Description
Christmas Meringue Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly embody the spirit of the holiday season with their light and airy texture. These cookies are not only visually appealing with their potential for festive colors and sprinkles, but they also offer a cloud-like sweetness that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional Additions:
- Red or green gel food coloring
- Holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 200°F (93°C). This low temperature is crucial as it allows the meringue to bake gradually, preventing any browning while ensuring a perfectly crisp texture. As part of preparation, line two baking sheets with parchment paper, setting the stage for your cookies without the risk of sticking or burning.
- In a large mixing bowl, begin whipping your egg whites together with cream of tartar. Beat until soft peaks form, which indicates the mixture is starting to build structure. Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, all while continuing to beat the mixture. Continue beating until the meringue achieves stiff peaks, characterized by a glossy finish and the meringue holding its shape. Blend in the vanilla extract towards the end to infuse flavor without undermining texture.
- For a festive twist, gently fold in gel food coloring of your choice – a little goes a long way in achieving vibrant holiday hues. This step is entirely optional, but it adds a charming, celebratory look that is especially fitting for Christmas. If you choose to do so, incorporate the coloring with a light hand to maintain the integrity of the meringue.
- Carefully transfer your meringue mixture into a piping bag that’s fitted with a star tip. Pipe the meringue into small mounds on your prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each to accommodate expansion. OPTIONAL: Sprinkle with festive holiday sprinkles before baking to add a touch of whimsy and color to each cookie.
- Place your cookies in the preheated oven and let them bake for 1 ½ hours. This extended baking time is key to achieving the ideal texture. Once baked, turn off the oven but let the meringues remain inside as they cool. This gradual cooling process helps to avoid cracks and ensures a smooth, crisp outer shell.
Notes
Store meringue cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crisp texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 15 per cookie
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Protein: 0.2 g