Light and airy, these Christmas Meringue cookies are a delightful treat perfect for holiday gatherings. With their crisp exterior and soft interior, they make a festive addition to any dessert platter. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, allowing you to enjoy the holiday season without spending all day in the kitchen. Whether you serve them plain or decorate them with festive colors and toppings, these meringues are sure to impress family and friends.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
- Servings: 12 cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 75
- Protein: 1 gram
- Carbohydrates: 17 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 16 grams
- Sodium: 5 mg
Why Make This Christmas Meringue – Easy Holiday Cookies
Christmas Meringue cookies bring a lightness and elegance to your holiday dessert table. They’re not only tasty and visually appealing but also gluten-free, making them a wonderful option for guests with dietary restrictions. Plus, the simplicity of the recipe allows for personalization — you can add food coloring for a festive touch or sprinkle on crushed peppermint to create a delightful holiday flavor. Their festive appearance and delicious taste ensure they’re a hit at any gathering!
How to Make Christmas Meringue – Easy Holiday Cookies
Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Christmas Meringue cookies. They will fill your home with a lovely sweet aroma while they bake, and you’ll feel the holiday spirit come alive with every bite.
Ingredients:
- 4 egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Optional: food coloring, chocolate, or crushed peppermint for decorating
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C). This low and slow cooking method will help the meringues achieve that perfect crisp texture.
Step 2: Mixing
In a clean, dry bowl, whisk the egg whites with the cream of tartar. Continue whisking until soft peaks form — this will give your meringues the structure they need.
Step 3: Cooking
Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to whisk until stiff peaks form and the mixture becomes glossy. You should be able to turn the bowl upside down without the mixture falling out! Gently fold in the vanilla extract and any food coloring you desire for a festive touch.
Step 4: Finishing
Drop spoonfuls of the meringue mixture onto a lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meringues are crisp. Once done, turn off the oven and let the meringues cool inside with the door slightly ajar to finish drying without browning. If desired, decorate with melted chocolate or crushed peppermint.
How to Serve Christmas Meringue – Easy Holiday Cookies
Serve your Christmas Meringue cookies on a decorative plate as a sweet treat during a holiday gathering or as a fun centerpiece on your dessert table. Their lightness pairs perfectly with a hot cup of cocoa or a festive latte, making them an ideal compliment to holiday beverages.
How to Store Christmas Meringue – Easy Holiday Cookies
To keep your Christmas Meringue cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. They can last for about one week at room temperature. However, avoid refrigerating them as moisture can make them chewy instead of crisp.
Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Meringue – Easy Holiday Cookies
- Ensure your mixing bowl and whisk are completely clean and dry; any fat can inhibit the egg whites from whipping properly.
- When adding sugar, do it gradually — this helps create a stable meringue.
- If you’re uncertain about your baking time, start checking at the 1.5-hour mark to prevent over-browning.
- Use silicone mats or parchment paper for easy removal of the meringues post-baking.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Meringues: Fold in cocoa powder for rich chocolate-flavored meringues.
- Peppermint Meringues: Add almond extract or peppermint extract for an additional holiday flavor profile.
- Nutty Meringues: Mix in finely chopped nuts such as pistachios or walnuts for added texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make meringue cookies on a humid day?
Yes, but be aware that humidity can affect the texture. Try to make them on a day with low humidity for best results. -
What if my meringue isn’t forming stiff peaks?
Ensure that you are using a clean bowl and that the egg whites are at room temperature. Be patient and whisk longer if necessary. -
Can I make meringues in advance?
Absolutely! Meringues store well, so feel free to make them a few days in advance and store them in an airtight container. -
How do I know when my meringues are done?
They should feel dry and crisp to the touch. You can also gently tap them; if they feel firm and don’t stick to your finger, they’re ready. -
Can I use store-bought egg whites?
Yes, you can use pasteurized egg whites for convenience, but fresh egg whites generally produce a better meringue.
Conclusion
These Christmas Meringue cookies are an easy and festive treat that everyone will love. With their sweet, airy texture and potential for creative decorating, they are not only an excellent holiday activity but also a delicious indulgence. Feel free to experiment with flavors and toppings to suit your family’s preferences. Bake some today, and spread the holiday cheer!
Print
Christmas Meringue Cookies
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Light and airy Christmas Meringue cookies with a crisp exterior and soft interior, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Optional: food coloring, chocolate, or crushed peppermint for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C).
- In a clean, dry bowl, whisk egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add granulated sugar while whisking until stiff peaks form and mixture is glossy.
- Fold in vanilla extract and any desired food coloring.
- Drop spoonfuls of meringue mixture onto a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, until crisp. Turn off oven and leave meringues to cool inside.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to one week at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration as it can make them chewy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
