Description
These Pastel Meringue Cookies are light, airy, and irresistibly sweet. With a beautiful pastel color and a crisp texture, they make a delightful treat for any occasion. Perfect for a tea party, dessert table, or just a sweet snack!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Pinch of salt
- Food coloring (pastel colors of your choice)
- Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 225°F (107°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites using an electric mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Add the cream of tartar and a pinch of salt, then continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat until the meringue is glossy and smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- If using food coloring, divide the meringue into separate bowls (one for each color). Add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl and gently fold the color in with a spatula to achieve pastel shades.
- Using a spoon or piping bag, drop spoonfuls of meringue onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. If using a piping bag, pipe small mounds or shapes of your choice.
- (Optional) Sprinkle some decorative sprinkles on top of the meringues for added color and texture.
- Bake for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until the meringues are completely dry and easily lift off the parchment paper.
- Turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside to cool completely (about 1 hour) to ensure they are crisp and dry all the way through.
- Once cooled, store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Be sure the bowl and beaters are completely dry and free of any grease, as this can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.
- These meringues can be flavored with extracts like almond or lemon for a different twist.
- The meringue cookies can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 ½ hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (based on 30 cookies)
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0g