lemon Meringue Sugar Cookies
These tender sugar cookies infused with lemon zest and topped with a fluffy meringue topping are the perfect treat to brighten up any day. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tbsp lemon zest
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
– Meringue topping ingredients: 3 egg whites, 1 cup granulated sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in lemon zest and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
6. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
8. Allow cookies to cool completely before topping with meringue.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lemon Meringue Butter Cookies
These tender butter cookies are infused with the brightness of lemon zest and topped with a fluffy meringue topping, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon 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 flour and confectioners’ sugar. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
3. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
4. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch space between each cookie.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Meringue Topping:
– 2 egg whites
– 1 cup granulated sugar
Beat egg whites and sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread meringue topping over cooled cookies.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lemon Meringue Spritz Cookies
Brighten up your cookie platter with these tangy and sweet Lemon Meringue Spritz Cookies. Perfect for a springtime gathering or a special treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 egg white
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Lemon meringue topping (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add confectioners’ sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice; mix well.
3. Beat in egg white until fully incorporated.
4. Gradually add flour and salt; mix until a dough forms.
5. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
Lemon Meringue Topping:
1. Whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 egg white until stiff peaks form.
2. Drizzle over cooled cookies before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Lemon Meringue Drop 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. Perfect for a quick snack or as a thoughtful treat to share.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp 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 flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Meringue Topping:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup egg whites
– Beat until stiff peaks form. Spread over cookies immediately after baking.
Lemon Meringue Snowball Cookies
Lemon Meringue Snowball Cookies: A Sweet Treat with a Bright Twist
These bite-sized cookies combine the classic flavors of lemon and meringue into one delightful treat. With their soft, chewy centers and crunchy exteriors, these snowballs are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Meringue topping (see below)
Meringue Topping:
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup egg whites
– 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla extract.
3. Gradually add flour and salt; mix until just combined.
4. Stir in lemon zest and juice.
5. Roll dough into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool completely before topping with meringue.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lemon Meringue Linzer Cookies
Lemon Meringue Linzer Cookies: A Twist on a Classic Recipe!
These cookies combine the classic linzer cookie with the brightness of lemon and the sweetness of meringue, creating a unique and delicious treat.
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 lemon juice
– 1 egg, beaten
– Meringue topping (see below)
– 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 and confectioners’ sugar.
3. Add softened butter and granulated sugar; mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness.
5. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
8. Allow cookies to cool before topping with meringue (see below).
Meringue Topping:
– 2 large egg whites
– 1 cup granulated sugar
Beat egg whites and sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe onto cooled cookies.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes per batch
Lemon Meringue Biscotti
These tender biscotti are infused with the brightness of lemon zest and topped with a sweet, crunchy meringue topping.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Meringue topping (recipe 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 and confectioners’ sugar.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Beat in eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
5. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes (e.g., logs or rectangles).
6. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each biscotti.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Meringue Topping:
– 3 large egg whites
– 1 cup granulated sugar
Beat egg whites and sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread over cooled biscotti.
Lemon Meringue Crinkle Cookies
Brighten up your day with these tangy and sweet lemon meringue crinkle cookies, perfect for a quick snack or dessert. The combination of citrusy lemon zest and powdered sugar creates a delightful flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add lemon juice, vanilla extract, and whisk until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
6. Roll out dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
7. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or glass.
8. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow cookies to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar (if desired).
Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
Lemon Meringue Snickerdoodles
Lemon Meringue Snickerdoodles: A sweet and tangy twist on the classic cookie!
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp cream of tartar
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup lemon curd (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 3 cups meringue topping (see below for recipe)
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 cream of tartar. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in lemon curd, eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Roll dough into balls, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving space for spreading.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Meringue Topping Recipe:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large egg whites
– 1 tsp cream of tartar
Beat sugar, egg whites, and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe onto cooled cookies immediately after baking.
Summary
Get ready to brighten up your baking with these 18 delicious lemon meringue cookie recipes! From classic cookies to sandwich cookies, thumbprint cookies, and even vegan and gluten-free options, there’s something for every taste bud. Try your hand at making lemon meringue macarons or bars, or go for a chewy, buttery shortbread cookie. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet and tangy or soft and crumbly, these recipes are sure to please. So why wait? Start baking today and add a burst of citrus sunshine to your day!
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