Patriotic Meringue Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Patriotic Meringue Cookies are light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth sweet treats that are as stunning as they are simple. With swirls of red, white, and blue, these crisp little cookies add a festive flair to any Fourth of July dessert table. They’re gluten-free, naturally fat-free, and easy to make ahead—perfect for patriotic parties or edible gifts.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

egg whites (room temperature)
granulated sugar
cream of tartar
vanilla extract
red and blue gel food coloring
pinch of salt

directions

Preheat oven to 200°F (93°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat egg whites with a pinch of salt and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form.

Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form and the sugar is fully dissolved.

Beat in vanilla extract.

Divide the meringue into three bowls. Leave one plain, tint one red, and one blue using gel food coloring.

Using a piping bag fitted with a star tip, layer the three colors side-by-side or swirl them together in the bag.

Pipe 1- to 2-inch mounds onto the prepared baking sheets.

Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until meringues are dry and can easily lift off the parchment.

Turn off oven and let meringues cool inside the oven with the door slightly open for 1 hour.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 30–40 meringue cookies.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 1.5–2 hours
Cooling time: 1 hour
Total time: 3–3.5 hours

Variations

Add peppermint or almond extract instead of vanilla for a flavor twist.
Dip bottoms in white chocolate and add sprinkles for extra flair.
Use sanding sugar or edible glitter for sparkle.
Pipe into star or kiss shapes for themed variety.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Avoid humidity—moisture will cause meringues to soften.
Do not refrigerate or freeze.

FAQs

Can I use liquid food coloring?

Gel food coloring is best to avoid thinning the meringue.

Why are my meringues sticky?

They may be underbaked or the humidity may be too high.

Can I make them ahead?

Yes, they’re perfect for making 1–2 days in advance.

Do I need cream of tartar?

It helps stabilize the egg whites but can be substituted with lemon juice.

Can I flavor them differently?

Yes, use different extracts but avoid adding anything oily.

Can I use a hand mixer?

Yes, but it may take a little longer to reach stiff peaks.

Why did they crack?

They may have baked at too high a temperature or cooled too quickly.

Can I pipe different shapes?

Absolutely—use different tips for stars, kisses, or rosettes.

Are they gluten-free?

Yes, naturally gluten-free as written.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use multiple trays and rotate them during baking.

Conclusion

Patriotic Meringue Cookies are a light, crisp, and colorful way to celebrate Independence Day. With their elegant swirl of red, white, and blue and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re as impressive as they are easy to make. Serve them on a festive platter or package them up for sweet holiday favors—either way, they’ll add a delicious sparkle to your celebration.

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