Christmas Meringue Cookies: Easy Fluffy Recipe for Festive Parties
These fluffy Christmas meringue cookies are light as air, melt-in-your-mouth sweet treats perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or adding festive flair to your dessert table. With simple ingredients and a foolproof method, they’re a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar (or 1 teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar as substitute)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Holiday sprinkles or crushed peppermint (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 225°F (110°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Ensure mixing bowl and beaters are clean and grease-free (wipe with vinegar if needed).
- Carefully separate 4 large eggs, placing the whites into the mixing bowl.
- Add a pinch of salt and beat egg whites on medium speed until frothy (1-2 minutes).
- Sprinkle in cream of tartar and continue beating on medium-high until soft peaks form (2-3 minutes).
- With mixer running, gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until glossy, stiff peaks form (5-7 minutes).
- Mix in vanilla extract on low speed just until combined.
- Spoon or pipe meringue onto prepared baking sheets in tablespoonfuls or desired shapes, about 2 inches apart.
- Decorate with holiday sprinkles or crushed peppermint if desired.
- Bake for 1 hour. Do not open the oven during baking.
- Turn off oven and let cookies cool inside for 30 minutes.
- Remove cookies and transfer to wire rack. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Notes
Use room temperature eggs for best volume. Ensure all equipment is grease-free for fluffy meringue. Add sugar slowly to avoid grainy texture. Bake low and slow, then cool in the oven for crisp exteriors and marshmallowy centers. Store in airtight container for up to 7 days. Humidity can affect texture; re-crisp in a low oven if needed. Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 30
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Protein: 1
Keywords: Christmas, meringue cookies, holiday dessert, gluten-free, dairy-free, easy cookies, festive treats, egg whites, sugar cookies, party food