These Easy Jello Meringue Cookies are light, airy, and bursting with fruity flavor. Using flavored gelatin as a base, these colorful cookies are perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime you want a fun and delicious treat. With just a few simple ingredients, they’re a quick and customizable recipe that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor: The Jello adds vibrant flavor and color, making these cookies stand out.
- Light and Airy: Perfect for a sweet treat that doesn’t feel heavy.
- Customizable: Choose your favorite Jello flavors and mix colors for variety.
- Simple Ingredients: Requires just a handful of pantry staples.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Egg whites (room temperature)
- Granulated sugar
- Flavored gelatin (e.g., strawberry, lime, or any flavor you prefer)
- Cream of tartar
- Optional: food coloring for enhanced vibrancy
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat Egg Whites: In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Add Sugar and Gelatin: Gradually add granulated sugar and Jello powder, one spoonful at a time, while continuing to beat. Increase speed to high and beat until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy.
- Optional Coloring: Add a drop or two of food coloring to intensify the color if desired, and gently fold it in.
- Pipe or Scoop: Transfer the mixture to a piping bag with a star tip, or use a spoon to drop small dollops onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 1.5–2 hours, or until the cookies are dry and easily lift off the parchment. Turn off the oven and let the cookies cool completely inside.
- Serve: Once cooled, enjoy your colorful meringue cookies or store them for later.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 1.5–2 hours
Variations
- Mixed Flavors: Use two or more Jello flavors and pipe them side by side for a swirled effect.
- Holiday Themes: Use red and green Jello for Christmas, or orange and purple for Halloween.
- Sugar-Free Option: Use sugar-free Jello and a sugar substitute for a lighter version.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Keep them dry to maintain crispness.
- Freezing: Freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
1. Why are my meringue cookies sticky?
Meringue cookies can absorb moisture from the air. Ensure they’re stored in a completely airtight container in a dry environment.
2. Can I use liquid egg whites?
Yes, but make sure they are labeled as suitable for whipping, as some liquid egg whites don’t whip well.
3. What’s the purpose of cream of tartar?
Cream of tartar stabilizes the egg whites and helps create a firmer meringue.
4. Can I make this without gelatin?
Yes, but the Jello adds flavor and color. Without it, the cookies will be plain meringue. Consider adding extracts and food coloring for an alternative.
5. How do I know when the cookies are done?
They should be completely dry and lift easily off the parchment paper.
6. Can I make larger or smaller cookies?
Yes, adjust the baking time slightly. Larger cookies may take longer to dry, while smaller ones will bake faster.
7. Can I flavor these with something other than Jello?
Yes, use vanilla extract, almond extract, or other flavorings, and add food coloring for a colorful touch.
8. Why did my meringue deflate?
This can happen if egg whites are overbeaten or if there’s grease or water in the bowl. Make sure all equipment is clean and dry.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but whip the egg whites in batches to ensure they whip properly.
10. How can I pipe perfect shapes?
Use a star or round tip for even shapes, and hold the piping bag steady as you squeeze.
Conclusion
Easy Jello Meringue Cookies are a delightful and versatile treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With their light, crisp texture and fruity flavors, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a colorful holiday dessert, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy the magic of homemade meringue!
Print
Easy Jello Meringue Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5–2 hours
- Total Time: 2.5 hours
- Yield: 40–50 cookies 1x
- Category: Desserts, Cookies
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Jello Meringue Cookies are colorful, light, and bursting with fruity flavor! Made with just a few ingredients, these melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a fun twist on classic meringues. Perfect for parties, gifts, or just as a sweet treat!
Ingredients
- 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 small box (3 oz / 85 g) flavored gelatin (Jello, any flavor of your choice)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Prepare the meringue:
- In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar with a hand or stand mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat on high speed. Beat until stiff peaks form and the meringue is glossy.
- Incorporate the Jello powder:
- Sprinkle the flavored gelatin powder over the meringue and gently fold it in with a spatula until fully incorporated. The mixture will take on the color and flavor of the gelatin.
- Pipe or dollop the cookies:
- Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star or round tip. Pipe small swirls or dollops onto the prepared baking sheets. Alternatively, use a spoon to drop small mounds of meringue onto the sheets.
- Bake the meringues:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1.5–2 hours, or until the cookies are dry to the touch and easily lift off the parchment paper.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cookies inside to cool completely (this helps them stay crisp).
- Serve and store:
- Once cooled, serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Flavors: Try strawberry, lime, orange, or any other Jello flavor for a variety of colorful cookies.
- Tips for success: Make sure your mixing bowl and whisk are completely clean and grease-free for the best meringue consistency.
- Avoid making these cookies on humid days, as moisture can affect their texture.