Name: Easy Lemon Meringue Cookies
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: ¾ cup caster sugar; ¼ cup water; 2 egg whites; 15 shortbread triangles; 1 cup lemon curd

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There’s something truly special about baking Easy Lemon Meringue Cookies. I still remember the first time I tried this delightful recipe. It was a sunny spring afternoon, and I was looking to create something refreshing that would impress my friends during a casual gathering. The moment I tasted that zesty lemon curd paired with the airy meringue, I was in love. These cookies not only look impressive, but they also deliver a burst of flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Imagine the joy on your guests’ faces when they bite into these sweet and tangy treats. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together, and I can’t wait to share it with you!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
25 mins

Prep Time:
5 mins

Cook Time:
20 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
120 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
0 g

Tools Used:
Kitchen Scale, Hand Mixer, Kitchen Torch

What Makes This Easy Lemon Meringue Cookies Special

Perfect Balance of Flavors

The beauty of Easy Lemon Meringue Cookies lies in the balance between the sweet and tangy flavors. The creamy lemon curd provides a delicious tartness, while the meringue adds a light, fluffy sweetness. Together, they create a truly harmonious experience that dances on your taste buds.

Texture to Swoon Over

These cookies offer a delightful contrast in textures. The crisp exterior of the meringue gives way to a soft, chewy inside, perfectly complemented by the luscious lemon curd. Each bite is a unique experience, making them incredibly satisfying.

Springtime Delight

Spring is the perfect season for these cookies. Their bright yellow color and refreshing taste mirror the beauty of blooming flowers and sunny days. They make an ideal treat for any spring gathering, whether it’s a picnic, brunch, or even a festive Easter celebration.

Simplistic Elegance

What I love about Easy Lemon Meringue Cookies is how effortlessly elegant they are. They can elevate any dessert table without requiring intricate skills or hours in the kitchen. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create something that looks and tastes gourmet.

Customizable Creation

Feel free to get creative with these cookies! While the classic lemon flavor is unbeatable, you can experiment with other citrus fruits or even add a hint of spice to the meringue. This versatility ensures that you can adjust the recipe to suit your preferences or the seasonal ingredients available.

A Fun Baking Adventure

Baking these cookies can be a fun activity to do with family or friends. From whipping the meringue to piping it onto the cookies, there’s something joyous about the process. It’s a great way to bond and create memories while producing a delicious treat.

What You Need for Easy Lemon Meringue Cookies

The beauty of this recipe starts with its simple yet effective ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the flavors and textures. The combination of caster sugar, water, egg whites, shortbread triangles, and lemon curd work harmoniously to create a delightful treat that everyone will love.

¾ cup caster sugar (150 grams) – This fine sugar dissolves easily, giving the meringue its signature sweetness and texture.
¼ cup water (57 grams) – Essential for dissolving the sugar to create a syrup that adds moisture.
2 egg whites (70 grams) – The magic ingredient that whips up into a fluffy meringue, providing that light texture.
15 shortbread triangles (150 grams, Walker’s recommended) – These serve as the base, adding a buttery crunch that perfectly complements the meringue.
1 cup lemon curd (340 grams, store-bought or homemade) – The star of the show, imparting a zesty and refreshing flavor that brings everything together.

Making Easy Lemon Meringue Cookies

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to get started on making these delightful Easy Lemon Meringue Cookies. The process is straightforward and rewarding, and I promise it’ll fill your kitchen with heavenly aromas!

