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Best Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies Recipe

Best Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 30 reviews

These Best Lemon Meringue Pie Cookies combine the tangy zest and lemon curd of a classic lemon meringue pie with a soft, buttery cookie base topped with fluffy, toasted Swiss meringue. Perfect for those who love a fresh, citrusy dessert with a delightful mix of textures and flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 150 g light brown sugar (about 3/4 cup)
  • Zest from 2 lemons
  • 90 g unsalted butter, softened (approximately 6 1/3 tablespoons)
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
  • 160 g all-purpose flour (around 1 1/3 cups)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Lemon Curd

  • 28 g unsalted butter, cut into cubes (2 tablespoons)
  • 65 g white sugar (about 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon)
  • 40 g fresh lemon juice (roughly 3 tablespoons)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Swiss Meringue

  • 2 egg whites
  • 100 g white sugar (equivalent to 1/2 cup)
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cookie Dough: Begin by adding the brown sugar to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Zest the lemons directly into the bowl, then rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers to release fragrant oils. Add softened butter and beat together using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Incorporate the egg and vanilla essence, beating for an additional minute until well combined. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Use a rubber spatula to fold the ingredients gently until no flour streaks remain. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Lemon Curd: While the dough chills, prepare the lemon curd. Place cubed butter in a small mixing bowl with a fine mesh sieve set on top. In a small saucepan, combine sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, egg yolks, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and reaches at least 170°F (76°C). Remove from heat and strain through the sieve over the butter. Stir until butter melts and mixture is smooth. Chill in the fridge until ready to use.
  3. Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, place dollops of dough on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges turn golden brown and tops remain slightly wet. Allow cookies to rest on the hot baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
  4. Make the Swiss Meringue: While cookies cool, prepare the Swiss meringue. Combine egg whites and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, whisking constantly until the mixture reaches 170°F (76°C). Transfer to a mixing bowl and add salt, cornstarch, and vanilla essence. Using a mixer with a whisk attachment, beat until stiff peaks form and the meringue is glossy.
  5. Assemble and Torch the Cookies: Once cookies have cooled to room temperature, spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of Swiss meringue onto each cookie. Swirl a little lemon curd into the meringue on each cookie, allowing some meringue to remain visible for a beautiful torched effect. Use a culinary torch to toast the meringue until golden brown. Serve and enjoy your delicious lemon meringue pie cookies!

Notes

  • Make sure eggs are at room temperature for the best mixing and meringue consistency.
  • When zesting lemons, avoid the white pith as it can add bitterness.
  • Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure lemon curd and meringue reach the proper temperature for safety and texture.
  • Allow cookies to cool completely before adding meringue to prevent melting.
  • For added flavor, you can add a pinch of cream of tartar when whipping the meringue.
  • Store baked cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh, but add meringue topping just before serving for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon meringue pie cookies, lemon cookies, meringue cookies, lemon curd cookies, citrus desserts, toasted meringue, lemon dessert

Find it online: https://tastemadebyclara.com/best-lemon-meringue-pie-cookies-recipe/