Description
Delicate, airy pastel meringue cookies with a crisp shell and tender, marshmallow-like center, tinted in soft pastel shades and perfect for parties, gifts, or a sweet afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (or 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Gel food coloring, a few drops per color
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 200°F (95°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whip egg whites: In a spotless mixing bowl, beat 4 room-temperature egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Add 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar and a pinch of salt.
- Add sugar gradually: With the mixer on high, add 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time, fully incorporating each addition until the meringue is glossy and holds stiff peaks.
- Flavor and color: Fold in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract gently. Divide the meringue into small bowls and tint each portion with a few drops of gel food coloring to achieve pastel shades.
- Pipe or spoon: Transfer colored meringue to piping bags fitted with a star tip or spoon small swirls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake and dry: Bake at 200°F (95°C) for 1 hour. After 1 hour, turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside to cool and dry for another hour with the oven door closed.
- Cool and store: Remove cooled meringues from the parchment and store in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy or package as gifts.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring to avoid thinning the meringue and to get vibrant pastels.
- Make sure all bowls and utensils are completely clean and dry to ensure proper whipping.
- Store meringues in airtight containers at room temperature and avoid humidity to keep them crisp.
- For a marbled effect, stripe the inside of the piping bag with different colors before filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx.)
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0.6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: pastel meringue cookies, meringue recipe, airy cookies, party desserts, pastel cookies, crisp meringue