Silky Meringue Cookies Recipe

Fluffy Meringue Cookies Recipe: Sweet Cloud Bites

Delicate and cloud-like, these meringue delight cookies dance on the edge of sweet perfection.

Whisked to ethereal heights, the delicate meringue recipe promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience that defies ordinary desserts.

Crisp edges give way to soft, pillowy centers that shimmer with sugary elegance.

Light as air and glimmering with possibility, these cookies transform simple ingredients into a sophisticated treat.

Egg whites whipped to glossy peaks create a magical confection that feels both luxurious and surprisingly simple.

The subtle crunch and delicate sweetness make these meringue cookies an irresistible indulgence for anyone seeking a refined dessert.

Serve them at your next gathering and watch as these delicate gems become the star of the sweet spread.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes (excluding 8 hours for overnight resting)

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 159 kcal

Servings: 13

What Makes Meringue Cookies Light and Sweet

For Egg Base:
  • Egg Whites: Crucial for creating the light, airy meringue structure, select fresh eggs at room temperature for maximum volume.
  • Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes egg whites, ensuring a smooth and glossy meringue with perfect peak formation.
For Sweetness and Flavor:
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create glossy, stiff peaks, choose fine-textured sugar for smooth integration.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the cookie's flavor, use pure vanilla for the most authentic taste.
For Texture and Crunch:
  • Chocolate Chips: Introduces rich chocolate bursts and contrasting texture, select high-quality chips for best melting.
  • Pecans: Offers nutty crunch and earthy undertones, toast lightly before chopping to enhance their natural flavor.
  • Crushed Candy Canes: Optional garnish that adds festive color and peppermint crunch, crush finely for even distribution.

Gear to Grab for Meringue Cookies

  • Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand): Essential tool for beating egg whites to perfect fluffy consistency and creating meringue's signature texture.
  • Teaspoons: Necessary for carefully dropping and shaping meringue dollops onto baking sheets.
  • Baking Sheets: Crucial for holding and baking meringue cookies with even heat distribution.
  • Foil or Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy removal from baking surface.
  • Mixing Bowl: Provides space for whipping egg whites and incorporating ingredients smoothly.

Simple Instructions for Meringue Cookies

Meringue Cloud Cookies

  • Whipped Egg White Dreamscape

Start by transforming egg whites into a fluffy cloud using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture becomes light and airy, creating a soft, billowy foundation for your delicate cookies.

  • Sweet Transformation

Gradually introduce sugar into the egg white mixture, watching it turn glossy and form elegant peaks. The key is patience – add sugar slowly to ensure a smooth, luxurious texture.

  • Flavor Infusion

Gently incorporate vanilla extract, letting its warm essence dance through the meringue. This subtle touch brings depth and character to your delicate confection.

  • Texture Adventure

Carefully fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts, preserving the meringue’s delicate structure. Each fold should be gentle, maintaining the cloud-like consistency.

  • Cookie Crafting

Tenderly spoon dollops of the meringue onto lined baking sheets, creating little clouds of sweetness. Optional: Sprinkle with crushed candy for a festive touch.

  • Overnight Magic

Place the baking sheets in a warm oven, then turn off the heat. Let the cookies rest overnight, allowing them to develop a crisp exterior and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Helpful Ideas for Meringue Cookies Success

  • Meringue Magic Techniques: Perfect your egg white whipping by ensuring bowl and beaters are completely grease-free for maximum volume.
  • Flavor Adventure Swaps: Replace chocolate chips with dried cranberries, white chocolate chunks, or butterscotch morsels for delightful taste variations.
  • Texture Transformation Tricks: Control cookie crispness by adjusting overnight oven resting time – shorter time means slightly chewier centers.
  • Storage Secret Weapon: Keep meringue cookies in an airtight container with a silica gel packet to prevent moisture absorption and maintain crunchiness.
  • Nutty Alternatives: Experiment with different nuts like almonds, walnuts, or macadamia instead of pecans for unique flavor profiles and textures.

Cute Ways to Plate Meringue Cookies

  • Sweet Dessert Companion: Pair these delicate meringue cookies with a steaming cup of hot cocoa or a rich espresso for a delightful contrast in textures and temperatures.
  • Festive Holiday Presentation: Arrange the cookies on a decorative holiday platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar to create an elegant dessert display.
  • Ice Cream Sandwich Magic: Create a decadent treat by sandwiching a small scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two meringue cookies for a crispy, creamy indulgence.
  • Fruit and Meringue Parfait: Layer crushed meringue cookies with fresh berries and whipped cream in a clear glass for a stunning and delicious dessert that showcases the cookies' delicate crunch.

Keeping Meringue Cookies and Fresh

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, preventing moisture from softening their delicate crunch.
  • Freezing Finesse: Layer meringue cookies between parchment paper in a sealed freezer container, maintaining their delicate structure for 2-3 months without losing quality.
  • Moisture Management: Store away from humid areas like kitchen counters near stovetops or dishwashers, which can quickly compromise the cookies' crisp texture.
  • Separation Strategy: Use wax paper or parchment between cookie layers to prevent sticking and maintain individual cookie integrity during storage.
Print
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Silky Meringue Cookies Recipe

Silky Meringue Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

French-inspired meringue delight cookies blend delicate sweetness with crisp textures from classic French pastry techniques. Light meringue rounds offer elegant dessert perfection for sophisticated palates.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 egg whites (room temperature)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup (120 g) chopped pecans
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) cream of tartar
  • ⅔ cup (158 ml) superfine sugar
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • Crushed candy canes (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Align parchment paper on two baking sheets, creating a pristine surface for cookie crafting.
  2. Whipping Foundation: Crack egg whites into a pristine mixing bowl, employing an electric mixer to elevate them into a voluminous, cloud-like consistency.
  3. Stabilizing Technique: Introduce cream of tartar, continuing to whip until the mixture achieves a pillowy, ethereal texture.
  4. Sweetening Process: Gradually incorporate granulated sugar and vanilla extract, persistently beating until the meringue develops glossy, rigid peaks that maintain their sculptural form.
  5. Flavor Incorporation: Gently fold chocolate chips and chopped pecans into the delicate meringue, preserving its airy structure and preventing deflation.
  6. Shaping and Decorating: Artfully deposit meringue dollops onto prepared sheets using two spoons, creating uniform mounds, and optionally embellish with crushed candy canes.
  7. Baking Method: Position sheets in a preheated oven, immediately extinguish the heat, and allow cookies to rest undisturbed overnight, transforming them into crisp, melt-in-your-mouth delicacies.

Notes

  • Egg White Quality: Use fresh, room-temperature eggs for maximum volume and stability, separating whites carefully to avoid any yolk contamination.
  • Whipping Technique: Beat egg whites slowly at first, gradually increasing speed to create stable, glossy peaks that won’t collapse during baking.
  • Sugar Integration: Add sugar incrementally to prevent deflating the meringue, ensuring each addition dissolves completely for a smooth, silky texture.
  • Resting Method: Keep oven door closed during overnight drying to maintain consistent low temperature, creating perfectly crisp, delicate cookies with minimal moisture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (excluding 8 hours for overnight resting)
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 159
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 1 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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