Meringue Cookies

Meringue Cookies is a easy Western recipe that serves 20. 20 calories per serving. Recipe by In The Kitchen With Matt on YouTube.

Prep: 21 min | Cook: 1 hr 30 min | Total: 2 hrs 6 min

Cost: $14.24 total, $0.71 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 large Egg Whites (room temperature, separated from yolks)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Cream of Tartar (helps stabilize the whites)
  • 0.5 cup Caster Sugar (Super‑fine sugar) (adds sweetness and structure; use a kitchen scale for best results (100 g))
  • 0.125 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla preferred)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Egg Whites

    Separate the egg whites from the yolks, ensuring no yolk contaminates the whites. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to improve volume.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Add Cream of Tartar and Whisk

    Add ¼ tsp cream of tartar to the whites. Using the electric mixer on medium speed, whisk until the mixture becomes frothy, about 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Incorporate Sugar Gradually

    With the mixer on low, add the caster sugar a tablespoon at a time, allowing each addition to dissolve before adding the next. Continue mixing until the mixture is thick, glossy, and forms soft peaks, about 8 minutes.

    Time: PT8M

  4. Add Vanilla Extract

    Add 1⁄8 tsp vanilla extract and mix for another 1 minute until fully incorporated.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Pipe the Meringues

    Transfer the glossy meringue to a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip. Pipe desired shapes onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Bake Low and Slow

    Place the pan in a pre‑heated oven set to 200 °F (93 °C). Bake for 60 minutes without opening the door.

    Time: PT1H

    Temperature: 200°F

  7. Cool in the Oven

    Turn off the oven, keep the door closed, and let the meringues sit for an additional 30 minutes to finish drying out.

    Time: PT30M

  8. Finish Cooling and Serve

    Remove the pan and allow the meringues to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
20
Protein
0 g
Carbohydrates
5 g
Fat
0 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Vegetarian

Allergens: Eggs

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Meringue Cookies

Recipe by In The Kitchen With Matt

Crisp, airy meringue cookies made with just egg whites, caster sugar, a pinch of cream of tartar and vanilla. Baked low and slow for a glossy, melt‑in‑your‑mouth treat that’s naturally gluten‑free and low‑fat.

EasyWesternServes 20

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
56m
Prep
1h
Cook
14m
Cleanup
2h 10m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$14.24
Total cost
$0.71
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Achieving soft peaks after sugar incorporation
  • Baking at a low temperature for a full hour
  • Cooling in the closed oven for 30 minutes to finish drying

Safety Warnings

  • Raw egg whites can carry salmonella; use fresh eggs and wash hands thoroughly after handling.
  • The oven will be hot; use oven mitts when inserting or removing the pan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of meringue cookies in Western cuisine?

A

Meringue cookies trace back to 17th‑century Europe, where whipped egg whites and sugar were used to create airy confections for the aristocracy. Over time, they became popular in American home baking as a light, low‑fat dessert, often served at tea parties and holiday gatherings.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of meringue cookies in European cuisine?

A

In France, meringues are often shaped into small nests called "meringues françaises" and sometimes flavored with almond extract. In Italy, the crisp version called "pavlova" (though named after the dancer) is topped with fruit. In Switzerland, "Baiser" are soft‑centered and sandwiched with chocolate.

cultural
Q

How is meringue traditionally served in French patisserie?

A

French patisseries serve meringues as delicate bite‑size cookies, sometimes dusted with powdered sugar or paired with fresh berries and whipped cream for a light dessert plate.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are meringue cookies traditionally associated with in Western culture?

A

Meringues are popular at tea parties, bridal showers, Christmas, and Easter celebrations, valued for their elegant appearance and ability to be flavored or colored to match the theme.

cultural
Q

What makes meringue cookies special in Western dessert traditions?

A

Their unique combination of crisp exterior and melt‑in‑the‑mouth interior, achieved without any fat or flour, showcases the chemistry of egg whites and sugar—a hallmark of classic Western confectionery.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making meringue cookies?

A

Common errors include using a dirty bowl, adding sugar too quickly, over‑beating which causes grainy texture, and opening the oven door during baking which can cause cracks or weeping.

technical
Q

Why does this meringue recipe use cream of tartar instead of lemon juice?

A

Cream of tartar is a dry acid that stabilizes egg whites without adding extra liquid, allowing the meringue to hold volume and achieve a glossy texture more reliably than lemon juice.

technical
Q

Can I make these meringue cookies ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, pipe and bake the meringues up to two days ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature; they stay crisp for about a week or can be frozen for longer storage.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the meringues are done?

A

The meringues should be dry to the touch, glossy on the surface, and have a light, airy interior. They will easily lift off the parchment paper without sticking.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel In The Kitchen With Matt specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel In The Kitchen With Matt focuses on straightforward, home‑cooked recipes with clear step‑by‑step instructions, emphasizing classic comfort foods and simple baking techniques for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel In The Kitchen With Matt's approach to baking differ from other cooking channels?

A

In The Kitchen With Matt emphasizes minimal equipment, budget‑friendly ingredients, and practical tips like using pantry staples, whereas many other channels often rely on specialty tools or exotic ingredients.

channel

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