Delicious Meringues – A Foolproof Recipe for Perfect Meringue Cookies
If you’re a fan of meringues, then this recipe is one you’re going to love! With just a few simple ingredients, these meringues come out crispy, airy, and light, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. This foolproof recipe has been perfected over time, and I can confidently say it’s the easiest and most reliable version I’ve tried. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, these meringues are sure to impress. Let’s dive right into the steps to create these melt-in-your-mouth meringue cookies!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 15
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Classic
- Dietary Information: Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Free of Artificial Ingredients, Suitable for Large Groups
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Icing Sugar | 2 cups |
| Caster Sugar | 1 cup |
| Vinegar | 1 teaspoon |
| Boiling Water | 2 tablespoons |
| Baking Powder | 4 teaspoons |
Nutritional Information per Serving
(Based on 15 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 85.4 kcal |
| Fat Content | 0g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 0g |
| Cholesterol Content | 0mg |
| Sodium Content | 55.9mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 21.5g |
| Fiber Content | 0g |
| Sugar Content | 21.2g |
| Protein Content | 0.5g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Meringue Mixture
Begin by ensuring your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry. Any trace of grease or moisture will prevent the meringue from whipping up properly. Place the icing sugar, caster sugar, and vinegar into a clean metal bowl. Carefully set the bowl over a pot of simmering (not boiling) water, ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water. -
Whisk to Perfection
Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture on high for about 5 minutes. The meringue should start to hold its shape and become stiff and glossy. You’ll know it’s done when you can pull the beaters out, and the meringue forms stiff peaks. -
Add Baking Powder
At the very end of whipping, quickly beat in the baking powder. This will help stabilize the meringue and give it a slightly lighter texture. Be gentle when folding it in to keep as much air in the mixture as possible. -
Pipe the Meringues
To achieve that perfect meringue shape, transfer your meringue mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle. Pipe small, even meringues onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can also spoon the mixture onto the tray, although the shape won’t be as neat. -
Bake Slowly
Preheat your oven to a very low temperature – around 90°C (200°F). Bake the meringues for about 2 hours. Keep the oven door slightly ajar with a wooden spoon to allow moisture to escape. The goal is to dry them out slowly rather than cook them too quickly, which helps them become crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. -
Let Them Cool
Once the meringues are baked, turn off the oven and leave them inside with the door slightly ajar. Allow them to cool completely in the oven. This helps the meringues set and prevents cracking due to sudden temperature changes. -
Optional Whipped Cream and Lemon Curd Filling
For an extra touch, you can sandwich two meringues together with a dollop of whipped cream folded with lemon curd. This adds a tangy sweetness that complements the light, crisp meringues. The slight yellow color of the lemon curd against the white of the meringue makes a beautiful contrast. -
Serve and Enjoy!
These meringues are perfect for serving at your next gathering or as an elegant treat with your afternoon tea or coffee. Keep them on hand as a quick and impressive snack to offer guests. They can be stored in an airtight container and will stay fresh for several days, although I’m sure they won’t last that long!
Tips for the Perfect Meringue
- Clean Equipment: Ensure all your equipment is completely clean, as any trace of grease or moisture will interfere with the meringue’s ability to whip up.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the vinegar and water are at room temperature before you start. Cold ingredients can cause the meringue to collapse.
- Slow Baking: Don’t rush the baking process. Meringues need a low, slow bake to dry out fully without browning.
- Don’t Open the Oven: While baking, resist the temptation to open the oven door too often, as this can cause the meringues to crack or collapse.
Why You’ll Love These Meringues
Meringues are a timeless treat that can be dressed up for fancy occasions or enjoyed simply with a cup of coffee. This particular recipe is foolproof, meaning even if you’re not an expert baker, you’ll still achieve perfect results. The simplicity of the ingredients makes this recipe healthy, light, and satisfying, while the subtle sweetness makes it irresistible. Serve them as individual cookies or make a fun dessert by sandwiching them with lemon curd or whipped cream for an extra indulgent bite.
These meringues can easily be scaled up for large gatherings or cut into smaller servings for an everyday treat. You’ll find that they stay fresh for days and are a great option for last-minute entertaining. The light, crisp texture paired with the sweet, tangy filling will have your guests asking for the recipe!
Conclusion
With their light, crisp texture and slightly sweet flavor, these meringues are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a casual get-together or a fancy dinner party, they are guaranteed to impress. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures great results every time, and with minimal ingredients, it’s a simple dessert that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Enjoy your delicious meringues – happy baking!
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