Description
Light and airy Easy Jello Meringue Cookies are a delightful twist on classic meringues, flavored with your favorite gelatin for a burst of color and taste. These crisp, sweet treats require just a few simple ingredients and bake slowly to achieve the perfect texture—crispy on the outside and slightly chewy inside. Perfect for parties or a sweet snack, this recipe yields 18 vibrant cookies with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Meringue Mixture
- 2 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon flavored gelatin (such as Jello, in your favorite flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Beat Egg Whites: In a large, clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form, ensuring they are light and fluffy.
- Add Cream of Tartar: Add the cream of tartar to the egg whites and continue beating until stiff peaks form, which provides stability to the meringue.
- Add Sugar Gradually: Slowly add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition until the meringue is glossy and holds stiff peaks, indicating it’s ready.
- Fold in Flavorings: Gently fold in the flavored gelatin, vanilla extract, and salt until the color and flavor are evenly distributed throughout the meringue.
- Shape Meringues: Using a spoon or a piping bag, drop spoonfuls or pipe small mounds of meringue onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the meringues are dry to the touch and can be easily lifted off the parchment paper without sticking.
- Cool in Oven: Turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside with the door slightly ajar to cool completely. This drying step helps them become perfectly crisp.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, serve the meringue cookies immediately or store them in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Use room temperature egg whites for best volume and stability.
- Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of grease to achieve stiff peaks.
- You can customize flavors by choosing different flavored gelatin packets (such as strawberry, lime, or raspberry).
- Store the meringue cookies in an airtight container to keep them crisp.
- Avoid humid days for best results as moisture can affect the crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
