Frequently Asked Questions
What are Delicate Meringue Cookies?
Delicate Meringue Cookies are airy and crisp treats with a melt-in-your-mouth quality that can be customized with various colors.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C).
How many egg whites are needed for this recipe?
You will need 2 fresh egg whites at room temperature.
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, you can use 5 tablespoons of either sifted granulated sugar or brown sugar.
What is the purpose of cream of tartar in this recipe?
Cream of tartar acts as an acidic stabilizer to help the egg whites hold their structure.
What can I substitute for cream of tartar?
You can use 1 teaspoon of lemon juice as an alternative acidic stabilizer.
Should the baking sheet be greased?
No, you should line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
How long do the cookies need to bake?
Bake the meringues for 20 to 25 minutes.
How do I know when the egg whites have reached soft peaks?
Soft peaks form when the egg whites hold their shape but the tips curl over when the beaters are lifted.
What are stiff peaks for meringue?
Stiff peaks occur when the meringue is glossy and holds its shape firmly without the tips drooping.
Is food coloring mandatory for this recipe?
No, food coloring is optional and can be used to customize the look of your cookies.
Are these meringue cookies gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients list, these cookies are gluten-free.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 7.5 calories per serving.
What is the total yield of this recipe?
This recipe yields 12 servings.
Why must the cookies cool inside the oven?
Cooling them in the oven with the door cracked helps prevent the delicate cookies from cracking.
What equipment is used to shape the meringues?
A piping bag fitted with a star or round tip is used to pipe the meringue into shapes.
How far apart should I pipe the cookies?
Space the cookies about one inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
What mixer speed should be used for the initial beating?
Begin beating the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form.
When should I increase the mixer speed to high?
Increase the speed to high after adding the sugar and stabilizers to achieve stiff peaks.
Why is salt added to the meringue?
A pinch of salt is added to enhance the flavor profile of the cookies.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 5 ingredients: egg whites, sugar, food coloring, cream of tartar/lemon juice, and salt.
What state should the mixing bowl be in?
The mixing bowl must be completely clean and dry to ensure the egg whites whip properly.
Does the sugar need to be sifted?
Yes, the sugar should be sifted to ensure it incorporates smoothly without clumps.
What is the texture of the finished cookies?
The finished cookies are light, airy, and crispy.
Should egg whites be used cold or at room temperature?
Egg whites should be at room temperature for the best results.
How much fat is in these cookies?
These meringue cookies contain 0g of fat.
What is the sugar content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 1.58g of sugar.
How much protein is in one cookie?
There is approximately 0.17g of protein per serving.
When can the cookies be removed from the baking sheet?
Remove the cookies from the baking sheet once they have cooled completely in the oven.
Are these cookies suitable for festive occasions?
Yes, their customizable nature and attractive appearance make them ideal for festive dessert tables.