Are you looking for a delightful treat that’s both light as air and melt-in-your-mouth delicious? Look no further! These easy meringue cookies are a perfect blend of sweetness and simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these delightful confections to impress your guests or enjoy as a special treat for yourself. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.
Title: Easy Meringue Cookie Recipe
Ingredients:
– 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: food coloring, sprinkles, or chopped nuts for decoration
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Make sure the parchment paper is completely flat to ensure even baking.
2. In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on high speed with a hand mixer or stand mixer until soft peaks form. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know the peaks are soft when you lift the beaters and the egg whites gently fold over.
3. Gradually add the sugar to the egg whites, about 1 tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat on high speed. This process should take about 5-7 minutes until the meringue is thick and glossy, and the sugar has completely dissolved. To test, rub a small amount of the mixture between your fingers; if it feels smooth, the sugar has dissolved.
4. Once the meringue is ready, gently fold in the vanilla extract and salt using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; the meringue should still be light and airy.
5. If desired, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the meringue and gently swirl it for a marbled effect. You can also sprinkle in some decorations like rainbow sprinkles or chopped nuts at this stage for added texture and flavor.
6. Using a spoon or a piping bag fitted with a star tip, pipe the meringue onto the prepared baking sheet in small dollops, spacing them about an inch apart. You can make them as big or small as you like, keeping in mind that they will expand slightly as they bake.
7. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meringue cookies for about 1.5 hours, rotating the sheet halfway through the baking time. The cookies are done when they are dry to the touch and easily lift off the parchment paper.
8. Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the meringue cookies inside with the door slightly ajar for another 30 minutes to cool and dry further.
9. Remove the meringue cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, if they last that long!
These easy meringue cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion, from tea time to holiday gatherings. Their light and airy texture make them a perfect sweet bite that’s not too heavy on the palate. Experiment with different flavors and decorations to make them uniquely yours. Enjoy these simple yet elegant morsels as a special treat for yourself or share them with loved ones to spread a little sweetness wherever you go. Get ready to impress with your homemade meringue mastery!
