Description
Patriotic Meringue Cookies are light, airy, and crisp treats swirled with red, white, and blue coloring. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are perfect for 4th of July celebrations and add a festive touch to any dessert table.
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Red and blue gel food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 225°F (110°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, while beating on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form and the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Beat in vanilla extract until incorporated.
- Divide the meringue into three portions. Leave one plain, tint one with red food coloring, and the third with blue.
- Spoon each color into separate piping bags. For a swirled effect, add all three colors side-by-side into one large piping bag fitted with a star tip.
- Pipe small mounds or kisses onto prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 1 hour. Turn off the oven and let meringues cool inside the oven for another hour without opening the door.
- Once completely cool, remove from baking sheets and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Ensure mixing bowl and beaters are completely grease-free before whipping egg whites.
- Use gel food coloring to avoid thinning the meringue.
- Meringue cookies should be crisp and dry, not chewy.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 week.