Soft and Chewy Valentine Meringue Cookies

These adorable Valentine meringue cookies are the perfect treat for your sweetheart. A cute heart-shaped cookie with a light vanilla flavor that bakes up fluffy, soft, and chewy.

Give them as a thoughtful gift or as a treat for yourself or loved ones. These pink and white meringue cookies will add a touch of sweetness to anyone's Valentine's Day.

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Sweet Treats for Valentine's Day

Spice up your Valentine's Day with some seriously sweet vibes! Valentine treats are a way to say I love you, so ditch the traditional box of chocolates and make something sweet from your own kitchen that shows how much you care.

There is an irresistible dessert perfect for that special someone in your life, from Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes to Red Velvet Brownies and Cherry Blossom Cookies to Flourless Chocolate Torte, that will make this Valentine's Day a memorable one.

What are meringue cookies?

Meringue cookies, also known as egg white cookies or forgotten cookies, boast a unique place in the world of confections. Originating from the culinary traditions of Europe, these delicate treats are the epitome of simplicity and elegance.

Made primarily from whipped egg whites, sugar, and a touch of cream of tartar, meringue cookies transform these humble ingredients into a light, airy delight. Flavorings and colorings can be added to customize the basic recipe to your taste.

Unlike their traditional counterparts, which are known for their crispy and dry texture, this recipe is designed to create a softer, chewier version. This texture variation adds a delightful twist to the classic meringue, making these cookies not only a visual treat with their vibrant colors and shapes but also a sensory pleasure with their unique mouthfeel.

Why You'll Love These Heart Meringues

These heart-shaped meringues are visually stunning. Their adorable shape and vibrant colors make them perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any occasion that calls for a touch of sweetness and romance.

Unlike traditional meringues that are crisp and airy, these cookies offer a unique soft and chewy texture. This delightful contrast provides a memorable eating experience, different from your usual cookie.

Whether you opt for the elegant swirl effect or choose single-colored meringues, these cookies are highly customizable. You can play around with colors making each batch uniquely yours.

This Valentine meringue cookies recipe is straightforward and fun, making it a great baking project. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at meringue for the first time, you’ll find joy in the creation process.

These heart-shaped meringues make for a thoughtful homemade gift. Pack them in a pretty box or bag and you have a sweet present for someone special.

Meringue Cookies Ingredients

The ingredients for meringue cookies are simple and easy to find at any grocery store. Here's what you'll need to make Valentine meringue cookies. The exact measurements are in the printable recipe card below.

• Sugar
• Egg Whites
• Cream of Tartar
• Vanilla Extract
• Red Food Coloring Gel
• Sprinkles

Note: Do not use liquid food coloring as it will add moisture to the meringue and affect the texture of the cookies.

Equipment Needed

These are the kitchen items you'll need to make the cookies:

• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Mixing Bowl
• Electric Mixer
• Piping Bags
• Piping Tip

The best piping tip for meringue cookies is either a round or star tip. It depends if you want smooth cookies or ones with ridges.

How to Make Soft Meringue Cookies

Here are the steps and photos of making meringue cookies. I hope these will help you with the process and see how to pipe meringue cookies that are swirled and in the shape of a heart.

Note: Crack the eggs one at a time into a small bowl then pour each one into your mixing bowl to ensure no egg yolk is accidentally added. That will ruin the integrity of the meringue.

1. Place the egg whites in a mixing bowl with the cream of tartar.
2. Beat with and electric mixer using the whisk attachment just until frothy.
3. Slowly add the sugar, one teaspoon at a time or in a slow continuous pour.
4. Continue to beat.
5. Once mixed in, add the vanilla extract.
6. Mix at medium-high speed for 10 minutes or until you have a marshmallow-like soft meringue that holds its peaks.

7. Slit the meringue into two bowls and add gel food coloring.
8. Mix well until the desired color is reached.
9. Place each color into its own piping bag.
10. Place both piping bags into a third piping bag to create the swirl effect.
11. Pipe the batter into hearts onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. If you don't want to try it freehand, you can use a heart-shaped cookie cutter, fill it, then lift it off, to make the process easier and cookies more uniform.
12. Add colorful sprinkles and place in a 200°F oven for 1 hour. Let cool.

Note: If you don't want to make meringue swirl cookies, just pipe them separately to make white meringue cookies and pink meringue cookies.

Essential Tips for Perfect Soft and Chewy Meringue Cookies

Begin by separating the eggs one at a time. It's crucial to ensure that no trace of egg yolk mixes with the whites. Even the smallest amount of yolk can prevent the egg whites from reaching the desired volume, which is essential for the meringue's texture.

Before you start, make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are impeccably clean and free from any grease. Any residue of fat or oil can inhibit the egg whites from whipping up properly, affecting the final texture of your meringues.

Dedicate a full 10 minutes to beat the egg whites and sugar. This isn't just about mixing these ingredients; the extended beating time is crucial for creating the texture that sets these meringues apart. It ensures the cookies have a soft, chewy interior, distinct from the crunchiness of traditional meringues.

If you find it challenging to pipe the meringue into heart shapes freehand, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter as a guide. Pipe the meringue inside the cutter placed on the baking sheet and then carefully lift the cutter away. This method can help achieve uniform and perfectly shaped hearts.

For a simpler variation, pipe the colors separately. This way you can make separate batches of white meringue cookies and pink meringue cookies offering simplicity and elegance without the swirl effect.

Resist the temptation to open the oven door while the cookies are baking. Consistent oven temperature is key to achieving the perfect texture. Fluctuations caused by opening the door can lead to uneven baking and can alter the delicate balance of crispiness and chewiness.

Recipe Variations for Other Holidays

You can easily adapt the recipe to make other holiday meringue cookies. Here's how:

• 4th of July Meringue Cookies - Use red and blue food colorings.
• Christmas Meringue Cookies - Use red and green food colorings.
• Easter Meringue Cookies - Use pastel food colorings.
• Halloween Meringue Cookies - Use orange food coloring.
• Thanksgiving Meringue Cookies - Use brown and orange food colorings.

How to Store Meringue Cookies

Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers. Store them at room temperature because refrigeration can change the texture.

When properly stored, they will last up to 1 week.

Can you freeze meringue cookies?

Yes, meringue cookies can be frozen, making them a convenient treat that you can prepare in advance. Here's how to do it correctly:

1. Ensure the meringue cookies are completely cooled to room temperature after baking. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container during freezing, which can make the cookies soggy.
2. Place the cookies in a freezer-safe container. If you need to stack them, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. Freeze the cookies for up to one month. When ready to serve, thaw them in the refrigerator while still in the container to minimize moisture exposure. Once thawed, they can be brought to room temperature.

Remember, while freezing preserves them, the texture of meringue cookies might change slightly after thawing. They're best enjoyed fresh, but freezing is a viable option when you need to plan ahead of time.

More Cookie Recipes

• Chocolate Meringue Cookies
• Coffee Cake Cookies
• Cookie Butter Cookies
• Crème Brûlée Cookies
• Lemon Shortbread Cookies
• Pastel Cookies - Great for Easter!

Find lots of easy recipes for cookies right here on 2CM!

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