These delightful meringue cookies are light, airy, and perfect for the holiday season. Made with simple ingredients like egg whites and sugar, they can be flavored and colored to match your festive celebrations.
The recipe is easy to follow and allows for customization with different extracts and food coloring, making them a fun treat to create with family and friends.
Creating a Festive Atmosphere
Transform your holiday gatherings with a stunning display of meringue cookies that not only taste delightful but also add a festive touch to your table.
These cookies, shaped like Christmas trees and stars, are perfect for celebrating the season.
Arranging them on a decorative plate surrounded by pine branches and ornaments creates an inviting scene that captures the spirit of the holidays.
The Charm of Meringue Cookies
Meringue cookies are known for their light and airy texture, making them a unique addition to any dessert spread.
Their crisp exterior gives way to a soft, chewy center, providing a delightful contrast that is sure to please guests of all ages.
With a simple base of egg whites and sugar, these cookies can be customized with various flavors and colors, allowing for creativity in the kitchen.
Decorating Your Cookies
Once your meringue cookies are baked and cooled, the fun of decorating begins.
A light dusting of powdered sugar not only enhances their appearance but also adds a touch of sweetness that complements the meringue.
Consider using different food colorings to create vibrant designs, or stick to classic white for an elegant look.
Setting the Scene
To create a cheerful holiday atmosphere, think about how you present your cookies.
A decorative plate can serve as the centerpiece, while surrounding it with holiday decorations like pine branches, ornaments, or even twinkling lights can elevate the display.
This thoughtful arrangement will draw attention and create a warm, welcoming environment for your guests.
Sharing the Joy
These festive meringue cookies are not just a treat for your own celebrations; they also make wonderful gifts.
Pack them in clear bags tied with festive ribbons or present them in decorative boxes to share with friends and family.
The joy of baking and sharing these delightful cookies can bring people together and spread holiday cheer.
Tips for Success
To ensure your meringue cookies turn out perfectly, there are a few tips to keep in mind.
Make sure your mixing bowl is completely clean and dry before whipping the egg whites, as any grease can prevent them from reaching the desired volume.
Also, be patient when adding sugar; doing it gradually helps achieve those stiff, glossy peaks that are characteristic of perfect meringue.
Easy Meringue Christmas Cookies Recipe
These meringue cookies are crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside, making them a delightful addition to any holiday cookie platter. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and yields approximately 24 cookies.
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or other flavoring (like almond or peppermint)
- Food coloring (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until frothy. Add the cream of tartar and continue to beat until soft peaks form.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Flavor and Color: Gently fold in the vanilla extract and any food coloring if desired, being careful not to deflate the meringue.
- Pipe Cookies: Using a piping bag or a spoon, drop or pipe small mounds of meringue onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the meringues are dry and easily lift off the parchment paper. Turn off the oven and let the cookies cool inside for an additional hour.
- Serve: Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired and enjoy your festive meringue cookies!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: 25kcal
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 6g