18 Portuguese Meringue Cookies Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 9, 2024
Portuguese meringue cookies are a delightful treat that is popular in Portugal and around the world. These light and airy cookies are made with egg whites, sugar, and a touch of cream of tartar for stability. They are often referred to as "suspiros" which translates to "sighs" in English, due to their delicate texture that seems to melt in your mouth. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making these delicious cookies with our tried and tested Portuguese meringue cookies recipe.
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Ingredients You Will Need
Egg Whites
To make the perfect Portuguese meringue cookies, you will need fresh egg whites. It is essential to use room temperature egg whites as they whip up better and faster. It is also important to ensure that there are no traces of yolk in the whites as it can prevent them from whipping up properly.
Sugar
Sugar is the main ingredient in these cookies, and it is what gives them their signature sweetness. It is important to use granulated sugar for this recipe, as it dissolves easily and helps create a smooth and glossy meringue.
Cream of Tartar
Cream of tartar is a key ingredient in making these cookies as it provides stability to the meringue. It helps the egg whites hold their shape and prevents them from deflating. If you do not have cream of tartar, you can substitute it with a small amount of lemon juice or white vinegar.
Vanilla Extract
To add a touch of flavor to these cookies, we recommend using vanilla extract. It pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the meringue and adds a subtle aroma.
Optional Add-ins
While traditional Portuguese meringue cookies are made with just the basic ingredients, you can get creative and add some optional ingredients to jazz them up. Some popular add-ins include chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and dried fruit.
The Process
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). This low temperature is crucial in creating the perfect meringue cookies.
Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites
In a clean and dry mixing bowl, whip the egg whites until they reach soft peaks. This means that the egg whites will form gentle peaks when you lift the whisk from the bowl.
Step 3: Gradually Add in the Sugar
Gradually add in the sugar, one spoonful at a time, while continuing to whip the egg whites. This will help the sugar dissolve and prevent the meringue from deflating.
Step 4: Add in the Cream of Tartar and Vanilla Extract
Once all the sugar has been incorporated, add in the cream of tartar and vanilla extract. Continue to whip until the meringue reaches stiff peaks. This means that the meringue will hold its shape when you lift the whisk from the bowl.
Step 5: Pipe the Meringue onto a Baking Sheet
Using a piping bag or a spoon, pipe the meringue onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. You can create any shape you like, but traditional Portuguese meringue cookies are typically piped into small kisses.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the meringue cookies are dry and crisp.
Step 7: Let Them Cool
Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. This will help them firm up and prevent them from sticking to the parchment paper.
Final Thoughts
Portuguese meringue cookies are a delicious and easy treat to make. Their light and airy texture make them the perfect dessert after a heavy meal or as a sweet snack. Follow our simple recipe, and you will be sure to impress your family and friends with these delightful cookies. So go ahead and give them a try, and don't forget to let us know how they turned out!