Meringue cookies are a delightful, light treat that you can enjoy at any time of year, but they hold a special place in holiday baking, especially around Christmas. These crisp, airy cookies are surprisingly easy to make, yet they carry an elegant, melt-in-your-mouth sweetness that will impress anyone. Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced chef, this meringue recipe is a great one to try. The best part? They’re low in calories but high in flavor!
Classic Meringue Cookies Recipe
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 80 cookies
Calories per Serving: 21 kcal
Ingredients:
- 4 large egg whites (room temperature)
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or any extract of your choice)
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 225°F (105°C). Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper, ensuring there’s enough space for 80 meringue cookies. If you’re using two standard baking sheets, ensure both will fit comfortably in the oven. - Prepare the Meringue Base:
In a large, clean, and completely grease-free bowl, combine the egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt. It’s important to use a spotless bowl here—any residual grease can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly. - Beat the Egg Whites:
Using an electric mixer or a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, start mixing on low speed. Gradually increase the speed to high as the mixture begins to foam. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture. Continue mixing until the egg whites form stiff, glossy peaks. The mixture should increase in volume significantly. To test if the sugar has dissolved, rub a small bit of the meringue between your fingers. If it feels gritty, keep beating. - Add Sugar Gradually:
Once the egg whites form stiff peaks, gradually add the sugar—about 1 tablespoon at a time—while continuing to beat on high. Wait 15–20 seconds between each addition, ensuring that the sugar dissolves properly before adding more. This step creates a smooth, velvety meringue. - Flavoring the Meringue:
Stir in the vanilla extract (or any other flavor extract of your choice). If you’re adding food coloring, do so now, mixing gently until you reach the desired shade. For a fun twist, you can experiment with other extracts like almond, peppermint, or lemon. - Pipe the Meringues:
Fit a large piping bag with a star tip, or if you prefer, snip the end of the piping bag for a simple “kiss” shape. Transfer the meringue mixture into the piping bag and pipe small rounds onto your prepared cookie sheets. Don’t worry about spacing them too far apart—meringues don’t spread while baking, so they can be placed quite close together. - Bake the Meringues:
Place the cookie sheets in the oven and bake for 1 hour at 225°F (105°C). Once the baking time is up, turn off the oven but do not open the door. Let the cookies cool inside the oven for 1–2 hours. This slow cooling process helps meringues achieve the perfect texture: crisp on the outside but light and airy on the inside. - Cool and Store:
Once the meringues have cooled completely, carefully remove them from the parchment paper. Store the cookies in an airtight container, keeping them away from moisture or heat, which can cause them to soften.
Tips for Perfect Meringues:
- Cleanliness is Key: Be sure your mixing bowl, beaters, and any utensils are spotless and free of grease. Even a tiny bit of oil can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Let your eggs come to room temperature before starting. Cold egg whites don’t whip as well and can result in a less stable meringue.
- Gradual Sugar Addition: Adding sugar slowly is essential for the sugar to fully dissolve, creating a smooth, glossy finish in your meringues.
- Flavor Variations: You can experiment with different flavor extracts, but be cautious with strong flavors like peppermint. It’s best to reduce the vanilla and add a small amount of another extract for balance.
Nutrition (Per Meringue):
- Calories: 21 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 12mg
- Potassium: 11mg
- Sugar: 5g
These meringue cookies make for a light, sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from holiday parties to everyday indulgences. The crisp texture and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness will have you reaching for another, and with only 21 calories per cookie, it’s easy to indulge guilt-free! Plus, they’re a great option for people looking for a gluten-free dessert. Enjoy them on their own or use them as an elegant topping for other desserts like cakes, pies, or even fruit salads.
With just a few basic ingredients and a little patience, you can create these delightful treats that are sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you stick with the classic vanilla flavor or get creative with extracts and colors, these meringue cookies will always be a hit!
