Description
Sweet Swiss meringue cookies dance with delicate elegance, offering cloud-like perfection for dessert enthusiasts. Light, crisp pillows of whipped egg whites melt gracefully, inviting you to savor each heavenly bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 large egg whites, room temperature
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
Flavor and Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Decorative Elements:
- Food coloring
- Drizzle of melted chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by adjusting the rack to the center position and heating to a low temperature of 225F (110C), creating an ideal environment for delicate meringue cookies.
- Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring a smooth, non-stick surface for precise cookie placement.
- Separate egg whites from yolks with care, allowing them to rest at room temperature to maximize volume and stability.
- Using an electric mixer, whip the egg whites on medium speed until they become frothy and start to form soft peaks.
- Gradually introduce granulated sugar, increasing mixer speed to high, continuously beating until the mixture transforms into a glossy, thick meringue with stiff, sharp peaks.
- Gently fold in vanilla extract and any optional flavoring, maintaining the delicate air bubbles created during whipping.
- Transfer the meringue mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star-tipped nozzle for elegant, professional-looking cookies.
- Pipe uniform swirled mounds onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie to allow for even drying.
- Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven, allowing the meringues to dry and crisp slowly at low temperature.
- Bake for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, periodically checking to ensure the meringues remain pale and crisp without browning.
- Once completely dry and crisp, turn off the oven and allow cookies to cool inside with the door slightly ajar.
- Remove cooled meringue cookies and store in an airtight container to maintain their delicate, crisp texture.
Notes
- Whip egg whites at room temperature for maximum volume and stability.
- Use clean, grease-free bowl and whisk to ensure proper meringue formation.
- Gradually add sugar while beating to create smooth, glossy peaks that hold their shape.
- Pipe or spoon meringues gently to maintain delicate texture and prevent deflation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg