Description
This Christmas Meringue recipe creates light, airy, and sweet meringue cookies that are perfect for holiday celebrations. Flavored with vanilla and decorated with festive red and green swirls, these gluten-free treats deliver a crunchy texture and beautiful presentation, making them ideal for holiday dessert tables.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Red and green gel food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 225°F (110°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking the meringues.
- Beat Egg Whites: In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until they become foamy, which helps build the base for the meringue.
- Add Cream of Tartar: Add the cream of tartar to the foamy egg whites and continue beating until soft peaks form, which stabilizes the meringue.
- Add Sugar Gradually: Gradually add the granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed until the mixture is glossy and stiff peaks form, indicating the meringue is properly whipped.
- Incorporate Vanilla: Beat in the pure vanilla extract just until combined to enhance the flavor of the meringue.
- Add Food Coloring: Gently fold in a few drops of red and green gel food coloring to create a festive swirled effect, or divide the meringue and color each portion separately for a colorful presentation.
- Pipe or Spoon Mounds: Pipe or spoon small mounds of the colored meringue mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them out evenly.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the meringues for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Once baking time is complete, turn off the oven and let the meringues cool completely inside with the oven door closed to maintain their shape and texture.
Notes
- Ensure no yolk gets into the egg whites, as any fat will prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.
- Store fully cooled meringues in an airtight container to keep them crisp and prevent them from becoming sticky.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
