Nothing says “I Love You” quite like homemade treats, and these Heart Shaped Meringue cookies are the perfect sweet gesture for any occasion. Delicate, crispy, and oh-so-sweet, these meringue cookies are guaranteed to make anyone’s heart flutter. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and a dash of love. Whip up a batch of these adorable treats to share with loved ones or enjoy them as a delightful snack any time of day. Let’s dive into the recipe for these delightful Heart Shaped Meringue cookies.
**Heart Shaped Meringue**
**Ingredients:**
– 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Red food coloring (optional)
– Sprinkles (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the cream of tartar and continue to beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat the egg whites. Beat until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Gently fold in the vanilla extract until well combined.
6. If desired, add a few drops of red food coloring to the meringue for a lovely pink hue. Be careful not to overmix; you want a swirled effect, not a fully mixed red color.
7. Spoon the meringue mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe heart shapes onto the prepared baking sheet, starting from the bottom and piping upwards with a gentle curve at the top to form the point of the heart.
8. If using sprinkles, gently sprinkle them on top of the meringue hearts for a touch of decoration.
9. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meringues for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cookies are dry to the touch and easily lift off the parchment paper.
10. Once the meringues are done baking, turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside to cool completely for about an hour. This helps them dry out further and become crisp.
11. Once cooled and crisp, carefully remove the heart-shaped meringues from the parchment paper and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
These Heart Shaped Meringue cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress your loved one on Valentine’s Day or simply craving a sweet bite, these airy and sweet morsels are sure to bring a smile to your face. Enjoy these lovely meringue treats with a cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate cozy experience.
