Classic Easy Meringue Cookies
Follow these steps to make light, crisp, and airy French meringue cookies that melt in your mouth.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 75 min
- Total Time: 90 min
- Yield: About 3 dozen
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: General
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1 cup superfine granulated sugar (caster sugar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 225°F (107°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a clean, grease-free bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt. Beat on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the superfine sugar, about one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat on medium-high speed. Wait about 30 seconds between additions.
- Once all the sugar is added, increase the speed to high and beat until the meringue is stiff, glossy, and holds firm peaks. When you rub a small amount between your fingers, you should not feel any sugar granules.
- Beat in the vanilla extract.
- Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star tip (like a Wilton 1M) or use two spoons for drop cookies.
- Pipe or spoon small kisses onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about one inch between each cookie.
- Bake for 60 to 75 minutes. The time depends on the size of your cookies. They should feel dry and lift easily from the parchment paper when done.
- Turn off the oven, prop the door open slightly with a wooden spoon, and let the cookies cool completely inside the oven for at least one hour, or preferably overnight. This drying process helps them become crisp.
Notes
- Ensure your mixing bowl and whisk attachment are completely free of any grease or egg yolk residue; this prevents the egg whites from whipping properly.
- For colored meringues, add a few drops of gel food coloring when the meringue reaches soft peaks.
- To make holiday shapes, pipe the meringue into the desired shape, such as a small tree or swirl.
- Store finished meringue cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 5
- Fat: 0
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 0
- Cholesterol: 0