Delicious Meringue Cookie Recipe for Sweet-Toothed Foodies
Are you in the mood for something sweet, light and cloud-like? Well, have I got a recipe for you. Introducing the Meringue Cookies or Cloud Cookies recipe – the perfect treat for any occasion.
These cookies are just as delightful as they sound. They’re light, airy and sweet with a crisp exterior that melts away once it’s in your mouth. It’s like biting into a fluffy cloud that’s been sprinkled with sugar and vanilla.
And let me tell you, there are few things as satisfying as making these cookies from scratch. From the moment you start whipping up those egg whites to the final touch of chocolate chips, this meringue recipe is truly an experience.
So if you’re ready to indulge in some mouth-watering treats, keep reading. Because in the following sections, we’ll dive into why you’ll love this recipe, what ingredients you’ll need, and how to make these dreamy cookies come to life.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, my dear baking enthusiasts. Today, I’m going to introduce you to a recipe that will change the way you look at cookies. Are you ready for a treat that is light, fluffy, and cloud-like? Are you ready for a cookie that’s crispy on the outside and sweet on the inside? If this sounds like your kind of cookie, then you’re going to love this recipe for Meringue Cookies or Cloud Cookies.
Firstly, let’s start with the fact that these cookies require only five simple ingredients – egg whites, sugar, vanilla extract, cream of tartar and salt. Yes, you heard it right! Just five ingredients and you’ll be rewarded with scrumptious cookies that are low-fat but high in flavor. Plus, these cookies are also gluten-free and dairy-free, so they’re perfect for those with dietary requirements.
But beyond that, what truly sets these cookies apart is their texture. They’re light as air and cloud-like with a hint of crispiness on the outside that nicely contrasts the sweet and airy meringue inside. You’ll find yourself falling in love with this unique texture unlike any other kind of cookie. They’re perfect for every occasion – parties, picnics or just an after-meal snack.
Finally, since these cookies are light and airy on their own, they easily lend themselves to variations galore! You can add in chocolate chips while still keeping it as airy; make them a lovely pink colour with some food colouring by splitting the egg white mixture when it’s semi-whipped; dip them in chocolate hazelnut spread to give them additional flavour layers; add almond extract to intensify the taste; or make them using keto-friendly sugar substitutes like Monk Fruit or Stevia instead of regular sugar. The possibilities are endless!
In conclusion: if you love unique textures combined with unforgettable flavours and ease of creating delicious baked goodies then wait no more! Give it a try today and let your taste buds soar amongst clouds!
Ingredient List
Let’s explore the five simple ingredients that are required to make these light, airy and sweet Cloud Cookies:
- Egg whites: Make sure to use fresh egg whites at room temperature. They whip better at room temperature and can hold more air.
- Sugar: Use super fine sugar, also known as caster sugar. Granulated sugar can make your cookies gritty. White granulated sugar can be pulsed in the food processor to make it fine.
- Cream of tartar: Helps stabilize the egg whites and makes them fluffier. You may substitute with white vinegar or lemon juice in equal amounts.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor of the egg whites and balances the sweetness. Use a small amount, only 1/8 teaspoon for this recipe.
- Vanilla extract: Adds flavor to your cookies. You can substitute with other extracts like almond or peppermint if you prefer.
That’s all! Five ingredients are enough to create the magic of these delicious Meringue Cookies.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, it’s time to start making these delightful meringue cookies! Don’t be intimidated if you’ve never made meringues before – they’re actually quite easy. Just make sure that your egg whites are at room temperature before starting.
Step 1: Whip the Egg Whites
Using a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment or an electric mixer, beat the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Soft peaks will fold over when the whisk is lifted.
Step 2: Add Sugar Gradually
Gradually add in the sugar, about a tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat the egg whites on medium-high speed. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is being mixed evenly.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract and Salt
After all of the sugar has been added and incorporated, add in the vanilla extract and salt.
Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the meringue mixture. Be gentle when folding to avoid deflating the egg whites.
Step 5: Pipe or Spoon Mixture onto Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using either a piping bag or a spoon, place small spoonfuls (or pipe little cloud shapes) onto prepared baking sheets.
