Name: Orange Meringue Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 large egg whites; 1 teaspoon orange zest; 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/8 teaspoon salt

With their crisp, airy texture and zesty citrus twist, these Orange Meringue Cookies are a delightful dessert that melts in your mouth. Each cookie is light as a cloud, with subtle notes of orange zest adding brightness to every bite. Perfect for afternoon tea, holiday dessert trays, or a light finish to a hearty meal, these cookies prove that simple ingredients can produce show-stopping treats.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying meringue for the first time, this recipe is surprisingly easy and so rewarding. You only need egg whites, sugar, and a touch of orange zest to whip up these elegant cookies. They’re gluten-free and naturally fat-free, making them an ideal treat for light snacking or guilt-free indulgence.

Why You’ll Love These Orange Meringue Cookies

Bright and citrusy with a delicate sweetness
Naturally gluten-free and low calorie
Perfect for holidays, parties, or everyday cravings
Easy to make with just a few pantry staples
Beautifully crisp on the outside, soft and chewy inside

What Kind of Oranges Should I Use for the Zest?

For the best flavor, opt for fresh, unwaxed oranges such as Navel or Valencia oranges. Their zest is packed with essential oils that infuse your cookies with bright, citrusy aroma. Organic oranges are ideal since you’re using the outer peel.

Ingredients for the Orange Meringue Cookies

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in the success of your cookies. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Egg Whites: The foundation of any meringue. Be sure they’re room temperature for maximum volume.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and stabilizes the egg whites to hold their shape.
Cream of Tartar: Helps the egg whites whip to stiff peaks.
Orange Zest: Brings in vibrant citrus notes and natural fragrance.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, sweet background.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.

How To Make the Orange Meringue Cookies

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 225°F (110°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites

In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form.

Step 3: Add Sugar Gradually

Slowly add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat. Beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.

Step 4: Add Flavors

Gently fold in the orange zest, vanilla extract, and salt.

Step 5: Pipe the Meringue

Scoop the meringue into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe small swirls onto the prepared baking sheets.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Then turn off the oven and let the cookies sit inside to cool for another hour. This helps them dry out completely without cracking.

Serving and Storing Your Orange Meringue Cookies

This recipe makes about 24 cookies and serves around 8 people.

Serve these beauties with a cup of herbal tea, espresso, or on a festive dessert platter. They’re a delightful light bite after any meal or a sweet addition to brunch.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Avoid humidity, which can make meringues sticky.

What to Serve With Orange Meringue Cookies?

Fresh Berries

Strawberries or raspberries make a juicy, tangy contrast to the crisp cookies.

Whipped Cream

A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream complements the airy texture.

Chocolate Sauce

Drizzle or dip for a citrus-chocolate fusion.

Citrus Sorbet

Keep the citrus theme going with lemon or orange sorbet.

Mint Tea

The herbal notes pair well with the sweet citrus.

Almond Biscotti

Serve a mix of light and crunchy cookies, like our Classic Almond Biscotti Recipe.

Yogurt Parfaits

Crumble cookies over a vanilla yogurt parfait for a fun texture boost.

If you love these Orange Meringue Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe with melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups for a creamy citrus delight.
Banana Bread Cookies for a soft and comforting bite.
Magic Lemon Cobbler for a bright, gooey dessert.
Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake for bold, fruity richness.

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 zest blood oranges or stick to the classics? Did you add a dip of chocolate?

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

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and treats on Nora Nosh Recipes and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Orange Meringue Cookies

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Author: Nora
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 24 cookies

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Description

Get ready to fall in love with the crisp, cloud-like texture and citrusy brightness of these Orange Meringue Cookies. This easy recipe creates beautiful swirls that melt in your mouth while offering a zesty twist from fresh orange zest. They’re a gluten-free, fat-free dessert perfect for holiday trays, afternoon tea, or everyday sweet cravings. Whether you’re searching for quick dessert ideas, light cookies, or an easy meringue treat, this delightful recipe is a go-to for both beginner and seasoned bakers. Try them for your next get-together or when you want a sweet finish without the heaviness.