Perfectly Crisp Meringue Cookies

Ingredients

- 4 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 225°F (107°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the meringues from sticking.

2. Beat the Egg Whites:
In a clean, dry bowl, add the egg whites and salt. Using an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes foamy.

3. Incorporate Cream of Tartar and Vanilla:
Add the cream of tartar and clear vanilla extract to the foamy egg whites. Continue to beat the mixture on medium speed until soft peaks form.

4. Gradually Add Sugar:
Slowly add the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating continuously on high speed. Ensure each tablespoon of sugar is fully dissolved before adding the next. This process should take about 5 minutes. The meringue should be glossy and form stiff peaks.

5. Shape the Meringues:
Using a large spoon or piping bag, dollop or pipe the meringue onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.

6. Bake the Meringues:
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes (PT1H30M). Do not open the oven door during baking.

7. Cool Completely:
Turn off the oven and let the meringues cool inside for another hour (PT1H). This step ensures they dry out completely, achieving a perfectly crisp texture.

8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooled, gently lift the meringues off the parchment paper. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Total Time

PT2H30M
2 hours and 30 minutes

Type of Dish

Dessert

Keywords

Meringue, Cookies, Egg Whites, Dessert, Oven-Baked, Crispy, Sweet Treat, Gluten-Free, Low-Fat, Baking

Recipe Yield

Feeds 4 adults

Calories

Total: 480 calories

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