Easy Meringue Cookie Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Do you need cream of tartar in meringues? ›

The bottom line: For smooth, stiff beaten egg whites that keep their shape, don't skip the cream of tartar. If you don't have cream of tartar, substituting 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar per egg white works almost as well. To avoid meringues that weep, don't skip the cream of tartar...

French (Simple) Meringue

This is the most common and easiest to make of the meringues and is known as an 'uncooked' meringue. Egg whites are whisked until soft peaks form. The sugar is then gradually whisked in, a large spoonful at a time, until fully incorporated and it has dissolved.

What is a Good Cream of Tartar Substitute when Making Meringues? You can substitute lemon juice for cream of tartar when making meringues. The substitution ratio is 1:2 — for your recipe's measurement of cream of tartar, use double that amount of lemon juice.

Don't use plastic bowls—they can retain a film of fat from previously mixed or stored items that can deflate the meringue. Don't make meringues on humid days. Humidity causes meringues to be sticky and chewy. Bake meringues at low temperatures because they tend to brown quickly.

For Stabilizing Egg Whites, Use Vinegar or Lemon Juice

If your recipe calls for whipped egg whites and a little cream of tartar, try these substitutions: Vinegar: You'll sometimes find vinegar called for in meringue recipes (especially meringue cookies which have stronger flavorings) instead of cream of tartar.

French meringue is the least stable but lightest of the three. Sometimes it's poached or folded into batters for cakes or soufflés, etc. But typically this type is spooned or piped into cookies, Pavlova, or a desired shape, and baked low and slow. Once baked it becomes crisp yet airy and shouldn't be brown.

That versatility and variety are what make meringue such a popular ingredient in baking and desserts, and of course, you have an irreplaceably delicious taste, too. Meringues come in three classic styles: French, Italian, and Swiss. All three require the same elements: egg whites, sugar, and heat.

Even though they're similar in colour, consistency and packaging, baking soda and cream of tartar are totally different ingredients. Baking soda is alkaline and commonly used in recipes that mix moisture plus an acidic ingredient (such as lemon juice, chocolate, buttermilk or honey) together to make batter rise.

The meringue is flavoured slightly with lemon zest and some lemon juice is added. The lemon juice does not really add flavour to the meringue, it is mainly used as its acidity helps to stabilise the whisked egg whites in the meringue mixture.

Can I use lemon instead of cream of tartar? ›

The Best Substitute for Cream of Tartar

For every 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar in the recipe, use 1 teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar. As an example, if your cookie recipe calls for 1 teaspoon baking soda, add 2 teaspoons lemon juice instead of the cream of tartar.

The difference between the different types of meringue is how the sugar and egg whites are combined. No matter the type, fat is the enemy to a strong meringue. I like to wipe my bowl and whisk down with a bit of vinegar to get rid of any residual fat or grease.

Any kind of grease ruins meringue. That means that your cooking utensils need to be immaculately clean. Even if you're sure they're clean but they've been sitting in your kitchen for a while, run some hot, hot water over them and dry with a clean dish towel or paper towel.

Cornstarch: Cornstarch is an excellent way to foolproof your meringue. Use it to create added fluff and keep your hard-won volume from shrinking. Cream of Tartar: Often added in when making meringues, acidic cream of tartar provides lift and stabilization.

Not Bringing Eggs to Room Temperature

Again, be extra careful when separating your eggs because even a tiny speck of yolk can prevent your whites from achieving full peak stiffness. For this reason, separate eggs one by one into a small bowl, and then add the egg whites individually into the bigger mixing bowl.

If you add the sugar too quickly then the mixture will never acquire the stiff consistency you want. You also need to be careful if you've used extra ingredients to flavour your meringues. Oils (such as those in nuts or zest) and liquids can stop the egg whites from stiffening, so you have to experiment with amounts.