It isn’t Christmas without a delicious melt-in-your mouth easy meringue cookies recipe, like grandma used to make! 

Light, airy, and flavorful meringue cookies are like no other! They are easier to bake than you might think, and kids will be intrigued by the process.

This cookie platter is guaranteed to disappear shortly after you put it on the table. 

Meringue Cookies

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When I was a kid, my grandma made light green meringue surprise cookies every Christmas.

I thought she was a cookie sorceress because the meringue shell would melt in my mouth, giving way to a yummy chocolate chip center that soon melt along with it–talk about Christmas magic!

Needless to say, Santa put a mega dent on our meringue cookie inventory when he stopped by every Christmas eve! {giggle}

This Meringue Cookie Recipe: 

• Yields: 28-30
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes plus cooling in oven 60 minutes

Ingredients Needed

• 3 eggs whites, room temperature 
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• Red paste food coloring, no taste is best 

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 200 degrees F.

Step 2

Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 3

In a bowl of a stand mixer or large bowl, beat egg whites, cream of tartar, extract and salt on medium speed until soft peaks form.

Step 4

Gradually add sugar 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed until stiff peaks form.

Step 5

Using a brush, add stripes to the inside of a plastic decorator bag fitted with a large star or round tip.

Step 6

Fill bag with meringue.

Step 7

Pipe cookies onto prepared baking sheet.

Step 8

Bake for 90 minutes or until cookies are set.

Step 9

Turn oven off and leave oven door slightly open for 60 minutes.

Step 10

Remove from oven.

How Do you Store Meringue Cookies? 

Store your meringue cookies in an airtight container.

Meringue is fragile, so I wouldn’t recommend something flimsy–like freezer bags or a paper plate with saran wrap, etc.

Opt for a Christmas cookie tin or a plastic tub.

Keep them in a cool, dry place (think your fridge, as long as you have an airtight container). 

Can I Freeze Meringue cookies? 

Yes, you can!  

In order to keep them from drying out, you don’t want to let your meringue cookies sit too long before freezing.

Start with freshly baked cookies.

Once they have cooled to room temperature, package them in an airtight container and then freeze for up to 2 months.

How long do meringue cookies stay good for?

Depending on whether or not you stored them properly, your meringue cookies will last for up to two weeks in the fridge, and up to two months in the freezer. 

What is the difference between meringue cookies and macarons?

These two cookies are actually quite different! 

While meringue cookies are made from just a few ingredients, and piped with a bag onto a pan, macarons have more steps (and more ingredients!). 

Macarons have yummy frosting in the center of the sandwich cookie, whereas meringue cookies do not. 

They are also baked at a higher temperature, for a shorter time than meringue cookies.

My advice is to stick with meringue cookies at first if you are a beginner, and then move up to macarons! 

Are Meringue Cookies Gluten free?

Yes! This recipe is gluten free.

Yield: 28-30 cookies

Easy Meringue Cookies Recipe

Print

Our easy meringue cookie recipe is a holiday staple! Bake these classic Christmas cookies just the way grandma did, with only 6 ingredients!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Additional Time 1 hour

Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 eggs whites, room temperature
• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
• ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• Red paste food coloring, no taste is best

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees F.
2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a bowl of a stand mixer or large bowl, beat egg whites, cream of tartar, extract and salt on medium speed until soft peaks form.
4. Gradually add sugar 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed until stiff peaks form.
5. Using a brush, add stripes to the inside of a plastic decorator bag fitted with a large star or round tip.
6. Fill bag with meringue.
7. Pipe cookies onto prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 90 minutes or until cookies are set .
9. Turn oven off and leave oven door slightly open for 60 minutes.
10. Remove from oven.
11. Store in airtight container.

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• 20 Yummy Cookies In A Jar–Easy Homemade Mason Jar Mix Ideas  {makes the BEST gifts!}

Are you going to eat all of your easy meringue cookies, or save some for Santa? {giggle}