Easy Jello Meringue Cookies Recipe
Introduction
These Easy Jello Meringue Cookies are a colorful, sweet treat that will brighten up any occasion. Light and airy with a pop of fruity flavor, they’re as delightful to eat as they are to look at. Made with just a few simple ingredients, they are perfect for celebrations or a fun homemade dessert.
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 small box (3 oz) Jello powder (choose your favorite flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Optional toppings: sprinkles, edible glitter, or colored sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a large, clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form—when peaks hold but are slightly droopy.
- Step 3: Increase mixer speed to high and gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time. Continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form and the meringue stands firmly.
- Step 4: Sprinkle in the Jello powder and beat until fully incorporated, adding vibrant color and fruity flavor.
- Step 5: Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star tip or use a spoon to dollop small mounds about 1 inch apart onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Step 6: Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cookies are completely dry to the touch. Turn off the oven and let the cookies cool inside for at least one hour to become crisp.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven, transfer to an airtight container, and enjoy your colorful, fruity meringue cookies.
Tips & Variations
- Use clean, grease-free tools to ensure your egg whites whip properly and achieve maximum volume.
- Add sugar slowly and gradually to dissolve it fully and create a smooth, glossy meringue.
- Try mixing different Jello flavors for unique color combinations and fruity blends. A rainbow batch is fun and festive!
- Allow cookies to cool slowly in the turned-off oven to prevent cracks and ensure they dry completely.
Storage
Store your meringue cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. To prevent sticking, place parchment paper between layers. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month and thaw at room temperature before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use powdered gelatin instead of Jello powder?
Jello powder contains flavor and color that give these cookies their unique taste and appearance. Using plain gelatin won’t provide the fruity flavor or vibrant color, so it’s best to stick with flavored Jello powder.
Why aren’t my egg whites whipping properly?
Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of any grease or oil, as fat prevents whipping. Also, use egg whites at room temperature and add cream of tartar to stabilize the mixture for better volume and peak formation.
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Easy Jello Meringue Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Easy Jello Meringue Cookies are a colorful, sweet treat featuring light, airy texture and vibrant fruity flavors infused with flavored gelatin powder. Crisp on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside, these naturally gluten-free cookies are perfect for celebrations, baby showers, or any occasion needing a whimsical dessert. Made with simple ingredients and baked low and slow, they store well and offer a fun twist on classic meringues with a pop of Jello-inspired color and flavor.
Ingredients
Basic Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 small box (3 oz) Jello powder (choose your favorite flavor: strawberry, lemon, lime, etc.)
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Optional Toppings
- Sprinkles
- Edible glitter
- Colored sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Your Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 225°F (110°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Whip the Egg Whites: In a clean, grease-free large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar on medium speed using an electric mixer until soft peaks form, which means the peaks hold but slightly droop.
- Gradually Add Sugar: Increase mixer speed to high and add granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time, beating continuously until stiff, glossy peaks form that stand firmly when beaters are lifted.
- Add the Jello Powder: Sprinkle the Jello powder over the meringue and continue beating until fully incorporated, achieving vibrant color and fruity flavor throughout.
- Pipe or Scoop the Meringue: Transfer the meringue into a piping bag fitted with a star tip or use a spoon to drop small mounds about 1 inch apart onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake the Meringues: Place the trays in the oven and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meringues are completely dry to the touch. After baking, turn off the oven and allow the cookies to cool inside for at least one hour to ensure crispness and prevent cracking.
- Serve and Store: Once cooled, remove from oven, transfer cookies to an airtight container, and enjoy your colorful, fruity meringues. Store at room temperature or freeze for longer preservation.
Notes
- Customization: Mix and match different Jello flavors to create unique color combinations and flavor blends, including rainbow batches for a fun presentation.
- Storage Tips: Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper separating layers at room temperature for up to two weeks or freeze for up to one month; thaw to room temperature before serving.
- Tips for Success: Use clean, grease-free tools to ensure egg whites whip properly; add sugar slowly for a smooth texture; bake at low temperature to dry without browning; cool cookies gradually inside the turned-off oven to avoid cracks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Jello meringue cookies, fruity meringue, colorful cookies, gluten free desserts, light meringue treats, party cookies, easy meringue recipe
