These vibrant Jello Meringue Cookies are light, airy, and bursting with fruity flavors. Perfect for any occasion, theyโre easy to make and bring a playful pop of color to your dessert table. With just a few simple ingredients, these cookies are as delightful to make as they are to eat.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Delightful Texture: Crisp on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth on the inside.
- Customizable Flavors: Use any flavor of Jello to match your taste or theme.
- Eye-Catching Colors: Bright and cheery, perfect for parties or gifting.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples you likely already have.
- Naturally Gluten-Free: A great dessert option for those with dietary restrictions.
Ingredients
(Tip: Youโll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Egg whites
- Granulated sugar
- Jello powder (any flavor of your choice)
- Cream of tartar
- A pinch of salt
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 225ยฐF (107ยฐC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat. Mix until the sugar dissolves and stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold in the Jello powder and salt, ensuring an even distribution of color and flavor.
- Transfer the meringue mixture to a piping bag fitted with your preferred tip. Pipe small swirls or dollops onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 1.5โ2 hours, or until the cookies are crisp and easily lift off the parchment.
- Turn off the oven and let the cookies cool completely inside to prevent cracking.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields about 24 cookies, depending on size.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 1.5โ2 hours
Variations
- Different Flavors: Use any Jello flavor, from tangy lime to sweet strawberry.
- Marbled Effect: Fold in two or more Jello flavors for a multi-colored swirl.
- Mini Bites: Pipe smaller cookies for bite-sized treats, reducing the baking time slightly.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for extra indulgence.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer inside a freezer-safe container to prevent crushing.
- Reheating: Thereโs no need to reheat these cookies. Enjoy them as-is once thawed if frozen.
FAQs
1. Can I use sugar-free Jello for this recipe?
Yes, sugar-free Jello works, but the flavor may be slightly less intense.
2. Why didnโt my meringue form stiff peaks?
Ensure your bowl and whisk are completely grease-free, and avoid any yolk in the egg whites.
3. Can I make these cookies without cream of tartar?
Yes, but the cream of tartar helps stabilize the meringue for better results. Lemon juice or vinegar can be a substitute.
4. How do I prevent my cookies from cracking?
Cool the cookies in the oven with the door slightly ajar to prevent sudden temperature changes.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but bake in batches to avoid overcrowding the oven.
6. Are these cookies safe for kids?
Absolutely! They are light and fun, perfect for kids and adults alike.
7. Whatโs the best piping tip for these cookies?
A star tip works beautifully, but any tip can be used based on your preference.
8. Can I add food coloring?
The Jello powder provides color, but extra food coloring can enhance vibrancy if desired.
9. Why are my cookies sticky?
Humidity can cause meringue cookies to become sticky. Store them in a dry, airtight container.
10. How can I make these vegan?
Replace egg whites with aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) for a vegan-friendly version.
Conclusion
Vibrant Jello Meringue Cookies are a versatile and delightful treat thatโs perfect for celebrations or casual snacking. With their light texture and bold flavors, theyโre sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Experiment with different colors and flavors to make these cookies uniquely your own!
Print
Vibrant Jello Meringue Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These colorful and light meringue cookies are flavored with Jello for a burst of fruity sweetness and a vibrant appearance. Perfect for parties or as a fun treat, these cookies are crisp on the outside and slightly chewy inside. Theyโre easy to make and gluten-free!
Ingredients
- 3 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 (3 oz) package Jello (any flavor you like)
- Food coloring (optional, to match Jello flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 225ยฐF (110ยฐC) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until frothy.
- Add cream of tartar and continue to beat until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, while beating on high speed. Continue until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Gently fold in the Jello powder. Add a drop or two of food coloring if you want a more vibrant color.
- Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star or round tip. Pipe small dollops or swirls onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and let the cookies cool inside the oven for another hour to ensure they dry out completely.
- Remove from the oven and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use different Jello flavors to create an assortment of colors and tastes.
- Avoid making these on a humid day, as moisture can affect the meringueโs texture.
- Be careful not to overbeat the egg whites, as this can cause the meringue to collapse.
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