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The Ultimate Easy Meringue Cookies Recipe: Light, Crisp, and Perfect Every Time

A pile of glossy, perfectly piped white meringue cookies stacked on a small white plate.
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Learn how to make light, airy, and crisp meringue cookies using the simple French meringue method. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are impressive yet easy for any baker.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large egg whites, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to the lowest setting, usually between 170°F and 200°F (77°C and 93°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Make sure your mixing bowl and whisk attachment are completely clean and dry. Add the room temperature egg whites and the pinch of salt to the bowl.
  3. Begin whipping the egg whites on medium speed until they become foamy. Add the cream of tartar and increase the speed to medium-high.
  4. Once soft peaks form (the tips curl over when you lift the whisk), slowly begin adding the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, waiting about 30 seconds between each addition. This slow addition is key to strong meringue.
  5. Continue beating on high speed 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. This usually takes 8 to 10 minutes total whipping time.
  6. Beat in the vanilla extract until just combined.
  7. Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with your desired tip (a large star tip creates beautiful meringue kisses).
  8. Pipe small mounds or kisses onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about an inch between each cookie.
  9. Bake (dry out) the meringue cookies for 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your oven temperature and cookie size. They should lift easily off the parchment paper when done.
  10. Turn off the oven, prop the door open slightly with a wooden spoon, and allow the meringue cookies to cool completely inside the oven for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. This drying process helps achieve that perfect crisp texture.
  11. Store your finished, light and airy cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Give yourself some kudos for making these delicate sweet treats!

Notes

  • Ensure your egg whites are completely free of any yolk or grease; this prevents the meringue from whipping properly.
  • For festive holiday meringue cookie ideas, you can add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract and a few drops of red food coloring for peppermint meringue cookies.
  • If you want Jello meringue cookie recipe results, substitute 1 tablespoon of sugar with 1 tablespoon of flavored Jello powder during the final stages of mixing.
  • These homemade meringue gifts are naturally gluten free meringues.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchnkudos.com/meringue-cookies-easy-recipe-light-crisp/