Delicate Meringue Clouds
Indulge in the light and airy delight of Delicate Meringue Clouds! These simple yet elegant meringue cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion, whether enjoyed at a cozy gathering or as a sweet gift. Made with just a few ingredients, they offer a delightful crunch on the outside and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center. Personalize them with your choice of food coloring or flavoring to create a stunning array of colors and tastes. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or store them in an airtight container for a later sweet treat - they will keep for about a week (if they last that long!).
24
Servings
60
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Finely granulated sugar
1 cup (Measure out the sugar and set aside.)
Egg whites
2-3 (Separate from yolks and bring to room temperature.)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (Measure out and have ready.)
Vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (Measure out and have ready.)
Food coloring
optional (Prepare if desired.)
Flavoring
optional (Prepare if desired.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line one or two baking sheets with parchment or wax paper.
2
In a medium saucepan, bring about 1 inch of water to a gentle simmer. In a heatproof mixing bowl, combine the egg whites, salt, and vanilla extract. Place the bowl over the simmering water to create a double boiler, ensuring that the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.
3
Whisk the egg whites, salt, and vanilla together until well blended and the mixture is warm to the touch.
4
Remove the bowl from the heat and transfer the mixture to a stand mixer, or use a hand mixer. Beat on high speed until soft peaks form.
5
Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form and the meringue is glossy and thick.
6
If desired, add food coloring or flavoring at this stage, gently folding them in to combine.
7
Transfer the meringue into a pastry bag (or a makeshift piping bag using a corner of a freezer bag) and pipe small mounds onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about an inch apart.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden. The cookies should be crisp and easily lift off the parchment.
9
Allow the meringue cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
10
Serve them warm or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Nutrition Information
0g
Fat
15g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Delicate Meringue Clouds?
They are light and airy meringue cookies that offer a delightful crunch on the outside and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 24 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
How should I prepare my baking sheets?
Line one or two baking sheets with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking.
What method is used to warm the egg whites?
Use a double boiler method by placing a heatproof bowl over a saucepan with an inch of simmering water.
Should the mixing bowl touch the water in the saucepan?
No, ensure that the bottom of the bowl does not touch the simmering water.
Which ingredients are mixed in the initial heatproof bowl?
Combine the egg whites, salt, and vanilla extract initially.
How long should I whisk the mixture over the heat?
Whisk until the ingredients are well blended and the mixture feels warm to the touch.
At what speed should I beat the egg whites?
Beat the mixture on high speed using a stand mixer or hand mixer.
When do I add the granulated sugar?
Gradually add the sugar after the mixture has reached soft peaks.
How do I know the meringue is finished beating?
The meringue is ready when stiff peaks form and it appears glossy and thick.
Can I add color to the cookies?
Yes, you can gently fold in food coloring once the meringue has reached stiff peaks.
How do I shape the meringue cookies?
Transfer the mixture to a pastry bag and pipe small mounds onto the prepared baking sheets.
What if I do not have a professional pastry bag?
You can create a makeshift piping bag using a corner of a freezer bag.
How far apart should I pipe the cookies?
Space the mounds about an inch apart on the cookie sheets.
What is the baking time for these cookies?
Bake them for 12 to 15 minutes.
How can I tell if the cookies are done?
The tops should be lightly golden, crisp, and they should lift easily off the parchment paper.
How should the cookies be cooled?
Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
What is the best way to store the meringue clouds?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
How long will these cookies stay fresh?
They will keep for about one week if stored properly.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 60 calories.
What type of sugar is best for this recipe?
Finely granulated sugar is recommended.
How much fat is in a serving?
These cookies contain 0g of fat.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 15g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many egg whites are needed?
You will need 2 to 3 egg whites at room temperature.
Is there any protein in these cookies?
Yes, there is 1g of protein per serving.
Can I add extra flavorings?
Yes, optional flavorings can be folded in along with food coloring.
Are these cookies suitable for gifts?
Yes, their elegant appearance makes them a perfect sweet gift.
What happens if I don't use room temperature egg whites?
Room temperature whites whip up better and reach higher volume more easily than cold ones.
Should I serve them warm?
You can serve them warm or at room temperature after they have set.