Meringue Cookies are so light and airy. Better yet, they are easy to make and have a long shelf life when stored properly.
For all you over achievers out there, you can really elevate these cookies by turning them into Meringue Cookie Sandwiches.
Meringue Cookies are always on my holiday cookie tray, but let’s be honest, they are the perfect cookie year around. They are quite versatile and you can change them up by adding any food color that fits the season.
You could even spice them up with a little bit of mint during the holidays. If you like peppermint, try Peppermint Meringue Cookies variation.
How to Make Meringue Cookies
Making meringue is a right of passage for any home baker. Forget all the rumors about it being tough and follow these simple steps for perfect meringue each and every time:
- Using a standing mixer, beat egg whites and sugar together on high until the mixture becomes foamy.
- Add in salt and cream of tartar and beat until the mixture holds stiff peaks. This should take about 10 minutes.
- In a pastry bag or a plastic storage bag with corner cut out, spoon in the meringue mixture into the bag.
- Pipe out small to medium size meringue cookies. Bake them at 200°F for about 90 minutes. Remove them from the oven and let them cool and harden at room temperature.
- Melt chocolate with coconut oil in the microwave, being sure to stir it every 20 seconds. Dip bottoms of the cookies into the chocolate and sprinkle with your favorite chopped nuts.
FAQ
Why are my meringue cookies chewy?
To keep meringue nice and fluffy, you need to make sure that you are beating your egg whites and sugar just until it reaches stiff peaks. This will take around 10 minutes. If you under-beat your egg whites, you risk runny cookies and if you overbeat them you risk a rubbery and chewy texture.
Is cream of tartar necessary for meringue?
Cream of tartar is often used to stabilize egg whites and helps you achieve those signature stiff peaks that make meringues so light and airy. If you’re out of cream of tartar, lemon juice works as a great substitute.
How can you tell when meringue cookies are done?
Once baked, French meringue should be crisp and light, but not at all browned. The key here is to bake them slowly at low heat. You will know when the meringue is baked when it can easily be lifted off a piece of parchment and the bottoms are nice and dry.
How long do meringue cookies last?
Meringue should always be stored at room temperature in an airtight container. They will keep for up to two weeks when stored this way. Preventing any moisture from touching or building on your meringues will prevent them from getting soggy or falling apart.
Hot tip: You can freeze raw meringue batter for up to 10 months. Make sure it is stored in an airtight bag with all excess air removed to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the fridge before baking with it.
More Cookies to Make
Cookies, cookies, cookies. We just can’t get enough. Here are some of our other favorite sweet treats:
- Sugar Cookies – The true classic cookie for any occasion. Every baker should have this full proof recipe in their back pocket.
- Nutella Cookies – The Nutella addicts new, favorite dessert. Pair with a cold glass of milk.
- Peanut Butter Cookies – Classic, nutty and gooey peanut butter cookies. Throw in some chocolate chips or serve them plain.
- Madeleine Cookies – Bye, bye Starbucks Madeleines, hello homemade.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cream of tart
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- 1/4 cup nuts crushed
Instructions
- Using a stand up mixer on high, beat egg whites together with sugar until the mixture becomes foamy.
- Add in salt and cream of tartar and beat until you get stiff peaks. This will take about 10 minutes.
- In a pastry bag or a ziplock bag with a tip cut out, spoon in meringue mixture for piping.
- Pipe out small to medium size meringue cookies. Bake them at 200°F for about 90 minutes. Remove them from the oven and let cool and harden at room temperature.
- Melt chocolate with coconut oil using a microwave, being sure to stir every 20 seconds. Dip bottoms of the cookies into the chocolate and sprinkle with your favorite chopped nuts.
Could you substitute something in place of the coconut oil? Thanks!
Hi Samantha, You can. I find the coconut oil gives an extra dose of flavoring. Thanks for the great question, I hope you give these a try. Happy Holidays!
how much lemon juice will substitute for the one fourth teaspoon of cream of tartar?
Hi there - Use equal parts (swap 1/4 tsp of cream of tartar with 1/4 tsp of lemon juice). Hope this helps!
Thanks!
No problem! 🙂
LOVE these cookies! Thanks for the easy step-by-step to follow. It's as if you're here in my kitchen helping me along the way. LOVE this website and your recipes!!
That is so good to hear, I'm so glad the recipes are helpful!
My kids and I had so much fun making these cookies! I can't wait to make another batch!
They are so much fun to make with kids! Thank you for your feedback.
Looks so good. I know my family will love this!
Enjoy the cookies 🙂