Description
Delightfully light and colorful, Jello Meringue Cookies are a fun twist on classic meringues. Featuring the vibrant flavors and hues of Jello powder, these cookies are crisp, airy, and perfect for parties or a sweet treat. They require simple ingredients and low oven heat, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a hint of fruity flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 small box (3 oz) Jello powder (any flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Optional Ingredients
- Sprinkles or edible glitter (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 225°F (107°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Beat Egg Whites: In a clean, dry bowl, use a mixer to beat the 4 room-temperature egg whites with 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar until soft peaks form. This means when you lift the beaters, peaks should form but the tips will curl over slightly.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add the 1 cup of granulated sugar while continuing to beat. Beat the mixture until stiff, glossy peaks form, indicating the sugar is fully dissolved and the meringue is stable.
- Incorporate Jello Powder: Gently fold in the 3 oz of Jello powder until completely combined, taking care not to deflate the meringue.
- Pipe Meringue: Transfer the mixture to a piping bag and pipe small mounds or desired shapes onto the prepared baking sheets. Optionally, sprinkle edible glitter or sprinkles on top for a festive look.
- Bake: Bake the meringues in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours at 225°F. This low temperature slowly dries out the meringues without browning.
- Cool: After baking, turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside for 1 hour to cool gradually, which helps prevent cracking.
- Store: Once completely cooled, store the meringues in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crisp texture.
Notes
- Ensure no yolk is in the egg whites for best volume and stability.
- Use room temperature egg whites to help them whip better.
- Low and slow baking at 225°F is key to drying without browning or toughening.
- Storing in airtight containers keeps meringues crispy and fresh.
- Feel free to experiment with different Jello flavors for various colorful and flavorful variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
