Festive Meringue Cookies

Name: Festive Meringue Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 h 40 min
Total time: 11 h 55 min
Yield: about 2 dozen
Ingredients: 3 large egg whites; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3/4 cup sugar; White pearl or coarse sugar, optional

Total Time Prep: 15 min. Bake: 35 min. + cooling

Yield about 2 dozen

Test Kitchen Approved

Try these meringue cookies without cream of tartar! These festive treats sparkle not only during the holidays but also for other occasions year-round. Use colored sugar or food coloring to change things up. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

Ingredients

3 large egg whites
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup sugar
White pearl or coarse sugar, optional

Directions

Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 250°.
Beat egg whites on medium speed until foamy; add vanilla. Beat until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high after each addition until sugar is dissolved. Continue beating until stiff glossy peaks form.
Transfer meringue to a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe 2-in. circles or shapes 2 in. apart onto parchment-lined baking sheets. If desired, sprinkle with pearl or coarse sugar.
Bake until set and dry, 35-40 minutes. Turn oven off (do not open oven door); leave meringues in oven for 1-1/2 hours. Remove from oven; cool completely on baking sheets. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

1 meringue: 27 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.