Patriotic Meringue Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Patriotic Meringue Cookies are light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth sweet treats, perfect for celebrating holidays like the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or Veterans Day. Their vibrant red, white, and blue swirls make them eye-catching, festive, and ideal for parties, picnics, or gift baskets. These cookies are low in fat, naturally gluten-free, and full of crispy sweetness.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

egg whitesgranulated sugarsaltcream of tartartartarvanilla extractred food coloringblue food coloring

directions

Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy.

Add the cream of tartar and salt, then increase to high speed and beat until soft peaks form.

Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.

Add vanilla extract and mix just until incorporated.

Using a small brush, paint stripes of red and blue food coloring inside a large piping bag fitted with a star tip.

Carefully spoon the meringue into the piping bag, being cautious not to disturb the food coloring too much.

Pipe small swirls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a little space between each.

Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and let the cookies cool inside the oven with the door closed for another hour.

Remove and store once fully cooled.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 40 small meringue cookies.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 1 hourCooling time: 1 hourTotal time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Add a drop of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist.

Dust with edible glitter for extra sparkle.

Use other food coloring combinations for different holidays or themes.

Pipe into heart, star, or flower shapes using different tips.

storage/reheating

Store meringue cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.Avoid humidity, as it will make them sticky and chewy.Do not refrigerate or freeze, as moisture ruins their texture.

FAQs

Can I use liquid food coloring?

Yes, but gel food coloring is preferred for more vibrant color without affecting the meringue texture.

Why did my meringues crack?

Cracking often occurs from baking at too high a temperature or cooling too quickly. Stick to low and slow baking.

Can I make them without cream of tartar?

You can substitute with a small amount of lemon juice or white vinegar, but cream of tartar is best for stability.

Are these cookies dairy-free?

Yes, they contain no dairy, making them suitable for lactose-intolerant diets.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes, they store well in a sealed container for up to two weeks.

Can I pipe these with a zip-top bag?

Yes, just snip a corner off the bag, though the swirls won’t be as defined as with a star piping tip.

What causes weeping in meringue?

Weeping can occur if sugar is not fully dissolved or if the meringue is underbaked.

How do I know when they’re done?

They should be dry, crisp, and lift cleanly from the parchment paper.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but be sure to bake in batches to avoid overcrowding the oven.

Can I add sprinkles?

Yes, gently add sprinkles before baking for a festive touch.

Conclusion

Patriotic Meringue Cookies are a fun, colorful, and delicious way to celebrate national holidays. Their crisp texture, sweet flavor, and striking red, white, and blue swirls make them a showstopper at any gathering. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, these cookies are a must for your festive dessert table.

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