Description
Delicate lavender meringue cookies offer a graceful French-inspired treat perfect for elegant gatherings. Crisp exterior and light interior provide sweet satisfaction for dessert enthusiasts seeking a refined confection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large egg whites, room temperature
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ½ tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
- Food coloring
- Drizzle of melted chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare Station: Position oven rack centrally and preheat to 225F (110C), creating an optimal low-temperature environment for delicate meringue development.
- Setup Surface: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring a smooth, non-stick foundation for precise cookie placement.
- Egg White Preparation: Allow egg whites to reach room temperature, then carefully separate from yolks to maximize volume and structural integrity.
- Whipping Process: Utilize electric mixer to transform egg whites from frothy to soft-peaked state, gradually increasing speed and incorporating granulated sugar until a lustrous, voluminous meringue with stiff, defined peaks emerges.
- Flavor Enhancement: Delicately integrate vanilla extract and optional flavor elements, preserving the intricate air structure developed during whipping.
- Piping Technique: Transfer meringue to a star-tipped piping bag, creating uniform, elegant swirled mounds on prepared sheets with strategic spacing to facilitate even drying.
- Baking Transformation: Position baking sheets in preheated oven, allowing slow, gentle dehydration for approximately 1.5-2 hours, maintaining a pale, crisp texture without browning.
- Cooling Protocol: After achieving desired crispness, deactivate oven and permit cookies to cool gradually with door slightly ajar, ensuring complete moisture elimination.
- Storage Strategy: Once thoroughly cooled, transfer meringue cookies to an airtight container to preserve their delicate, crisp characteristics.
Notes
- Temperature Precision: Keep oven temperature consistently low at 225F to prevent browning and ensure delicate, crisp meringue texture.
- Egg White Technique: Use room temperature egg whites and separate carefully to maximize volume and stability during whipping.
- Avoid Moisture Interference: Ensure all utensils are completely dry and free from any oil or grease, which can prevent egg whites from forming proper peaks.
- Gentle Folding Method: Mix additional flavors gently to preserve the delicate air bubbles, maintaining the meringue’s light and airy structure.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 11
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg