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Classic Light and Crisp Meringue Cookies

A close-up of five perfectly piped, star-shaped white meringue cookies resting on a white plate near a window.
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Make delicate, melt-in-your-mouth meringue cookies that are light, airy, and perfectly crisp using this simple, foolproof recipe. These sweet treats are naturally gluten-free and ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a clean, dry mixing bowl, combine the egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.
  3. Gradually add the granulated sugar, about one tablespoon at a time, while beating continuously on high speed. Continue beating until the meringue is stiff, glossy, and the sugar is completely dissolved. You should be able to rub a small amount between your fingers without feeling grit.
  4. Beat in the vanilla extract until just combined.
  5. Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (or use two spoons for drop cookies).
  6. Pipe or spoon small mounds onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie. For festive shapes, pipe swirls or dollops.
  7. Bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the size of your cookies, until they are dry to the touch and lift easily from the parchment paper. The goal is to dry them out, not brown them.
  8. Turn off the oven, prop the door open slightly, and allow the meringue cookies to cool completely inside the oven for at least 1 hour, or even overnight. This prevents cracking.
  9. Store cooled meringue cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use room temperature egg whites for the best volume when whipping.
  • Ensure your mixing bowl and whisk attachments are completely free of any grease or water residue.
  • Baking low and slow is key to achieving a crisp exterior and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • For colorful meringue ideas, add a few drops of gel food coloring to the stiff meringue before piping.

Nutrition

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