Create a winter wonderland with these adorable Snowman Meringue Cookies! Light and crispy, these cookies are not only a delicious treat but also a fun holiday activity for the whole family to enjoy. Decorating these snowmen will surely bring out the festive spirit.
Ingredients
For the Meringue:
- 3 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For Decorating:
- Mini chocolate chips or black gel food coloring (for eyes and buttons)
- Orange gel food coloring or candy (for noses)
- Red or green gel food coloring (for scarves)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meringue
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 200°F (95°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat Egg Whites: In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
- Add Sugar Gradually: Continue adding granulated sugar a tablespoon at a time, then increase speed to high until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Add Vanilla: Fold in the vanilla extract gently.
Step 2: Pipe the Snowmen
- Fill a Piping Bag: Transfer the meringue to a piping bag with a large round tip.
- Pipe Shapes: Pipe three connected circles on the prepared sheet to form the snowman shapes.
- Decorate Before Baking: Insert mini chocolate chips for eyes and buttons, and place or prepare space for an orange nose.
Step 3: Bake the Meringues
- Bake Low and Slow: Bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the meringues are dry and can be lifted easily off the paper.
- Cool in the Oven: Turn off the oven, open the door slightly, and let the meringues cool inside to avoid cracks.
Step 4: Final Decorations
- Add Noses: Attach tiny orange candies or use orange gel for the noses.
- Draw Scarves and Details: Pipe scarves and other details using red or green gel food coloring.
Tips for Perfect Snowman Meringues
- Utensil Cleanliness: Make sure all utensils are grease-free to ensure proper whipping of the egg whites.
- Gel Food Coloring: Opt for gel food coloring which does not thin the meringue like liquid colors.
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Conclusion
Snowman Meringue Cookies are a perfect treat to add charm to your holiday festivities. With their delightful appearance and sweet, crisp taste, they are sure to be a hit with guests of all ages. Enjoy crafting these fun cookies and infuse your holidays with a touch of creativity and joy!
