Easy Jello Meringue Cookies Recipe
There’s something simply magical about these little clouds of sweet delight called meringue cookies, and when you add a punch of flavor and color from Jello, they become downright irresistible. This Easy Jello Meringue Cookies Recipe is my go-to treat when I want a light, airy cookie that’s bursting with fun flavor and that just melts in your mouth. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for last-minute dessert cravings or a fun project with kids.
What I love most about this Easy Jello Meringue Cookies Recipe is how versatile and customizable it is. You can pick your favorite Jello flavor and instantly brighten up the cookie—think raspberry, lime, or even tropical punch. Whether you’re making a batch for a party, a holiday dessert table, or just for a whimsical afternoon snack, these little gems never disappoint and always leave everyone asking for the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for just a handful of ingredients that come together beautifully. Each plays its role—egg whites provide that airy structure, sugar sweetens and stabilizes, and the Jello powder adds an exciting burst of flavor and color that’s unique to this Easy Jello Meringue Cookies Recipe. I always recommend grabbing fresh eggs and your preferred Jello flavor for best results.
- Egg whites: Make sure they’re at room temperature for maximum volume when whipped.
- Granulated sugar: Adding it slowly helps you achieve that glossy, stiff-peak finish without graininess.
- Jello powder: Choose your favorite flavor—it gives the cookies both color and taste.
- Cream of tartar: This little magic powder stabilizes the egg whites to keep your meringue fluffy.
- Optional toppings: I love a sprinkle of edible glitter or colored sugars for a fun, festive look.
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often swap out the Jello flavors or mix two together for a marbled effect. Don’t hesitate to play around and find your favorite combo that suits your mood or the season.
- Flavor combos: I once tried strawberry and orange Jello powder mixed together—resulted in a tangy, tropical vibe that my family loved.
- Gluten-free: Luckily, these cookies are naturally gluten-free, so just use gluten-free toppings to keep it safe for everyone.
- Holiday-themed: Use red and green sprinkles or flavored Jello powders for a fun Christmas touch.
- Mini meringues: Pipe out tiny bite-size versions for easy snacking or party favors.
How to Make Easy Jello Meringue Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your baking setup
Start by preheating your oven to a low 225°F (110°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Low heat is key here because meringues need to dry out gently without browning or burning.
Step 2: Whip egg whites until soft peaks form
Using a clean, grease-free mixing bowl, beat your room temperature egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed. Watch closely for when soft peaks form—that’s when the whites lift but the tips curl over. This is a crucial stage before adding sugar to build volume and structure.
Step 3: Add sugar gradually and beat to stiff peaks
Slowly add the sugar one tablespoon at a time while cranking up your mixer to high speed. This slow addition helps the sugar dissolve completely and creates that signature glossy, stiff meringue. When you lift your beaters, the peaks should stand straight up without drooping—this means you’re gold!
Step 4: Fold in Jello powder and mix gently
Sprinkle your chosen Jello powder over the meringue and mix on low speed until it’s fully incorporated and your meringue glows with vibrant color. This step infuses both the flavor and a hint of sweetness unique to the Jello. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep as much air in the meringue as possible.
Step 5: Pipe or dollop onto baking sheets
Transfer your mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star tip if you want pretty shapes, or just use a spoon to drop small mounds onto the sheets. Make sure to space them about an inch apart because they’ll dry and may expand slightly. This is where they start looking like the delicate treats we all adore.
Step 6: Bake low and slow, then cool inside
Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours until the meringues feel completely dry when you touch them. Here’s a key tip: once the time’s up, turn off your oven and leave them inside to cool for at least an hour. This slow cooldown helps prevent cracks and keeps the texture perfectly crisp on the outside and light inside.
How to Serve Easy Jello Meringue Cookies Recipe

Garnishes
I usually top mine with a sprinkle of edible glitter or colored sugar—makes them sparkle and adds a little crunch. Sometimes I even dust a tiny bit of powdered Jello on top for an extra punch of flavor and color. It’s these little touches that really make the cookies feel special.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine on their own but also pair beautifully with simple treats like fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. When I’m hosting, I love setting out a small bowl of lemon curd or raspberry jam alongside for dipping—it turns this simple cookie into a festive party snack.
Creative Ways to Present
One of my favorite ways to serve Easy Jello Meringue Cookies Recipe is on a tiered dessert stand for parties, where the vibrant colors really pop. I’ve also arranged them around cupcakes or mini cheesecakes as edible decorations—trust me, guests love the surprise burst of flavor these add!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your meringue cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp—trust me, moisture is their enemy! I usually keep mine in a sealed tin or plastic container with a tight lid for up to two weeks, and they stay fresh and delicious every time.
Freezing
Freezing works surprisingly well for meringue cookies. I like to freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a ziplock bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes—still perfectly crisp and flavorful!
Reheating
Since these cookies are best enjoyed crisp, I don’t actually reheat them, but if they’ve softened a bit from humidity, popping them in a low oven (about 200°F) for 5-10 minutes can help revive their crunch. Just keep an eye so they don’t brown.
FAQs
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Can I use instant pudding instead of Jello powder in the Easy Jello Meringue Cookies Recipe?
Instant pudding isn’t a great substitute because it contains more moisture and thickening agents, which can prevent the meringue from drying properly. Jello powder is dry and dissolves easily without adding extra moisture, which keeps the cookies crisp.
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Why did my meringue cookies turn out sticky or chewy?
Sticky or chewy meringues usually mean they weren’t dried long enough or the oven temperature was too high. Make sure to bake low and slow, and allow the cookies to cool completely in the turned-off oven to dry out fully.
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Is it necessary to let egg whites come to room temperature?
Yes, room temperature egg whites whip up to a much greater volume than cold ones, which means fluffier, lighter meringues. So if you can, set the eggs out about 30 minutes before starting.
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Can I make these cookies without cream of tartar?
Cream of tartar stabilizes and strengthens the egg whites, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute a few drops of lemon juice or white vinegar. Just be sure to use something acidic to help hold the meringue’s structure.
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How long do Easy Jello Meringue Cookies keep fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay crisp and delicious for up to two weeks. Beyond that, they might start absorbing moisture and lose their crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Jello Meringue Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my recipe repertoire because it’s simple, vibrant, and so rewarding to make. It feels like a little celebration every time I whip up a batch—colors swirling, kitchen smelling sweet, and the satisfying crunch with every bite. I can’t recommend it enough if you want to impress friends or just treat yourself to something light and joyful. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly these will become a favorite go-to cookie!
PrintEasy Jello Meringue Cookies Recipe
These Easy Jello Meringue Cookies are light, airy, and bursting with vibrant colors and flavors from your favorite Jello powder. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these cookies are perfect for a delightful treat that melts in your mouth. The combination of whipped egg whites, sugar, and Jello powder creates a glossy, stiff meringue that bakes into crisp, colorful cookies, ideal for parties or casual snacking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 30 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Meringue Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 small box (3 oz) Jello powder (choose your favorite flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Optional Toppings
- Sprinkles
- Edible glitter
- Colored sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
- Beat Egg Whites and Cream of Tartar: In a clean mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
- Incorporate Sugar Gradually: Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while increasing the mixer speed to high. Continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form, ensuring a smooth, firm meringue.
- Add Jello Powder: Sprinkle in the Jello powder and keep beating until it is fully combined and the mixture has a vibrant, colorful appearance.
- Pipe or Spoon Meringue onto Sheets: Transfer the meringue mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star tip or use a spoon to place small mounds on prepared baking sheets. Space the mounds about 1 inch apart to allow for drying.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the meringue cookies for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they feel completely dry to the touch. Then turn off the oven and leave the cookies inside to cool gradually for at least 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Store and Serve: Once cooled, remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to an airtight container. Enjoy immediately or store for later.
Notes
- Mix and match different Jello flavors to create unique color and flavor combinations.
- Store cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 1 month for longer storage.
- Ensure all bowls, beaters, and tools are completely grease-free to achieve optimal meringue volume.
- Add sugar slowly to allow the meringue to develop proper structure and glossy peaks.
- Allow cookies to cool gradually inside the turned-off oven to prevent cracks and preserve their crisp texture.
Keywords: Jello Meringue Cookies, Easy Meringue Recipe, Colorful Cookies, Light Desserts, Party Treats, Gluten Free Cookies
