Bright, airy, and almost too pretty to eat, these Easy Jello Meringue Cookies are the perfect sweet treat to bring a splash of color and joy to any occasion. With their crisp exteriors and marshmallow-like centers, these melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a delightful twist on traditional meringues. And the best part? They come in playful pastel shades and fruity flavors thanks to flavored gelatin, making them as fun to look at as they are to eat.

Whether you’re hosting a springtime brunch, planning a baby shower, or just want something whimsical for the dessert table, these cookies are a guaranteed hit. They’re simple to whip up, easy to customize, and keep well for days, making them a go-to recipe for both special gatherings and everyday cravings.

Why You’ll Love These Easy Jello Meringue Cookies

They’re naturally gluten-free and fat-free.
Vibrant, fruity flavors thanks to your favorite Jello mixes.
No fancy ingredients needed—just egg whites, sugar, and gelatin.
Ideal for parties, gifts, or a low-calorie treat.
Easy to pipe and bake with minimal cleanup.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make these meringue cookies successful every time, preparation is key.

Essential Tools and Equipment:

Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Crucial for whipping the egg whites to stiff peaks. A stand mixer allows for hands-free whipping, which is handy since this takes several minutes.
Mixing Bowls: Glass or metal bowls work best for egg whites; avoid plastic, as it can hold onto grease which prevents proper whipping.
Piping Bag and Star Tip: For shaping those classic meringue swirls. Zip-top bags with a snipped corner can work in a pinch.
Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper: Ensures even baking and easy removal without sticking.
Spatula: Gentle folding of ingredients without deflating the airy batter is essential.

Each tool serves a purpose in getting that crisp outer shell and soft interior. Skip one, and the texture might suffer—but follow along and you’ll get bakery-worthy results at home.

Ingredients for the Easy Jello Meringue Cookies

Egg Whites: The base of the meringue, they create the fluffy texture when whipped to stiff peaks.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the egg whites.
Flavored Gelatin (like Jello): Brings in the fun colors and fruity taste, setting these apart from plain meringues.
Cream of Tartar: Optional, but helps stabilize the egg whites for better structure.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances the overall flavor.

These few ingredients combine to create cookies that are light as air but bursting with personality and flavor.

How To Make the Easy Jello Meringue Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Beat the Egg Whites

In a clean, grease-free mixing bowl, begin beating the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and continue beating.

Step 3: Add Sugar Gradually

Slowly add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while beating on high speed. This allows the sugar to dissolve and the mixture to become glossy.

Step 4: Incorporate Gelatin and Salt

Once stiff peaks have formed, gently fold in the flavored gelatin and a pinch of salt using a spatula. Mix just until combined.

Step 5: Pipe the Cookies

Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe 1-inch mounds onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Step 6: Bake Low and Slow

Bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until dry to the touch and they easily lift off the parchment. Turn off the oven and let them sit inside with the door ajar for 30 minutes to cool completely.

How to Serve and Store These Meringue Cookies

These colorful Jello meringue cookies look stunning on dessert trays and pair perfectly with coffee, tea, or even a scoop of ice cream. Arrange them by color for a rainbow-themed centerpiece or pack them in treat bags for party favors.

To store, place the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp for up to 5 days. Avoid humidity or refrigeration, as moisture can soften them. If your area is especially humid, add a silica gel packet to the container to help preserve that crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I whipped the egg whites correctly?

You’ll know they’re ready when they form stiff peaks that hold their shape. The mixture should look glossy, not grainy.

Can I use sugar substitutes in this recipe?

It’s best to stick with granulated sugar, as it helps stabilize the egg whites. Sugar substitutes don’t always provide the same texture.

Why did my meringues crack or turn brown?

That usually means the oven was too hot. Make sure to bake at a low temperature and avoid opening the oven door too often.

Can I use different Jello flavors?

Absolutely! Try strawberry, lime, lemon, or blue raspberry. You can even mix two colors for a marbled effect.

Do I need to use cream of tartar?

It’s optional but recommended for better structure. If you don’t have it, a few drops of lemon juice or white vinegar can be a substitute.

Can I make them without a piping bag?

Yes, use two spoons to dollop the meringue onto the parchment. They won’t have the swirled look but will still taste delicious.

If you love these Easy Jello Meringue Cookies, check out some other playful and delicious bakes:

Simple Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies for tangy, creamy bliss.
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins if you’re craving a breakfast-inspired treat.
Winter Brittle for a crunchy and nutty seasonal snack.
Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies that bring caramel warmth to every bite.
Brownie Refrigerator Cake if you’re in the mood for a fudgy, chilled dessert.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 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 for rainbow swirls or stick to one flavor? Did you try lemon or tropical punch?

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

Find even more whimsical and colorful dessert ideas on my Pinterest: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest

Easy Jello Meringue Cookies

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Author: Kate Walton
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 50 cookies

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Description

These Easy Jello Meringue Cookies are light, crisp, and flavored with fruity gelatin. Made with egg whites and sugar, they’re a gluten-free, fat-free dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious—perfect for parties, spring treats, and pastel cookie trays.