Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies are a fun, bite-sized version of the classic lemon meringue pie. These cookies feature a delicate shortbread base topped with a tangy lemon filling and a fluffy meringue topping. With their light and airy texture, they are perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to special events like tea parties or celebrations.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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For the cookie base:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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¼ cup powdered sugar
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½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
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¼ teaspoon salt
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For the lemon filling:
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¼ cup lemon juice
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg yolk
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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¼ teaspoon lemon zest
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For the meringue topping:
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2 large egg whites
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¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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Directions
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Prepare the Cookie Base:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add chilled butter and cut it in using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the dough together to form a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. -
Bake the Cookies:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness and cut out circles using a cookie cutter. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet. -
Make the Lemon Filling:
In a saucepan, whisk together lemon juice, granulated sugar, egg yolk, cornstarch, and lemon zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. -
Make the Meringue:
In a large bowl, beat egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until foamy. Add cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form. Gradually add granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until stiff peaks form. -
Assemble the Cookies:
Spoon a small amount of the cooled lemon filling onto each cooled cookie. Top with a dollop of meringue. -
Broil the Meringue:
Broil the cookies for 1-2 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly golden brown. Let the cookies cool completely before serving.
Nutrients
Per serving (1 cookie):
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Calories: 475 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 73 g
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Protein: 5 g
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Fat: 18 g
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Saturated Fat: 10 g
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Cholesterol: 149 mg
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Sodium: 308 mg
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Fiber: 1 g
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Sugar: 54 g
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Vitamin C: 7 mg
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Calcium: 63 mg
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Iron: 1 mg
These delicious cookies combine the tang of lemon with the sweetness of meringue and buttery shortbread, making them a crowd-pleaser for any dessert lover!
The Perfect Cookie Base: Buttery and Light
The base of these lemon meringue pie cookies is a shortbread-like dough that provides a rich, buttery foundation. Made from simple ingredients like flour, powdered sugar, salt, and chilled butter, the shortbread base is crisp and light, perfectly complementing the tangy lemon filling and the airy meringue.
The addition of powdered sugar makes the shortbread tender and slightly sweet, giving it that melt-in-your-mouth quality that contrasts beautifully with the more intense flavors of the lemon and meringue. When baked, the dough turns a lovely golden color, creating a firm yet delicate foundation for the toppings.
Tangy Lemon Filling: Bright and Refreshing
The lemon filling is the star of these cookies, offering a refreshing burst of citrus that perfectly balances the sweetness of the shortbread and the meringue. The mixture of lemon juice, granulated sugar, egg yolk, and cornstarch creates a smooth and velvety texture that thickens as it cools, allowing it to hold its shape on the cookie without running. The addition of lemon zest enhances the citrus flavor, providing an aromatic punch that makes the lemon filling irresistibly fresh.
Unlike traditional lemon curd, which can sometimes be too rich or heavy, the filling in these cookies is just the right consistency. It’s thick enough to stay in place but still light and refreshing, making each bite feel like a burst of sunshine.
The Meringue Topping: Sweet and Light
Topping these cookies with meringue gives them the signature texture of a lemon meringue pie. The meringue is made by whipping egg whites with cream of tartar and sugar until stiff peaks form. This process creates a fluffy, cloud-like topping that has the perfect balance of sweetness and lightness.
The meringue is not only visually appealing with its glossy, whipped texture, but it also provides a beautiful contrast to the other elements of the cookie. When broiled for just a minute or two, the meringue takes on a lightly golden hue, adding a slight caramelized flavor that pairs wonderfully with the lemon and buttery shortbread.
Easy to Make: A Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion
One of the greatest things about Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies is how easy they are to make. The process involves creating three components—the shortbread base, lemon filling, and meringue—each of which comes together quickly and simply. After preparing the dough and baking the cookies, you can make the lemon filling and meringue while the cookies cool.
The meringue is whipped up in a matter of minutes and spread over the cooled lemon filling before broiling for a minute or two to achieve a perfect golden-brown topping. The result is a beautifully layered cookie that looks impressive but requires only minimal effort.
These cookies are also a great way to introduce the classic lemon meringue pie flavors in a more manageable and portable form. Whether served at a tea party, given as a gift, or enjoyed as an after-dinner treat, they are sure to be a hit.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies are perfect on their own but can be served alongside a variety of other desserts for a more elaborate spread. They pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea, especially a citrus-flavored variety or a classic Earl Grey. The brightness of the lemon and the lightness of the meringue make them a perfect companion to a refreshing, aromatic tea.
For a dessert table, consider serving them alongside other bite-sized treats, such as mini cheesecakes, fruit tarts, or chocolate truffles. These cookies also make an excellent addition to holiday gatherings, birthday parties, or even as a festive treat for Mother’s Day or a bridal shower.
Nutritional Considerations
Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies, like many desserts, are indulgent but can still be enjoyed in moderation. Each cookie provides a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and protein. The buttery shortbread base, combined with the sweetness of the meringue and the tangy lemon filling, gives these cookies a rich flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
At approximately 475 calories per cookie, they are a treat best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence. The cookies also contain a moderate amount of fat, including saturated fat, from the butter and meringue. While they are higher in sugar, they offer a small amount of fiber from the lemon and a modest source of calcium and iron.
Conclusion
Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies offer all the delightful flavors of the classic lemon meringue pie in a fun, bite-sized form. The buttery, crisp shortbread base, the tangy lemon filling, and the fluffy meringue topping come together to create a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re looking for a treat for a special occasion, a fun dessert to serve at a tea party, or a sweet snack for the family, these cookies are a delicious and impressive option. Easy to make and full of bright, citrusy flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.