Christmas Cakes

Almond Meringue Cookies

Almond meringue cookies are the perfect treat for those with a sweet tooth! These cookies are made with a combination of fluffy egg whites, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla essence, resulting in a crispy exterior and a chewy center.

Welcome to our baking blog! Today, we're going to explore the delightful world of almond meringue cookies. This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with the unique flavor of almonds. So, let's dive in and learn how to make these light and crispy cookies that are perfect for any occasion.

What Is Almond Meringue Cookies?

Looking for a light and delightful dessert? Almond meringue cookies are the perfect treat for those with a sweet tooth! These cookies are made with a combination of fluffy egg whites, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla essence, resulting in a crispy exterior and a chewy center. To add a unique twist, these cookies are topped with a sprinkle of ground almonds, giving them a nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch.
The combination of simple ingredients and a few easy steps make almond meringue cookies a delightful addition to any dessert table. These cookies are a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making them a popular choice for both casual snacking and special occasions. Plus, they can be easily customized to suit your preferences, whether you prefer a stronger almond flavor or a hint of citrus zest.

So, whether you're looking for a light dessert to satisfy your sweet cravings or a unique treat to impress your guests, almond meringue cookies are sure to be a hit!

Why You'll Love Almond Meringue Cookies?

Delicious Texture: These almond meringue cookies have a light and airy texture that just melts in your mouth. The addition of ground almonds gives them a delightful crunch, making each bite a delightful experience.
Gluten-Free and Low-Calorie: With no flour or butter, these cookies are naturally gluten-free and low in calories, making them a guilt-free treat for anyone with dietary restrictions or watching their calorie intake.
High in Protein: Egg whites are the main ingredient in meringue cookies, making them a great source of protein. This makes them a perfect snack for when you need a little energy boost.
Low in Fat: Since these cookies are made with egg whites and no added fats, they are a healthier alternative to traditional cookies, perfect for those looking for a lighter dessert option.
Naturally Sweetened: With just a touch of powdered sugar and the natural sweetness of the almonds, these cookies are lightly sweetened without being overly sugary, perfect for those who prefer desserts with a more subtle sweetness.
Crunchy and Crisp: The addition of powdered almonds on top of the cookies not only adds a nutty flavor but also gives them a satisfying crunch. It's the perfect balance of soft and crispy in every bite.

These almond meringue cookies are not only delicious but also a healthier and guilt-free dessert option that you can enjoy without any guilt.

Ingredients for Almond Meringue Cookies

Egg whites: The egg whites provide the structure and stability to the cookies, creating a light and airy texture.

Cream of tartar: Cream of tartar helps to stabilize the egg whites, ensuring the meringue holds its shape and doesn't collapse.

Powdered sugar: Powdered sugar sweetens the meringue cookies and contributes to their light and delicate texture.

Vanilla essence: Vanilla essence adds a subtle and fragrant flavor to the cookies, enhancing their overall taste.

Almonds: The almonds are ground into a coarse powder and sprinkled on top of the cookies, adding a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the meringue.

How To Make Almond Meringue Cookies?

To make almond meringue cookies, follow these steps for a delightful and flavorful experience:

First, preheat the oven to 200 degrees C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Soak the almonds in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes, then wash them with cold water to easily peel off the skin. After patting them dry, place the almonds in a blender and grind until a coarse powder.
In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, beat the egg whites until foamy on low speed. Add cream of tartar and continue to beat until soft peaks form. Then gradually add powdered sugar while continuing to beat on medium-high speed until very stiff peaks form. Beat in the vanilla essence.
Transfer the meringue to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2 inch tip. Pipe 2 to 2&1/2 inch rounds of meringue in rows on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the powdered almonds on top of the cookies.
Bake the meringues for 1&1/2 to 1&3/4 hours or until they release easily from the parchment paper and are pale in color and fairly crisp. Then turn off the oven, open the door a crack, and leave the meringue in the oven itself for several hours or overnight.

By following these steps, you can create delicious almond meringue cookies that are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with Tea or Coffee: These almond meringue cookies make for a perfect accompaniment with a hot cup of tea or coffee. The sweetness of the cookies balances well with the bitterness of the beverages.
Serve with Fresh Fruits: To add a refreshing touch to the meal, serve the almond meringue cookies with a side of fresh fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
Dip in Chocolate Sauce: Another delightful way to enjoy these cookies is to dip them in a rich and creamy chocolate sauce. The combination of the crispy meringue and the smooth chocolate is truly indulgent.
Enjoy with Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert, pair the almond meringue cookies with a scoop of your favorite ice cream. The contrast in textures and flavors makes for a delightful treat.
Accompany with Whipped Cream: Create an elegant presentation by serving the cookies with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side. The light and airy cream complement the airy texture of the cookies.
Pair with Nut Butter: Spread a layer of almond or peanut butter on the cookies for a nutty and creamy addition. The combination of nut flavors enhances the overall taste experience.

