Description
Delightful airy meringue cookies that are perfect for festive occasions, making sweet memories with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large egg whites at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar or 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- A pinch of fine salt
- Optional: 2 tablespoons cocoa powder for chocolate meringues
- Optional: A few drops of peppermint extract for a holiday twist
- Optional: Food coloring gel
- Optional for garnish: 2 ounces dark chocolate, melted; crushed candy canes; or a spoonful of jam
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Separate egg whites from yolks and let the whites sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Add cream of tartar (or vinegar) and a pinch of salt to egg whites, then whisk on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Slowly add granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, whisking until the mixture becomes glossy and thick.
- Sift in powdered sugar and fold gently. Add vanilla extract and whisk until stiff peaks form.
- For chocolate meringues, gently fold in cocoa powder. For colored meringues, swirl in food coloring.
- Spoon or pipe dollops onto prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each one.
- Bake at 200 degrees F for 60 to 90 minutes until dry to the touch and easily lift off the parchment.
- Turn off the oven and let meringues cool inside with the door slightly open for at least 30 minutes.
- Add fillings if desired, or enjoy plain.
Notes
A little extra vanilla enhances flavor. For a festive touch, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top of chocolate meringues.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 38
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: meringue, cookies, dessert, holiday baking, Christmas cookies