Meringue Cookies are light, airy, and delightfully crisp treats that melt in your mouth with every bite. Made from just a few simple ingredients—egg whites, sugar, and a touch of vanilla—these cookies are both elegant and versatile. Whether you enjoy them plain, flavored with a hint of almond or lemon, or dipped in chocolate, meringue cookies are a perfect sweet treat for any occasion. They’re naturally gluten-free and ideal for using up extra egg whites, making them a great option for holidays, parties, or a simple, guilt-free snack.
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (or almond, lemon, or mint for variations)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Whip the egg whites: In a large, clean mixing bowl, add the egg whites and cream of tartar. Begin beating on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, a tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat.
- Beat to stiff peaks: Once all the sugar has been added, increase the speed to high and beat the egg whites until they form stiff, glossy peaks and the sugar is fully dissolved (about 5-7 minutes). Gently fold in the vanilla extract.
- Pipe the meringue: Transfer the meringue mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star tip (or simply use a spoon). Pipe or dollop small mounds of meringue onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Bake the meringue: Bake the meringue cookies for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until they are dry to the touch and easily lift off the parchment paper. Turn off the oven and let the cookies cool completely inside the oven to ensure they dry out fully.
- Serve: Once cooled, store the meringue cookies in an airtight container to keep them crisp. They can be enjoyed as-is or dipped in chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
These Meringue Cookies are light, crispy, and delightfully sweet, making them a perfect low-calorie treat that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist!