Begin by placing the caster sugar and water into a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir gently until the sugar completely dissolves. Once dissolved, let it simmer for about 3 minutes. This syrup will be essential for sweetening your meringue, so don’t skip this step!
While the syrup is simmering, grab your mixing bowl and a hand mixer. Add the egg whites to the bowl and start beating them on medium speed until soft peaks begin to form. This usually takes a few minutes, and you’ll notice the mixture becoming frothy and light.
Once your egg whites have reached the soft peak stage, slowly pour in the hot sugar syrup in a thin stream. Continue beating the mixture until you achieve firm, glossy peaks. It’s crucial to ensure the sugar syrup is added gradually; otherwise, it could collapse your meringue.
Next, take your shortbread triangles and lay them out on a serving platter. These will act as the foundation for your cookies. Make sure they are evenly spaced to allow for easy assembly.
Now, it’s time to spoon a dollop of the lemon curd on top of each shortbread triangle. Don’t be shy; a generous amount adds a beautiful flavor and creaminess that pairs perfectly with the meringue.
After that, take your prepared meringue and pipe or spoon it onto the lemon curd. You can get creative here! Swirl it for a decorative touch or simply cover it completely.
If you have a kitchen torch, you can use it to lightly brown the meringue for that delicious toasted flavor and visual appeal. If you don’t have a torch, you can place the cookies under a broiler for a few seconds, but watch them closely to prevent burning!
Feel free to garnish each cookie with a mint leaf if you’d like to add a splash of color and freshness. This step is optional but will elevate the presentation.
Once all cookies are assembled, serve them immediately, or refrigerate them for a short while to set the meringue. Enjoy your amazing creation!

Things Worth Knowing

Perfect egg whites: Ensure your mixing bowl is completely clean and free from grease before whipping the egg whites. Any fat can prevent them from reaching their full volume.
Don’t rush the syrup: Allow the sugar syrup to simmer properly. This ensures it’s at the right temperature to stabilize the meringue.
Timing is key: If you’re using a kitchen torch, practice making small, controlled movements to achieve even browning on the meringue.
Storage precautions: These cookies are best enjoyed fresh. If you need to store them, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a day to maintain their texture.

Customization Ideas

There’s always room for creativity in the kitchen! Here are some customization ideas to make your Easy Lemon Meringue Cookies even more special:

Flavor variations: Try using lime or orange curd for a different citrus twist in your cookies.
Add spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the meringue can add a warm flavor that complements the brightness of the lemon.
Experiment with toppings: Crushed nuts or shredded coconut can add an interesting crunch to the cookies.
Serving style: Consider serving these cookies with a side of fresh berries for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Gift option: Package these cookies in a decorative box to share with friends and family; they make a delightful gift!
Mini versions: Make smaller versions of these cookies for bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties.

What to Serve Alongside Easy Lemon Meringue Cookies

When serving Easy Lemon Meringue Cookies, it’s important to consider complementary flavors and occasions. Here are some great ideas:

Tea time: These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of tea, making them a perfect treat for afternoon gatherings.
Spring celebrations: Serve these cookies during spring-themed parties or Easter brunch; their bright flavors are sure to impress your guests.
Picnics: Pack them in your picnic basket for a refreshing dessert that everyone will love.
Light meals: If you’re hosting a lighter meal, these cookies can be a delightful sweet finish.
Ice cream pairing: Consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla or lemon sorbet for an indulgent dessert experience.
Seasonal fruits: Fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries can add a lovely contrast when served with these cookies.

FAQ

Absolutely! While caster sugar is preferred for its fine texture, you can substitute it with granulated sugar. Just be sure to process it in a food processor briefly to achieve a finer consistency, ideal for making meringue. Keep in mind that using standard granulated sugar might slightly alter the texture of the final product, but it will still be delicious!

To maintain the best texture, store your Easy Lemon Meringue Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume them within a day or two for optimal freshness. If you need to keep them longer, consider separating the meringue from the shortbread triangles to prevent sogginess.

Absolutely! Making your own lemon curd at home is quite simple and allows for a fresh taste. You’ll need fresh lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and butter. Just cook these ingredients over low heat, stirring constantly until thickened. This homemade version will elevate your cookies for sure!

While it’s not recommended to freeze the assembled Easy Lemon Meringue Cookies since the meringue can lose its texture, you can freeze the components separately. Store the baked shortbread triangles in the freezer and make the meringue fresh when you’re ready to serve. This will ensure the best quality and flavor.

Conclusion

These Easy Lemon Meringue Cookies are a delightful treat that brings brightness and joy to any occasion. With their heavenly combination of sweet meringue and zesty lemon curd, they’re bound to impress anyone who takes a bite. Why not try making them today? You’ll love the process and the delightful results just as much as I do!