Step 6 Bake Cookies
Bake for about 90 minutes in preheated oven or until they feel crisp without any soft spots when touched. Cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing them in an airtight container.
Now that you know how to make these little clouds of sweetness, whip up a batch anytime! Use this recipe to make crunchy chocolate chip meringues or try plenty of variations like pink meringue kisses, chocolate cloud cookies, chocolate hazelnut meringues, and much more. The opportunities are endless!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making meringue cookies or cloud cookies, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can make to switch things up a bit. Here are some ideas to help you get started on your baking adventure.
1. Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies: If you’re a chocolate lover, try adding some chocolate chips to your meringue mixture before baking. This will give you delicious chocolate chip meringue cookies that are sweet, crispy, and delightful.
2. Low FODMAP Meringue Cookies: If you’re following the low FODMAP diet, you can still enjoy scrumptious meringue cookies by using glucose syrup instead of regular sugar. This will help reduce the amount of fructose in the recipe.
3. Pink Meringue Kisses: Impress your guests with these beautiful pink meringue kisses! Simply add a few drops of red food dye or beetroot powder to your meringue mixture for a lovely pink tint.
4. Chocolate Hazelnut Meringue Cookies: For a nutty twist on classic meringue cookies, mix in some chopped hazelnuts to the recipe along with cocoa powder and a dash of vanilla extract. You’ll end up with mouthwatering hazelnut chocolate meringue cookies that are perfect for any occasion.
5. Almond Cloud Cookies: Swap out the cream of tartar in your recipe with almond extract and sprinkle some chopped almonds on top before baking for an almond-flavored cloud-like treat.
6. French or Swiss Meringue: Want something different than traditional meringues? Try making French or Swiss meringues, which are made with different methods – but both come out light, fluffy and sweet.
Whatever substitutions or variations you choose to make, know that they can be mastered with time and practice. Explore all proportions of flavors and try new combinations for new flavorful light airy confections that are easy and fun to make!
Serving and Pairing
Hold your horses, folks! You’re not done with these meringue clouds just yet. These sweet, crisp delights are best served alongside a piping hot cup of joe or tea. The light, airy texture of the meringue cookies makes them ideal for pairing with any beverage.
The chocolate chip variety is perfect to serve as an after-dinner treat, but they can serve as an “anytime” snack too. They’re light and fluffy enough to satisfy even the most insatiable sweet tooth without being too rich or heavy.
For an extra-special touch, serve these meringue clouds as part of a dessert platter with assorted dried fruits, nuts or fresh berries. The sophisticated flavors and delicate elegance will make them look right at home.
And if you really want to impress your guests, try serving the vanilla meringue clouds with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel syrup on top. There’s no denying that these cookies will be the stars of your dessert table.
Remember that meringues are also perfect little treats for special occasions and holidays! Incorporate these cookies into your Christmas cookie basket or Valentine’s Day gift box to add a touch of sweetness and whimsy to your spread.
In conclusion, the possibilities are endless when it comes to serving and pairing meringue cookies, whether chocolate chip or vanilla-flavored. So go ahead and enjoy them in whatever way you please- they’re sure to bring light and airy sweetness into your life!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
After you’ve learned all about the 5 star meringue cookie recipe, it’s time to learn how to make-ahead, store and reheat these delicious fluffy delights.
If you’re making these cookies for a special event, you’re in luck as they can be made ahead. Prepare and bake the cookies according to the recipe and once cool place them in an airtight container. These cookies will keep well for up to two weeks at room temperature. However, keep in mind that the longer they’re stored, the less crunchy they’ll become but still taste great!
If you’re planning on storing them for longer than two weeks or want to freeze them, pop them in the freezer instead. Ensure they are stored correctly in airtight containers or zip-lock bags, taking care not to crush them. Frozen meringue cookies can be kept for months if stored properly.
When reheating frozen meringue cookies it’s important not to defrost them first because they will go soggy when thawing then reheating. Instead, preheat your oven to 160°C and warm the meringues for 10 minutes until they feel crusty on the outside but soft on the inside.
However, storing meringue cookies isn’t recommended as they are delicate and prone to absorbing moisture from the environment causing them to lose their puffy cloud-like texture. It’s best to enjoy them on the day of baking.
