Are you ready to brighten up your baking game with a burst of citrusy sunshine? Look no further! Lemon meringue cookies are a classic combination that never goes out of style. The tangy sweetness of the lemon, paired with the fluffy and airy texture of the meringue, is a match made in heaven. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting to experiment with new recipes, we’ve got you covered with 18 zesty lemon meringue cookie recipes that are sure to impress.
From classic sandwich cookies to creative takes on traditional favorites, these sweet treats are perfect for snacking, gifting, or simply satisfying your cravings. So go ahead and indulge in a little sunshine – after all, who doesn’t love the taste of lemon and the satisfaction of a perfectly baked cookie?
Classic Lemon Meringue Sandwich Cookies
Brighten up your snack time with these tangy and sweet cookies featuring a zesty lemon filling and crispy meringue topping.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons 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 and sugar. Add softened butter; mix until a dough forms.
3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
4. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving 1 inch space between each cookie.
5. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
6. Allow cookies to cool completely before filling with lemon curd (see below).
Lemon Curd Filling:
– Whisk together 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar in a small bowl.
Meringue Topping:
1. Beat 1 large egg white until stiff peaks form.
2. Spread a dollop of meringue on top of each cooled cookie.
3. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Lemon Meringue Thumbprint Cookies
Lemon Meringue Thumbprint Cookies: A Sweet Twist on a Classic Treat
These buttery cookies with a hidden surprise of lemon curd and toasted meringue will brighten up any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Lemon curd (store-bought or homemade), for filling
– 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 powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and lemon juice.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
6. Place cookies onto prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Meringue Topping:
– 2 large egg whites
– 1 cup granulated sugar
Beat egg whites and sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread meringue topping over cooled cookies, creating a toasted effect by broiling in the oven for an additional 30-60 seconds or under the broiler.
Soft-Baked Lemon Meringue Cookies
Brighten up your day with these sweet and tangy treats! These Soft-Baked Lemon Meringue Cookies are a perfect combination of citrusy freshness and velvety texture.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
5. Stir in lemon juice.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Yield: About 24 cookies
Lemon Meringue Macarons
Brighten up your dessert game with these citrusy treats!
Ingredients:
• 1 cup (120g) almond flour
• 2 cups (250g) confectioner’s sugar
• 3 large egg whites
• 1/4 cup (60g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Meringue topping ingredients: 1/2 cup (120g) granulated sugar, 3 large egg whites
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together almond flour and confectioner’s sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whip egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add granulated sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Fold the mixture into the dry ingredients until combined.
4. Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheet.
5. Tap the baking sheet gently to remove any air bubbles.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until firm to the touch.
7. For the meringue topping, beat egg whites and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread over the baked macarons.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chewy Lemon Meringue Cookies with Toasted Meringue
Brighten up your day with these chewy lemon meringue cookies, topped with a toasted meringue that adds an extra layer of crunch and flavor. The combination of tart lemons and sweet meringue is a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup meringue topping (see below)
Meringue Topping:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 cup 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 and sugar.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and eggs until light and fluffy. Add lemon zest and juice; mix well.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough on floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving 1 inch space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
8. Allow cookies to cool on wire rack.
9. To toast meringue topping, place meringue mixture in a bowl and whip until stiff peaks form.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lemon Meringue Shortbread Cookies
Brighten up your snack time with these tender and tangy lemon-infused shortbread cookies topped with a sweet and fluffy meringue.
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Salt to taste
• 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, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar. Add butter; use a pastry blender or fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until crumbly.
3. Stir in lemon juice and baking powder. Form into a ball; flatten slightly onto prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
5. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Meringue Topping:
• 1 cup egg whites
• 1 cup granulated sugar
Beat egg whites and sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread over cooled shortbread cookies.
Lemon Meringue Crinkle Cookies
Brighten up your day with these sweet and tangy cookies that combine the brightness of lemon zest with a crinkly texture.
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 confectioners’ sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp grated lemon zest
– 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, lemon zest, and lemon juice until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lemon Meringue Drop Cookies
Brighten up your day with these tangy and sweet lemon-flavored cookies, topped with a fluffy meringue kiss.
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 large eggs
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup powdered sugar
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 sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Add lemon juice and whisk until combined.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
8. While cookies are still warm, top each with a dollop of meringue made by whisking powdered sugar and 1 tbsp water until stiff peaks form.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Vegan Lemon Meringue Cookies
Brighten up your day with these tangy and sweet vegan lemon meringue cookies, perfect for a quick treat or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup vegan butter (softened), plus more for greasing
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large egg replacers (such as flax or chia eggs)
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking sheet with vegan butter.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together vegan butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add egg replacers, lemon juice, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until a dough forms.
6. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
7. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Gluten-Free Lemon Meringue Cookies
Brighten up your day with these tangy and sweet gluten-free lemon meringue cookies, perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups almond flour
– 1/4 cup coconut sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for meringue topping)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut sugar, and salt.
3. Add softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon juice to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll out dough on a 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 of space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
8. Allow cookies to cool completely before topping with meringue (beat egg whites and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form). Spread meringue over cooled cookies.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lemon Meringue Snowball Cookies
Lemon Meringue Snowball Cookies Recipe
These chewy cookies are filled with the bright, citrusy flavor of lemon and topped with a fluffy meringue topping that adds a sweet and tangy contrast. A perfect treat for any occasion!
Ingredients:
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 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 powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Gradually mix in flour mixture, then lemon juice.
5. Roll dough into 1-inch (2.5 cm) balls and place on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) space between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Meringue Topping:
• Beat 2 large egg whites and 1 cup confectioners’ sugar until stiff peaks form.
• Spread meringue topping over cooled cookies, allowing any excess to drizzle off the sides.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Lemon Meringue Butter Cookies
Lemon Meringue Butter Cookies Recipe
Brighten up your day with these tangy and sweet cookies, bursting with lemon zest and topped with a velvety meringue buttercream.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg yolk
– 1 tsp grated lemon zest
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 tsp baking powder
– Salt to taste
– Meringue buttercream (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 powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in egg yolk and lemon zest.
5. Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients; mix until just combined.
6. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Meringue Buttercream:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
Beat butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add lemon juice; mix until combined.
Lemon Meringue Sugar Cookies
Brighten up your baking with these sweet and tangy sugar cookies, topped with a fluffy lemon meringue kiss.
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
– 1/2 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 salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Stir in lemon juice.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Meringue Topping:
1. Beat egg whites and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
2. Add lemon juice and beat until combined.
3. Spread meringue over cooled cookies, allowing excess to drizzle off the edges.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes per batch of cookies
Lemon Meringue Linzer Cookies
Brighten up your day with these tangy and sweet linzer cookies, infused with the zest of lemon and topped with a fluffy meringue.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 egg yolk
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 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. Add softened butter and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter.
4. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Allow cookies to cool completely before topping with meringue (see below).
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve.
Meringue Topping:
– 2 large egg whites
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Beat egg whites and sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe onto cooled cookies.
Lemon Meringue Spritz Cookies
Brighten up your snack time with these tangy and sweet cookies, infused with the zesty flavor of lemon and topped with a fluffy meringue kiss.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 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, granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Beat in eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
5. Drop by spoonfuls onto prepared baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Meringue Topping:
– Beat 2 large egg whites and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
– Spread meringue topping over cooled cookies, spreading evenly to cover.
Lemon Meringue Biscotti
Lemon Meringue Biscotti Recipe
Brighten up your morning with these tangy and sweet biscotti, infused with the warmth of lemon and topped with a fluffy meringue.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon 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, confectioners’ sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and egg until light and fluffy. Add lemon juice and mix well.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes.
6. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Meringue Topping:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large egg whites
Beat sugar and egg whites until stiff peaks form. Spoon over biscotti while still warm.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Lemon Meringue Cookie Bars
Brighten up your day with these tangy and sweet cookie bars, topped with a fluffy lemon meringue.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup meringue topping (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar.
3. Add softened butter and mix until a dough forms.
4. Press the dough into the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
7. Top with meringue topping (see below) and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until meringue is golden.
Meringue Topping:
1. Beat 2 egg whites and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
2. Add 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest and mix until combined.
Lemon Meringue Whoopie Pies
Brighten up your day with these sunshine-filled treats that combine the classic flavors of lemon and meringue in a whoopie pie form.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons 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 flours, sugar, and butter until well combined. Beat in eggs until smooth.
3. Divide batter evenly into 12-15 mounds on prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
4. Allow pies to cool completely before filling with lemon curd (recipe not included).
5. Top each pie with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes per batch
Summary
Get ready to brighten up your cookie jar with these 18 zesty lemon meringue recipes! From classic sandwiches to chewy drops and crunchy macarons, there’s a treat for every taste bud. Discover how to make soft-baked cookies, crinkly linzers, buttery shortbread, and more. Plus, explore vegan and gluten-free options to ensure everyone can enjoy the sweet and tangy fun. These lemon meringue cookie recipes are sure to be irresistible – perfect for springtime baking or anytime you need a citrusy pick-me-up.
