Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Delight in the zesty goodness of Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies with this delightful recipe that brings all the flavors of the classic dessert into a chewy, cookie form. These sweet treats feature a buttery cookie base, a bright lemon curd center, and a fluffy meringue topping, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or as a unique twist on traditional Christmas cookies. Bake a batch for a refreshing dessert that will impress family and friends this season!
These cookies are inspired by the classic lemon meringue pie, offering the same tangy and sweet flavors in a fun, handheld form.
The Perfect Holiday Treat
Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies are the ideal dessert to serve at any holiday gathering. Their refreshing citrus flavor is a delightful contrast to the more traditional sweet treats often found at these celebrations. Whether you're hosting a Christmas dinner, a New Year's Eve party, or simply enjoying time with family, these cookies will stand out and impress your guests. Their unique combination of buttery cookie, tangy lemon curd, and fluffy meringue makes them a conversation starter.
Not only do these cookies look beautiful, but they also bring a burst of freshness that can brighten up any dessert table. Their delightful appearance, combined with the harmonious flavors, offers a pleasing experience that goes beyond taste. The Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies can even serve as a lovely centerpiece for your dessert spread, attracting the eyes of both young and old alike.
A Flavorful Twist on Tradition
These cookies reinterpret the classic lemon meringue pie by transforming it into a bite-sized treat. They retain the essential flavors of the original dessert while offering a different texture and presentation that is sure to wow your family and friends. The chewy cookie base provides a satisfying foundation for the luscious lemon curd, while the light meringue topping adds an airy finish that is simply irresistible.
The process of creating these cookies involves a beautiful layering of flavors and textures, making them not only delicious but also an engaging baking project. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, the step-by-step process allows everyone to enjoy the fun of baking while achieving impressive results.
Perfect for Gift Giving
Looking for a unique gift to share during the holidays? These Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies make an excellent choice. Their beautiful presentation and delightful taste make them a perfect addition to any gift box or platter. Package them up in decorative tins or boxes, and you’re all set for thoughtful gifting.
Additionally, these cookies are not just perfect for the holiday season; they can be enjoyed year-round. Whether it's for birthdays, housewarming parties, or casual gatherings, they are guaranteed to be a hit. Share the joy of baking and the wonderful flavors with loved ones, and watch as they fall in love with this vibrant treat.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Curd
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
For the Meringue Topping
- 3 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 Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this mixture into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Make Lemon Curd
In a saucepan, combine lemon juice, sugar, and eggs over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in butter. Let cool.
Add Filling and Bake
Once the cookie bases are on the baking sheet, create a small indentation in the center of each one. Spoon a small amount of lemon curd into each indentation. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Prepare Meringue
While cookies are baking, whip the egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and continue to whip until stiff peaks form.
Top Cookies with Meringue
Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven. Carefully spread the meringue over each cookie, ensuring it covers the lemon curd completely. Return to oven for an additional 5 minutes until meringue is lightly browned.
Let the cookies cool completely before serving!
Storage Tips
To maintain the freshness of your Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help to preserve their texture and flavor, allowing you to enjoy them for several days after baking. If you anticipate needing to keep them longer, consider refrigerating the cookies, but be aware that the meringue may lose its crispness over time.
If you plan to make a larger batch, you can also freeze the cookies. Just be sure to layer them carefully with parchment paper between each layer and seal in an airtight container. They can be thawed at room temperature before serving, allowing you to have them on hand whenever a craving strikes.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can also elevate the experience by serving them with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess beautifully complements the lemon curd and adds an indulgent touch. Another great option is to drizzle a bit of lemon sauce or glaze for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
For an added flair, garnish the cookies with a sprinkle of lemon zest or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. This simple touch enhances their presentation and offers a visually appealing contrast to the bright lemony goodness. No matter how you serve them, Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies will undoubtedly impress your guests.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make the lemon curd in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the lemon curd ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
→ How should I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies
Delight in the zesty goodness of Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies with this delightful recipe that brings all the flavors of the classic dessert into a chewy, cookie form. These sweet treats feature a buttery cookie base, a bright lemon curd center, and a fluffy meringue topping, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or as a unique twist on traditional Christmas cookies. Bake a batch for a refreshing dessert that will impress family and friends this season!
Created by: Tom
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 24.0
What You'll Need
For the Cookie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Lemon Curd
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
For the Meringue Topping
- 3 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this mixture into the wet ingredients until a dough forms.
Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
In a saucepan, combine lemon juice, sugar, and eggs over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in butter. Let cool.
Once the cookie bases are on the baking sheet, create a small indentation in the center of each one. Spoon a small amount of lemon curd into each indentation. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
While cookies are baking, whip the egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and continue to whip until stiff peaks form.
Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven. Carefully spread the meringue over each cookie, ensuring it covers the lemon curd completely. Return to oven for an additional 5 minutes until meringue is lightly browned.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Fat: 7g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g