Vanilla Meringue Cookie Tips
Why are my meringue cookies flat?
Flattened meringue cookies are typically the result of too much air collapsing out of your meringues. To prevent this collapse, make sure that you have your
egg whites at room temperature before you begin. Start whisking the egg whites in your mixer slowly until they are foamy. Gradually increase your mixer speed and add the sugar one tablespoon at a time, not all at once. When the sugar is completely added, continue beating to incorporate more air, bringing the mixture to stiff, glossy peaks.
What are the different types of meringue?
There are two different types of meringue: soft and stiff. The difference between the two is the proportion of sugar to egg whites. For soft, billowy meringues appropriate for topping pies, you would use a lower amount of sugar to egg whites. For a stiffer, crisper meringue that you can bake, such as with this meringue cookie recipe or pavlova, you would use a larger proportion of sugar to egg whites. Learn more about
how to make meringues and
our favorite meringue desserts. (Be sure to check out our
chocolate meringue recipe, too!)
How long do meringue cookies last?
Meringue cookies will last for up to two weeks when stored at room temperature in an airtight container. Make sure you use parchment between the layers.
Why are my meringue cookies chewy?
Meringue cookie recipes can turn out chewy because they are not baked long enough. Check your bake time and make sure your meringues stay in the oven according to your recipe directions (commonly until the oven has cooled—no peeking). If you still don't have success, you may be storing them improperly. Meringue cookies can absorb moisture from their environment or other ingredients they are near.
Research contributed by Rashanda Cobbins, Taste of Home Food Editor Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links.
Reviews
Somehow the 2/3 cup of sugar is no longer showing in the list of ingredients. Either way, this is my go to recipe for meringue cookies, they're a huge hit in my house and we almost always have them on hand.
Can you substitute Stevia or another sweetener for the sugar?
Abbie, did you whip the eggs as directed?
Excellent recipe. Definitely use an electric beater. I paid this recipe with gnocchi so I can use the egg yolks leftover from the whites.
Did not work trued it three times very disappointing
So easy to make but takes quite a while to bake/cool. My daughter eats GF so these were perfect for her to have cookies. I'll add these into my Christmas cookie list for next year.
So far so good! Except I didn’t have another pan to pipe out the rest of my batter, will it still be okay if I remix it in 1h40 min so I can put the rest in the oven when my first batch is done? Or am I screwed? This is a first for me! I’m using them to decorate a birthday cake
It only takes a second to touch test..than close oven and let cool. It's not rocket science. I don't have a pastry bag so I put Tablespoon mounds and swirl a little at the top on the parchment paper
For those who are asking how to determine if they are firm to the touch because the recipe says to keep the door closed...you are reading the recipe wrong! My 10 year old makes these almost weekly. They always turn out PERFECT! We cook them for 43 minutes then see if they are firm. Then you turn off the oven and let York cool down in the oven for one hour with yer oven door closed during that cooling time.
How do you know if they are FIRM TO TOUCH if you can't open the over door!!