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Light & Airy Forgotten Meringue Cookies: Easy 3-Ingredient Recipe

forgotten meringue cookies - featured image

These light and airy forgotten meringue cookies require only 3 ingredients and almost no active effort. The unique method of leaving them in the turned-off oven overnight creates perfectly dry, crisp cookies that melt in your mouth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large egg whites, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Set aside.
  2. Separate 3 large eggs, making sure no yolk gets into the whites. Let the whites sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  3. Place the egg whites in your clean, dry mixing bowl. Begin beating on medium speed until they become frothy and bubbly—about 1 minute.
  4. With the mixer running, add the granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time. Keep beating on medium-high speed for about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Pour in the vanilla extract and continue beating until the mixture looks glossy and smooth.
  6. Check for stiff peaks. The meringue should form peaks that stand straight up without drooping. Rub a tiny bit between your fingers—if it feels gritty, keep beating until smooth.
  7. Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe small swirls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Alternatively, drop rounded tablespoonfuls onto the sheet.
  8. Place the baking sheet in the oven, then immediately turn the oven off. Do not open the door.
  9. Let the meringues sit in the closed oven for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  10. In the morning, take the meringues out of the oven. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Make sure your bowl and whisk attachment are completely clean and free of any grease. Wipe them down with lemon juice or white vinegar before starting. Room temperature eggs are essential. For best texture, use fresh eggs rather than carton egg whites. Avoid making on humid days. Optional: add 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar to stabilize the egg whites. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Do not refrigerate.

Nutrition

Keywords: meringue cookies, forgotten cookies, 3-ingredient recipe, gluten-free dessert, low-fat cookies, egg white cookies, light and airy cookies