Description

These Easy Jello Meringue Cookies combine the light, airy texture of classic meringues with the fun, fruity flavors of jello powder, creating a colorful and flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. They are simple to make, require only a few ingredients, and are baked slowly at a low temperature for a crisp, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Meringue Base

4 medium egg whites, room temperature
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon corn flour
1 cup granulated sugar, processed (see notes)

Flavoring

3 tablespoons jello powder mix (can be divided if making multiple colors)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) to ensure a low and slow baking process that will dry out the meringues properly.
Beat Egg Whites: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on high speed for about 30 seconds until they become foamy and start to develop volume.
Add Stabilizers: Reduce the mixer speed to medium and add white vinegar and corn flour. Continue beating for about a minute until soft peaks begin to form, providing structure to the meringue.
Incorporate Sugar: With the mixer still running, add the granulated sugar gradually in a slow, steady stream. Then increase the speed and beat the mixture for 4-5 minutes until stiff peaks form, resulting in a glossy and firm meringue.
Add Jello Powder: Optionally, divide the meringue into halves or thirds to create different colors or flavors. Add the desired amount of jello powder to each portion and beat for 30 to 45 seconds until fully blended.
Shape the Meringues: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop spoonfuls of the meringue mixture onto the sheet or pipe them using a piping bag for decorative shapes.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake at 200°F for 90 minutes to dry out the meringues gently.
Cool Slowly: Turn the oven off and leave the meringues inside for several hours or overnight to cool completely and harden further without cracking.
Store and Serve: Once cooled, store the meringue cookies in an airtight container to maintain their crispness. Enjoy them as a delightful, fruity treat anytime!

Notes

Processing the sugar (using a food processor) helps it dissolve better and results in a smoother meringue.
Dividing the meringue before adding jello powder allows you to create multiple flavored colors from the same batch.
Using parchment paper ensures the meringues don’t stick and come off easily after baking.
Leaving the meringues in the turned-off oven to cool slowly is crucial for preventing cracks and achieving the perfect texture.
These cookies store well in airtight containers and can last for several days when kept dry.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: jello meringue cookies, easy meringue recipe, fruity meringue, colorful meringue cookies, low fat dessert