Thursday, March 17, 2016

Jello Meringue Cookies and Meringue Bunnies for Easter

You don't have to pipe bunnies to enjoy this recipe folks, a simple Wilton 1M star icing tip makes some very impressive Jello Meringue Cookies. Or is it really candy? Either way, it's yummy, fluffy fun:@) This batch was strawberry flavored and the Jello helps make a fairly fool-proof recipe. They are pretty presented as is, or could be decorated with sprinkles, or the bottoms could be dipped in melted chocolate or candy melts. Please be sure to use regular Jello, not sugar free.

Make the swirls with a 1M tip using a circular motion of the icing bag and make the stars by holding it in one spot and lifting straight up. The stars were really pretty with a light sprinkle of colored sugar and the pink meringue is from the Jello.

I was thrilled that this meringue had enough 'body' to make some Easter Bunnies-don't forget a little tail in back:@) But will say a couple melted a tad in the oven and looked a bit more suited for, um, Halloween... No worries though, one batch makes tons of meringues.

We found these cookies to be a sweet treat, 
very tasty and light, with just a bit of chew.
The kids would have a blast watching the Jello turn into fluffy meringue, and even the youngest child can help pipe the stars or spoon batter onto the baking sheet.

Jello Meringue Cookies-adapted from A Night Owl
3 large egg whites, room temperature
1/8 tsp salt
3 oz package regular Jello in the color/flavor or your choice
3/4 C sugar
1 tsp white vinegar -no, I don't know why either...
sprinkles, colored sugar, chocolate, etc for decorating-if desired
  1. Beat egg whites and salt until frothy.
  2. Add Jello and sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
  3. Add vinegar and gently mix in. (One recipe calls for a Tblsp, another 1 tsp, since I don't know why it's added I went with the tsp.)
  4. Spoon or pipe the mixture onto silicone or parchment lined baking sheets. Sprinkle with decorations if desired.
  5. Bake at 250 degrees for 30 minutes. Do not open oven door, allow to stay in the oven for an additional 30 minutes or longer (some recipes say overnight). 
  6. Once completely cooled store in airtight container.
Whip up some fun in the kitchen and have a happy day:@)