Easy Jello Meringue Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Easy Jello Meringue Cookies are light, airy, and bursting with fruity flavor. Perfectly crisp and subtly sweet, they’re a delightful treat that adds a colorful twist to classic meringues.

Ingredients

• 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 (3 oz) box of flavored Jello (choose your favorite)
• Optional: gel food coloring for vibrant swirls

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt on medium speed until foamy.
3. Step 3: Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat the mixture.
4. Step 4: Increase the speed to high and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 5 to 7 minutes.
5. Step 5: Gently fold in the Jello powder and optional gel food coloring until just combined.
6. Step 6: Using a piping bag fitted with a star tip, pipe the meringue mixture onto the prepared baking sheets in small swirls or shapes.
7. Step 7: Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and let the cookies sit inside for another hour to dry out.
8. Step 8: Once completely cool, store the meringue cookies in an airtight container.

Tips & Variations

• For extra vibrant colors, add a small amount of gel food coloring along with the Jello powder before folding.
• Ensure the mixing bowl and beaters are completely grease-free to achieve stiff peaks.
• Experiment with different Jello flavors to create a variety of fruity treats.
• Pipe smaller meringues if you want bite-sized cookies that crisp up even better.

Storage

Store these meringue cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep fresh and crisp for up to 1 week. Avoid humidity, which can cause them to become sticky. No need to reheat; enjoy them as is for the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular flavoring instead of Jello powder?

While regular flavoring extracts work, Jello powder adds both flavor and a slight color, giving the cookies a unique look and taste. You can try extracts, but the texture and color may differ.

What happens if the peaks aren’t stiff after beating?

If your egg whites don’t form stiff peaks, ensure your bowl and beaters are clean and dry, and that no yolk is mixed in. Also, make sure the egg whites are at room temperature; cold egg whites don’t whip as well.

Easy Jello Meringue Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 79 reviews

These Easy Jello Meringue Cookies are light, airy, and bursting with fruity flavor thanks to the addition of flavored Jello powder. Perfect as a colorful, gluten-free treat, they combine the delicate crispness of classic meringues with a fun twist of flavor and optional vibrant swirls using gel food coloring. Simple to make with just egg whites, sugar, and a few additional ingredients, these cookies are perfect for parties or a delightful everyday snack.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: About 24 small meringue cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients

• 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 (3 oz) box flavored Jello (choose your favorite flavor)

Optional Ingredients

• Gel food coloring for vibrant swirls

Instructions

1. Prepare oven and baking sheets: Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for even baking.
2. Beat egg whites and stabilize: In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt on medium speed until the mixture becomes foamy, which typically takes about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add sugar gradually: Slowly add granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time while continuing to beat. This helps dissolve the sugar fully and build volume in the meringue.
4. Whip to stiff peaks: Increase the mixer speed to high and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form, usually around 5 to 7 minutes. The meringue should hold its shape firmly without drooping.
5. Incorporate Jello and optional coloring: Add the flavored Jello powder and, if desired, gel food coloring to the meringue. Beat just until these are evenly combined, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
6. Pipe onto baking sheets: Transfer the meringue mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe small swirls or shapes onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart.
7. Bake low and slow: Bake the meringues in the preheated oven for 1 hour. After that, turn the oven off and let the cookies sit inside for an additional hour to dry out thoroughly without browning.
8. Cool and store: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the meringue cookies to cool completely. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container to maintain their crisp texture.

Notes

• Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for better volume.
• Using cream of tartar helps stabilize the meringue and maintain its structure.
• Do not open the oven door during the baking and resting period to avoid cracking.
• Experiment with different Jello flavors and colors for variety.
• Store meringue cookies in a dry, airtight container to keep them crispy; avoid humidity.

Keywords: meringue, jello cookies, flavored meringue, gluten free dessert, easy meringue recipe, egg white cookies