So there you have it- everything you need to know about Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating your chocolate chip meringue clouds!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have read through the recipe and understand how to create these delicious Meringue Cookies, it’s time to focus on some tips that will help you achieve perfect results every time.
Tip #1: Room Temperature Egg Whites are a Must
The success of your Meringue Cookies hinges on how well the egg whites are beaten. To get those perfect, light and airy clouds, make sure that your egg whites are at room temperature. Cold egg whites will not whip up as well as ones that are brought up to room temperature first.
Tip #2: Use Cream of Tartar
Adding just a touch of cream of tartar to your egg whites while beating will stabilize the meringue and help it keep its shape while baking.
Tip #3: Gradually Add Sugar
When combining sugar with the whipped egg whites, add it in gradually. This will help ensure that the sugar fully dissolves and is evenly distributed throughout the meringue.
Tip #4: Don’t Forget the Salt
Salt might seem like an insignificant ingredient, but it plays a crucial role in balancing out the sweetness of your cookies. Adding a small amount of salt will give your Meringue Cookies a well-rounded flavor.
Tip #5: Be Patient
Meringue Cookies take a long time to bake compared to most cookies due to their light and airy texture. While it may be tempting to remove them from the oven earlier than directed, wait until they are crisp and dry to the touch. Trust us, it’s worth the wait!
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to achieve perfect results every time you make Meringue Cookies.
FAQ
You may have some doubts about making Meringue Cookies or Cloud Cookies, but fear not, because I’m here to answer your frequently asked questions. Here are some of the most common inquiries regarding this recipe.
What is another name for meringue cookies?
These sweet treats, known as meringue cookies, require a low and slow baking process. They have earned the nickname of “forgotten cookies” because they can be left in the oven for an extended period even after the baking is complete.
What must be avoided when making meringue?
Mistakes can be made when attempting to bake something as delicate and precise as angel food cake. Rushing or neglecting important steps can lead to a subpar dessert. Some common errors include adding sugar too quickly, skipping the use of cream of tartar, mixing in a dirty bowl, using cold eggs, overbeating the egg whites, squeezing the air out and baking at too low of a temperature. To ensure your angel food cake rises to stately heights, follow these guidelines closely.
Why did my meringue cookies turn out chewy?
When making meringues, it is important to keep in mind that they might turn out chewy due to under-baking or humidity. To avoid under-baking, ensure that your meringues are baked for the recommended time. On the other hand, if humidity is the problem, try placing the meringues in the oven at a low temperature for a short period of time to dry them out and achieve a crispy texture.
Are meringue cookies supposed to be crunchy?
If you want to make authentic meringue cookies, you’ll need to use a 1:2 ratio of egg whites to sugar. These delicious treats should have a nice balance of sweetness and a crisp texture that melts in your mouth. When they’re finished, the meringues should be shiny, smooth, and white as can be – almost like tiny, satiny pillows!
Bottom Line
After reading about these amazing meringue cookies, I am sure you are eager to get into the kitchen and start baking. These light and airy confections are perfect for any occasion, from elegant dinner parties to casual get-togethers with friends. Whether you choose to go with classic vanilla meringue or something more daring, like chocolate chip or almond cloud, these cookies are sure to please.
So why not give this recipe a try? With just five simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, making meringue cookies at home has never been easier or more enjoyable. And who knows, you may even discover your new favorite cookie flavor combination along the way!
So what are you waiting for? Get in that kitchen and start baking your own batch of delicious meringue cloud cookies! You won’t regret it!
Meringue Cookies or Cloud Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 egg whites
- 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts
- 1 -2 cup chocolate chips (mini or regular)
Instructions
- Beat egg whites, cream of tartar and salt until soft peaks form. Add vanilla.
- Gradually add sugar, beat until stiff. (Don't over beat though or they get 'tough'!) Fold in chocolate chips and nuts.
- Drop by teaspoonful on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper. Bake until dry at 300 degrees, about 20-25 minutes (sometimes this takes 35-45 minutes).
- Note: you can also add 2 Tbls of cocoa to make Chocolate Clouds.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.