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French Meringue

Light and airy French meringue made by whipping egg whites and sugar to glossy, stiff peaks; perfect for cookies, pie toppings, and more.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French
Calories: 30

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 3 large egg whites room temperature, about 90 grams
  • 150 grams granulated sugar about 3/4 cup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract optional but recommended
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar helps stabilize the whites
  • Pinch of salt

Equipment

  • Stand mixer or hand mixer with whisk attachment
  • Clean glass or metal mixing bowl (no plastic)
  • Rubber spatula
  • Piping bag with round or star tip (for shaping)
  • Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
  • Sifter or fine-mesh strainer
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Ensure mixing bowl and whisk are clean and free of any grease, and set up your mixer.
  2. Separate the egg whites carefully, ensuring no yolk, and bring them to room temperature, about 30 minutes before starting.
  3. Place egg whites in the bowl with cream of tartar and a pinch of salt to stabilize the foam.
  4. Beat the egg whites on medium speed for 2 minutes until foamy and opaque.
  5. Increase mixer to medium-high speed and continue whipping until soft peaks form, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  6. With the mixer running at medium-high, add granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time, allowing each addition to dissolve.
  7. Continue whipping for 3 to 5 minutes until the meringue is thick, glossy, and holds stiff peaks.
  8. Gently fold in the vanilla extract with a spatula without deflating the meringue.
  9. Preheat the oven to 200°F (95°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  10. Pipe or spoon the meringue onto the prepared baking sheet.
  11. Bake for 60 minutes until the meringues are dry and crisp, then turn off the oven and let them cool inside for 1 hour to dry completely.
  12. Remove meringues and cool on a wire rack before serving or storing.

Notes

Use meringue immediately for toppings, or store baked meringue cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 days.