Easy Jello Meringue Cookies
Craving something light, crisp, and colorful? These Easy Jello Meringue Cookies are your answer! Perfectly airy, sweet, and just the right amount of tang from the Jello, these cookies will melt in your mouth with every bite. Not only are they a fun twist on classic meringue cookies, but they’re also an easy, no-fuss treat that anyone can whip up. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just satisfying a sweet tooth, these cookies are guaranteed to impress with their delicate texture and vibrant colors. Trust me, they’re a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Easy Jello Meringue Cookies
This recipe is more than just a sweet treat—it’s a colorful delight that adds a pop of fun to your baking routine. Here’s why you’ll love these cookies:
Versatile: You can switch up the Jello flavor to match the season or your mood. Strawberry, lime, or even orange—endless possibilities.
Budget-Friendly: With just a few ingredients—egg whites, sugar, and Jello—these cookies are super affordable to make.
Quick and Easy: Whip them up in under an hour, and you’ve got a batch of sweet, airy meringue cookies ready to go!
Customizable: Want to make them extra fancy? Add a sprinkle of colored sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for a fun twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: Light, crunchy, and bursting with flavor, these cookies are a hit with everyone. Perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or a simple snack.
Ingredients in Easy Jello Meringue Cookies
Let’s break down the ingredients that make these meringue cookies so irresistible:
Egg Whites: The base of these cookies. Whipped into soft peaks, they create the light and airy texture that meringues are known for.
Sugar: Sweetens the meringue and helps create the perfect crunchy exterior.
Jello (any flavor): This is where the fun begins! The Jello adds both flavor and color to the cookies, making them pop with sweetness and vibrancy.
Cream of Tartar: This helps stabilize the meringue, ensuring that it holds its shape during baking.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a bit of extra sweetness and depth to balance the fruity Jello flavor.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Time to create these light, crunchy cookies!
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). This low temperature will ensure that the cookies bake slowly and evenly, becoming crisp without burning.
Prepare the Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the meringues from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Whisk the Egg Whites: In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until they form soft peaks. This means that when you lift the beaters, the egg whites should form a gentle peak that bends slightly at the top.
Add the Sugar: Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat the egg whites. This will help the meringue form stiff peaks. Once all the sugar is added, beat until the meringue is glossy and holds firm peaks.
Mix in the Jello and Flavoring: Gently fold in the Jello powder and vanilla extract, being careful not to deflate the meringue. The Jello will add both flavor and color to the mixture, so you’ll have beautifully vibrant meringue cookies!
Pipe or Spoon the Meringue: Spoon the meringue mixture into a piping bag or use two spoons to drop small dollops onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 1 inch apart as they won’t spread much.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meringues are dry and crisp. They should easily lift off the parchment paper. If they feel soft in the center, bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.
Cool Completely: Turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside to cool for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and become perfectly crisp.
Serve and Enjoy: Once cool, your Easy Jello Meringue Cookies are ready to enjoy! The crunchy outside and sweet, fruity flavor will have everyone asking for more.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24
Calories per serving: approx. 25
(put them as notes)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1.5-2 hours
Total Time: 1.5-2.5 hours
How to Serve Easy Jello Meringue Cookies
These colorful, crunchy treats are perfect for snacking on their own or for serving at any occasion. Here are a few ideas for how to serve them:
Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a light and sweet treat.
Serve them as part of a dessert table or holiday spread—they’re sure to be the star of the show.
Dip them in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry before whipping the egg whites. Any trace of fat can prevent the meringues from forming properly.
If you want your cookies to be extra colorful, you can use multiple flavors of Jello and create a rainbow effect by swirling them together.
For an extra crispy texture, leave the meringues in the oven to cool with the door slightly cracked. This allows the air to circulate and helps them dry out completely.
Feel free to experiment with different Jello flavors to create a variety of cookies for any occasion!
FAQs
1 Can I use flavored gelatin instead of Jello?
Yes! Any type of flavored gelatin will work, but Jello is usually more accessible and comes in a wider range of flavors.
2 Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! Meringue cookies store well in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, so feel free to bake them ahead of time for your next event.
3 What happens if I overbeat the egg whites?
If you overbeat the egg whites, they can become dry and start to form clumps. It’s important to stop when they form soft or stiff peaks, depending on the step.
4 Can I use egg whites from a carton?
Yes, you can use egg whites from a carton, but make sure they’re fresh and haven’t been sitting in your fridge for too long.
5 Can I add food coloring to the meringue?
Yes! A few drops of food coloring can be added to create vibrant, colorful meringues. Just make sure to add it after the sugar is incorporated.
6 Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
Yes, a hand mixer will work just fine for this recipe, but be sure to beat the egg whites well to achieve the right texture.
7 What if my meringues are soft after baking?
If they’re soft, simply put them back in the oven for another 15-20 minutes. They need to dry out completely to get that perfect crispy texture.
8 Can I use a different sweetener for these cookies?
You can experiment with different sweeteners, but keep in mind that this might affect the texture of the meringue. Use an alternative sweetener like stevia or monk fruit if you prefer.
9 Why did my meringues crack?
Cracking is usually a sign that the oven temperature was too high or the cookies baked too quickly. Be sure to bake at a low temperature for a longer time to prevent cracks.
10 Can I make these cookies without Jello?
Yes, you can make plain meringues by simply omitting the Jello and adding a little vanilla extract for flavor.
Conclusion
These Easy Jello Meringue Cookies are the perfect sweet treat to add a burst of color and flavor to your day. They’re light, crunchy, and packed with fruity goodness, making them a delightful addition to any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a party, or just a special treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit. So, grab your ingredients, whip up those egg whites, and enjoy a batch of these irresistible meringues!
PrintEasy Jello Meringue Cookies
These colorful meringue cookies are infused with your choice of Jello flavors, offering a crispy texture and a burst of fruity taste. They’re simple to prepare and can be customized to suit various occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
– 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 tablespoons Jello gelatin powder (any flavor)
– 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: Mini chocolate chips or sprinkles for topping
Instructions
1. **Prepare the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 225°F (107°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. **Whip the Egg Whites:**
– In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and salt on medium speed until foamy.
– Add the cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
3. **Incorporate Sugar and Gelatin:**
– Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while beating on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form.
– Gently fold in the Jello gelatin powder until well combined. Be careful not to deflate the meringue.
4. **Shape the Meringues:**
– Using a spoon or piping bag, place small dollops or rosettes of the meringue mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
– If desired, sprinkle mini chocolate chips or sprinkles on top of each meringue.
5. **Bake:**
– Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. Do not open the oven door during this time.
– After 1 hour, turn off the oven and let the meringues sit inside for an additional 1 hour to dry out.
6. **Cool and Serve:**
– Remove the meringues from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet.
– Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
– **Flavor Variations:** Experiment with different Jello flavors such as strawberry, lemon, lime, or raspberry to create a variety of colored and flavored meringues.
– **Storage:** Keep the meringues in an airtight container to maintain their crispiness. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a week.
– **Optional Add-ins:** For added texture and flavor, consider folding in mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts before baking.
– **Troubleshooting:** Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of grease to achieve the best meringue consistency. Room temperature egg whites whip better than cold ones.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 15 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 12 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