Tips for Making Almond Meringue Cookies

Traditionally, meringue cookies are made from whipped egg whites and superfine sugar, and occasionally an acidic ingredient cream of tartar. Here are all the tips and tricks you need to whip up perfectly light and airy meringue.

For egg: You can easily separate the egg whites while they are cold. Once separated cover the egg whites and let them come to room temperature for minimum 30 minutes. To ensure the egg whites reach maximum volume, keep the cleaned mixing bowl and the wire whisk in the freezer for at least 15 to 30 mins.
Beating Egg Whites: When beating the egg whites, start on low speed until they become foamy, then gradually add the cream of tartar and powdered sugar for stiff peaks. This is crucial for the texture of the cookies.
Superfine sugar also makes the best meringue cookies because it dissolves easily and quickly in the egg whites. If you don’t have the superfine sugar, simply place 3/4 cup of white sugar in the food processor and process until very fine for 30 to 60 seconds.
Cream of tartar also helps to stabilize the egg whites and allows them to reach high volume.
While baking the meringue cookies, rotate the baking sheet from front to back about halfway through to ensure even baking.
Finally, don’t open the oven door during the first half of the baking time because it will prevent cracking of the meringue cookies. Bake the meringues for 1&1/2 to 1&3/4 hours or until they will release easily from the parchment paper and they are pale in color and fairly crisp. Then turn off the oven, open the door a crack, and leave the meringue in the oven itself for several hours or overnight. The meringues can be covered and stored at room temperature for several days.
Soaking Almonds: Soak the almonds in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes to make it easier to peel off the skin. Washing them with cold water will further help in the peeling process.
Grinding Almonds: After pat drying the almonds, grind them in a blender until they form a coarse powder. This will add a delicious almond flavor to the meringue cookies.
Using a Pastry Bag: Transfer the meringue to a pastry bag for a neat and uniform shape. This will help in piping the meringue onto the baking sheet to create perfectly shaped cookies.
Adding Almond Garnish: Sprinkle the powdered almonds on top of the meringue cookies before baking. This will not only add a beautiful garnish but also enhance the almond flavor.

Variations for Almond Meringue Cookies

Coconut Flakes: For a tropical twist, sprinkle coconut flakes on top of the meringue cookies before baking for a crunchy and flavorful addition.
Chocolate Drizzle: After the meringue cookies have cooled, drizzle them with melted chocolate for a decadent and indulgent treat.
Cinnamon Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the meringue mixture for a warm and cozy flavor that pairs perfectly with the almonds.
Lemon Zest: Incorporate some lemon zest into the meringue mixture for a refreshing and citrusy spin on the classic almond meringue cookies.
Nutty Variation: Experiment with different nuts such as pistachios or hazelnuts to create unique and tasty variations of the traditional almond meringue cookies.
Fruity Twist: Mix in dried fruit such as cranberries or apricots into the meringue mixture for a pop of color and sweet tanginess in every bite.

How to Store Almond Meringue Cookies

Storing the Meringue: Once the almond meringue cookies have completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure to place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their crisp texture.
Protecting the Almonds: To keep the almonds fresh, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. You can also refrigerate or freeze them to extend their shelf life.
Avoiding Moisture: Moisture is the enemy of meringue cookies, so be sure to store them in a dry environment. Any exposure to humidity can cause the cookies to become soft and lose their crispiness.
Proper Ingredient Storage: It's important to store the key ingredients, such as powdered sugar and vanilla essence, in airtight containers away from heat and light. This will help maintain their freshness and flavor.
Long-Term Storage: If you need to store the almond meringue cookies for an extended period, consider freezing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Just be sure to thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Enjoying Freshness: For the best taste and texture, enjoy the almond meringue cookies within a week of baking. This will ensure that they are at their peak freshness and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know if the egg whites have reached stiff peaks?

When whipping the egg whites, you will know they have reached stiff peaks when you lift the whisk and the peak stands straight up without collapsing.

Can I omit the cream of tartar?

Cream of tartar helps stabilize the egg whites and gives them volume. If you don't have cream of tartar, you can omit it, but the meringue may not be as stable and may take longer to whip to stiff peaks.

Can I use almond flour instead of grinding my own almonds?

Yes, you can use almond flour instead of grinding your own almonds. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still work well in the recipe.

Can I use a different flavoring instead of vanilla essence?

Yes, you can use different flavorings such as almond extract, lemon extract, or even rose water to add a different flavor to the meringue cookies.

How do I store the almond meringue cookies?

Once the meringue cookies are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid storing them in a humid environment as it can make them soft.

Can I make the meringue cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the meringue cookies ahead of time. Once baked and completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Recipe Card