Sweet and Crispy Cotton Candy Meringue Cookies
Easy Homemade Cotton Candy Meringue Cookie Recipe
Try making these adorable, cotton candy-like meringue cookies right at home! They are simple to bake with just egg whites and sugar, offering a delightful melt-in-your-mouth sweetness and a satisfying crunch. These cookies are perfect as a treat for kids, a charming addition to your afternoon tea, or even as a sweet gift. Get creative with colors and shapes to personalize your unique meringue cookies!
Ingredients
- 120g Egg whites (approx. 4 large eggs)
- 120g Granulated sugar or powdered sugar
- Food coloring (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, gather all your ingredients. Using powdered sugar can result in a smoother meringue, but granulated sugar works perfectly well too. Ensure your egg whites are free from any yolk contamination.
Step 2
In a clean bowl, add the egg whites. Pour in about half of the sugar (or powdered sugar) and begin whipping with a hand mixer or whisk for about 2 minutes until it becomes slightly frothy. Don’t aim for stiff peaks just yet.
Step 3
Add the remaining sugar (or powdered sugar) to the bowl. Continue whipping until the mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks. The meringue should hold its shape firmly.
Step 4
Achieving stiff peaks is crucial for crispy meringue cookies. Test by inverting the bowl; the meringue should not slide out. This step is key to ensuring a wonderfully crisp texture.
Step 5
Divide the meringue into three equal portions in separate bowls. Add a small amount of food coloring to each portion and gently fold it in until the color is evenly distributed. Adjust the amount of coloring to achieve your desired shades.
Step 6
Food coloring enhances the visual appeal, but it’s entirely optional and doesn’t affect the taste. You can also experiment with natural powders like matcha or cocoa for unique flavors and colors.
Step 7
Prepare your piping bag by fitting it with your chosen decorative tip. Fill each piping bag with a different colored meringue. Piping bags and tips are readily available at most craft or kitchen supply stores.
Step 8
Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Pipe the meringue onto the prepared sheets in your desired shapes. Try to make them a consistent size for even baking.
Step 9
Bake in a preheated oven at 100°C (212°F) for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cookies. They should feel dry and firm to the touch.
Step 10
Once baked, let the meringue cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before attempting to remove them. Properly baked meringues will lift cleanly from the parchment paper with a neat, smooth bottom.
Step 11
Ta-da! Your beautiful, colorful, and delightfully crisp meringue cookies are ready! Enjoy their sweet, airy texture that melts in your mouth.
