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Easy Meringue Cookies Recipe

4.5 from 82 reviews

These Easy Meringue Cookies are light, airy, and sweet treats made from whipped egg whites and sugar. Perfectly crisp on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth soft inside, they are an ideal low-fat dessert or snack that requires minimal ingredients and effort, making them a great choice for beginners and meringue lovers alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp cream of tartar
  • ⅛ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 4 large egg whites (room temperature)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 225°F (105°C). Line a large baking sheet or two regular-sized baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a clean, grease-free bowl, add 4 room temperature egg whites, ½ teaspoon cream of tartar, and ⅛ teaspoon salt.
  3. Beat Egg Whites Initially: Using an electric mixer on low speed, beat the mixture until it becomes foamy, indicating the formation of initial air bubbles.
  4. Add Sugar Gradually: Slowly increase the mixer speed to high and add sugar 1 tablespoon at a time, allowing each addition to fully dissolve before adding more, until all 1 cup (200g) of sugar is incorporated.
  5. Whip to Stiff Peaks: Continue beating the mixture until it forms stiff, shiny peaks that hold their shape firmly, which is essential for a stable meringue.
  6. Add Flavoring: Gently mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Optionally, add food coloring or other extracts if desired for variety.
  7. Pipe Meringue: Transfer the meringue batter into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip and pipe onto the prepared baking sheet in desired shapes or sizes.
  8. Bake: Bake the piped meringue in the preheated oven for 1 hour at 225°F (105°C).
  9. Cool in Oven: After baking, turn off the oven and leave the cookies inside to cool completely for 1 to 2 hours without opening the door, allowing them to dry out and become crisp.
  10. Store: Once cooled, store the meringue cookies in an airtight container away from heat and moisture to maintain their crispness.

Notes

  • Make sure the bowl and beaters are completely clean and grease-free for best results.
  • Using room temperature egg whites helps achieve better volume when whipping.
  • Do not open the oven door during the cooling phase to avoid cracks and sogginess.
  • These cookies are best eaten within a week for maximum freshness.
  • Variations include adding cocoa powder or finely chopped nuts to the piping mix.

Keywords: meringue cookies, easy meringue, light dessert, low fat cookies, egg white cookies, airy cookie recipe