Meringue Cookies

Classify as a cookie or a candy, Meringue beauties will be a topper on your sweet nibble list. Effortlessly whip this French cookie that is light as a feather, sweet and flavored with pure vanilla.

Soothing pastel blue is the color of sea and sky which stands for depth and stability. May these sweet kisses spring up your love to seek harmony in your relationship on this valentine's day. Overworked with reds and pinks for every valentine's occasion; resulted in this soft cookie fall (a waterfall theme) to induce calm, tranquil and relaxing mood.


Meringue is often associated with different cuisines like the Swiss, French, Polish and Italian. This particular recipe is French as you all know they can't beat any when it comes to their pastries and desserts. Meringue cookies are crisp and light made with very few ingredients. This is such a delightful sweet treat as it is also versatile and easy to prepare for a small or large gathering. The primary ingredient being egg white is traditionally whipped along with sugar and an acidic ingredient to prevent sugar crystals. Some options can be lemon juice, white vinegar or cream of tartar. I used cream of tartar for stability, whereas you can alternate with any of the options mentioned above with equal measure.

I would highly recommend a hand held electric whisk or a stand mixer for this recipe or you will end up with an effective arm exercise. I made couple of batches and realised by the time one was done, the meringue lost it consistency. Whipping again for another minute or 2 will instantly regain the stiff peaks to pipe in the 2nd batch. 

The slow addition of sugar is the trick to create a slight sheen to these little kisses and it's definitely worth it. Edible food gel is ideal for multicolored cookies to maintain its sheen. Coloring your cookies is completely optional though. Piped them using Wilton's piping tool with 1M curved start tip (picture attached below). Baking in low heat for a prolonged period is the key to bake these cookies. 

The cookies may seem soft and gooey in the center, don't disturb them in the oven for an hour at least. I would highly recommend the cookies to rest in the oven for close to 4-6 hours for the cookies to dry out all the moisture in order to get the best crisp texture. Your cookies may last for couple of days after which they tend to lose the crispness. Don't panic, preheat the oven and bake the cookies again in the same low setting (200F) for half hour. Don't forget to give the necessary resting time to regain its texture. Your cookies will be as fresh as you baked them 1st.

Classic vanilla flavor is an all time favorite for many like our family. Peppermint, lemon, rose, and almond are additional refreshing flavors you could try. For a low or no sugar substitute simply go with with any fine sugar like replacement like stevia powder. 

Wishing all of you to create great memories with your loved ones to cherish forever. 

PREP TIME
BaKe TIME
rest TIME
4-6 hrs
Category:Dessert, sweet, cookie
Cuisine: French
Level: Easy
Yields: 2-3 dozens
Nutrition Facts
Servings 28.0
Amount Per Serving
calories 14
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0 g0 %
Saturated Fat 0 g0 %
Monounsaturated Fat 0 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg0 %
Sodium 9 mg0 %
Potassium 4 mg0 %
Total Carbohydrate 3 g1 %
Dietary Fiber 0 g0 %
Sugars 3 g
Protein 0 g1 %
Vitamin A0 %
Vitamin C0 %
Calcium0 %
Iron0 %
* The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA.
INGREDIENTS

1. Egg whites - 2 (room temperature)
2. Cane sugar - 1/2 cup (fine granulated, unbleached)
3. Salt - 1 dash
4. Pure vanilla essence -1 tsp
5. Cream of tartar - 1/8 tsp
6. Food color gel - used aqua blue, teal and purple
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat your oven to 200F. Have your baking trays prepped with parchment paper*. 
2. In a clean bowl* add the separated egg whites (room temperature) and whip starting off with the low speed. Gradually increase the speed and whip until foamy. 


3. To this incorporate fine granulated sugar in small batches about a teaspoon at a time on high until the sugar dissolves completely. Make your you sprinkle the sugar painstakingly slow as it makes a huge difference with the outcome.



4. Now add salt and vanilla extract and continue whipping until well incorporated.
5. Cream of tartar or your choice of acidic substance and and 1 food gel color (optional) goes in. Continue whipping until your whip can hold stiff glossy peaks. It takes about 7-8 minutes in total.
6. Prep your pastry /piping bag* or your decorating tool with any large star tip. I used slightly curved Wilton's 1M star tip.
7. Using a  skewer or a tooth prick, dip it in your choice of additional food color and apply a tiny bit on the side of your bag. 

8. Now scoop in your whipped meringue and seal it well to create your kisses on your lined baking tray. Ensuring you have equal sized cookies (1-1/4 inch diameter) with intervals (2 inches apart).  Lift your tips straight upwards as your done piping with each cookie.

9. Tried 3 layered cookies as well but bakes this batch for an extra 30 minutes.
10. Bake for 1 hour in the center rack in 200F. Once done turn off the oven leaving it unopened for at least an hour or 2 for the cookies to set well and get crispier. Best to leave it for 6-8 hours untouched.  Remove and enjoy with a cup of coffee.
11. Store in a vacuum sealed or airtight container at room temperature. 
 NOTES AND TIPS
1. Make sure your whipping bowl is large and clean as a whistle. I would recommend you clean it with white vinegar. 
2. Egg whites must be in room temperature for a fluffiness. Separate the egg whites one at a time into a small bowl and transfer them to your stand mixer or the large bowl to avoid any broken yolks. Rest the egg whites at least for 30 min on your countertop.  
3. Parchment paper or wax paper is ideal for lining your baking trays. 
4. If using piping/ pastry bag, plate them in a tall glass and roll up it's sleeve to the glass rim to stay intact as you fill in easily. 


Comments

  1. Aesthetically pleasing. Reminds of the beach. Perfect gift for Valentine’s Day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well that was my intention to create a light and airy mood. Glad you felt the same :)

      Delete
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