Orange Meringue Cookies

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Light, crisp, and bursting with citrus flavor, Orange Meringue Cookies are like tiny bites of sunshine. These cookies melt in your mouth with a delicate crunch, leaving behind a sweet, tangy essence of orange that feels both refreshing and indulgent. Perfect for spring gatherings or as a light after-dinner treat, they stand out with their elegant swirl shape and a hint of zest sprinkled on top.

What makes these cookies especially delightful is their airy texture, created from just a handful of ingredients and some patience. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just dabbling in egg whites for the first time, this recipe is simple and forgiving. And the best part? They’re naturally gluten-free and fat-free—so go ahead and grab another one!

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What Kind of Orange Flavor Should I Use?

Freshly grated orange zest brings the most vibrant and natural flavor to these cookies. If you’re after a stronger citrus punch, adding a few drops of orange extract enhances the aroma without overwhelming the delicate meringue base. Steer clear of artificial orange flavors, as they can taste overly sweet and synthetic when baked.

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Ingredients for the Orange Meringue Cookies

Egg Whites: The star of the show. Whipping egg whites to stiff peaks is what gives these cookies their signature lightness and structure.

Granulated Sugar: Slowly added to the whipped egg whites, sugar stabilizes the meringue and gives the cookies their glossy finish and sweetness.

Cream of Tartar: Just a pinch helps stabilize the egg whites, making them whip up firmer and hold their shape longer.

Orange Zest: Finely grated from a fresh orange, it adds brightness and real citrus flavor.

Orange Extract (optional): For those who want an extra burst of orange, a drop or two goes a long way.

Salt: A tiny pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor profile.

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How To Make the Orange Meringue Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Separate the egg whites from the yolks while cold (they separate easier this way), then let the whites come to room temperature for better whipping. Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Whip to Soft Peaks

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, begin beating the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and salt, then continue whipping until soft peaks form.

Step 3: Gradually Add Sugar

Turn the mixer to high and begin adding the sugar one tablespoon at a time. This slow process helps the sugar dissolve completely. Beat until the mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks.

Step 4: Add Orange Flavor

Gently fold in the freshly grated orange zest and, if using, a couple of drops of orange extract. Avoid overmixing to preserve the volume.

Step 5: Pipe the Cookies

Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe small swirls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing slightly apart. Sprinkle a bit of extra orange zest over the tops if desired.

Step 6: Bake Low and Slow

Bake for 1.5 hours, then turn off the oven and leave the cookies inside with the door slightly ajar for another hour. This ensures they dry out completely and become crisp throughout.

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How to Serve and Store These Cookies

Orange Meringue Cookies are a lovely addition to tea time, baby showers, or any event where you want something light yet flavorful. Serve them on a tiered tray alongside other delicate treats or simply enjoy them as an afternoon snack with a hot cup of tea.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks if kept dry. Avoid humidity, as it can cause the cookies to lose their crisp texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to separate egg whites?

Crack the egg over a small bowl and use the shell halves to pass the yolk back and forth, letting the white fall away. Or use an egg separator for more precision.

Can I use bottled orange juice or zest?

Fresh zest is highly recommended for best flavor. Bottled juice doesn’t have the same intensity or aromatic oils.

My meringue won’t form stiff peaks—what went wrong?

Make sure your mixing bowl is clean and free of grease. Even a drop of yolk can prevent the whites from whipping properly.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! These are great make-ahead cookies. Just store them properly to keep them dry and crispy.

Do I need to use a piping bag?

No, you can spoon the meringue onto the sheet if you prefer a rustic look. The texture and taste will still be wonderful.

Are these cookies allergy-friendly?

They’re naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Just be cautious if you or your guests have egg allergies.

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Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Orange Meringue Cookies, you’ll definitely enjoy some of these zesty, creamy, or nostalgic bakes from the Life With Jam kitchen:

• Condensed Milk Snow Cookies for melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.
• Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups with a fruity tart twist.
• Blueberry Lemon Dutch Baby for a brunch-ready flavor bomb.
• Caramel Cheesecake Cookies that pair richness with chewy bliss.
• Shamrock Mint Milkshake Pie for something bold and refreshing.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go bold with orange extract or stick with just zest? Did you add any other citrus twists?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Looking for more citrusy inspiration? Follow along on my Pinterest page: Life With Jam on Pinterest for daily sweet ideas!

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