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If you're intimidated by making meringues, don't be! Learn how to make these super easy Almond Meringue Cookies...light and crisp on the outside, with a slightly chewy center, these sweet little morsels of goodness are super addictive!
This recipe was originally published in April 2018. It has been updated for content.
I used to have a love/hate relationship with meringues. I loved to eat them, but hated to make them. Until recently. I don't know what I hated so much.
These almond meringues are not hard to make. The hardest part is to make sure nothing gets in your egg whites that's not supposed to.
This includes egg shell, egg yolk, water, or any type of oil or fat.
A perfectly crisp outer shell with just a hint of chew in the middle, and an unbelievable almond taste, these almond meringue cookies are super duper addictive. In a good way.
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Why This Recipe Works
- Slowly adding the sugar while beating the egg whites keeps the meringue from being grainy.
- Letting the meringues cool slowly in a turned off oven helps to keep them crispy on the outside.
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Step By Step Instructions
Use your mixer to beat the egg whites until they become frothy. Add the cream of tartar and continue whipping for another 15-20 seconds.
Start adding the sugar, just 1 tbsp. at a time (while continuing to whip), until all sugar has been incorporated. Adding the sugar slowly will help it dissolve faster.
Once your sugar is added continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Then mix in the almond extract.
Preheat the oven to 225F degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Spoon the egg whites into your pastry bag and make 1-2" meringue cookies, like so:
Pop these babies in the oven for 60 minutes, turn the oven off, and leave them in the closed oven for a few hours, or overnight.
I typically bake these in the evening and just leave them overnight.
Expert Tips
- Like I said above, this is going to be easier if we work with room temperature egg whites.
- Also, make sure there is no yolk or other foreign object in your egg whites; otherwise you may have a hard time getting them to whip up.
- The egg whites should be just frothy when you start adding the sugar. If you whip the whites too long before adding the sugar, they may not whip up correctly.
- If you don't have a pastry bag, just use a spoon to spoon the meringue in 2-3 tablespoon portions on the parchment paper.
- The meringues should be light and crisp when done - they should not be browned. If it can be lifted off the parchment paper without the bottom sticking, then it is done.
- Meringues should always be stored in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing moisture. The more moisture they absorb, the chewier they will become.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long do meringue cookies last? They will last up to a week in an airtight container. This also depends on humidity - if you live in a more humid climate, they may get mushy faster.
- Can meringue cookies be stored in the fridge? I don't typically recommend storing them in the fridge due to the high humidity. If you, make sure they are wrapped airtight.
- Why did my meringue cookies crack? Meringue usually crack if it is cooled too quickly. Leave the meringues in the oven for several hours after turning it off to let them cool slowly.
- Can you freeze meringue cookies? They can be frozen, but wrap them tightly in an airtight container. When defrosting them, be careful not to let them absorb too much moisture. I don't typically recommend freezing meringue cookies.
Related Recipes
Simple Almond Tart
Strawberry Almond Galette
Almond Buttercrunch
Rate the recipe and leave a comment to let me know how it turned out!
Recipe
Almond Meringues
Ingredients
- 4 egg whites room temperature.
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ tsp. cream of tartar
- ½ tsp. almond extract
Instructions
- Let the egg whites come to room temperature.
- When separating the egg whites and yolks, be very careful not to get any egg yolk in the whites. Otherwise, it may be difficult to make the meringue.
- Beat the egg whites until frothy and add the cream of tartar. Continue beating for another 15-20 seconds.
- Add the sugar, 1 tbsp. at a time until all sugar is incorporated.
- Continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Mix in the almond extract.
- Preheat the oven to 225F degrees.
- Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Put the meringue mixture in a pastry bag with a regular tip, and make meringues 1-2" in diameter, with a swirl on top (see photos in body of post above).
- Bake for 1 hour, turn off heat, and leave meringues in the closed oven for several hours or overnight.
Expert Tips:
Expert Tips:
- Like I said above, this is going to be easier if we work with room temperature egg whites.
- Also, make sure there is no yolk or other foreign object in your egg whites; otherwise you may have a hard time getting them to whip up.
- The egg whites should be just frothy when you start adding the sugar. If you whip the whites too long before adding the sugar, they may not whip up correctly.
- If you don't have a pastry bag, just use a spoon to spoon the meringue in 2-3 tablespoon portions on the parchment paper.
- The meringues should be light and crisp when done - they should not be browned. If it can be lifted off the parchment paper without the bottom sticking, then it is done.
- Meringues should always be stored in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing moisture. The more moisture they absorb, the chewier they will become.
Lisa | Garlic & Zest
Meringue cookies have always been a favorite of mine, as my Mom used to make them when I was a kid. I love how light and crisp they are -- yours look perfect.
Danielle
Thanks Lisa! I've always loved meringue cookies too 🙂
Lucy Parissi
Such an informative post - thanks for all your tips. The meringues are gorgeous.
Danielle
Thanks so much Lucy!
Liz
These are so perfect for a party or brunch! I love anything with almonds so these were a winner!
Danielle
Thanks so much Liz! They would be perfect for a party 🙂
Rosa
Made these yesterday and my family devoured them!! So yummy, thank you!
Danielle
I'm so glad 🙂
Rena Croker
I made these and took them to a women's church group; I'm telling you the ladies could not stop eating them, they were delicious!!! I can't stop making them are my new go to treat.
Danielle
That's awesome! I'm so glad everyone liked them 🙂
April
I love meringues but the recipes I tried were slightly complicated. This one does look like a recipe that can be easily done, and yet the meringues look exceptionally beautiful. I just love chewy centers! 🙂
Danielle
It's super easy April! I'm not much of a baker, so I like real simple instructions 🙂
Swathi
These looks delicious , I am yet to make almond meringues myself. Your recipe sounds not only easy but also great cookies I am going to try it.
Danielle
Thanks Swathi!
Bee
OH MY !!!!!!! So good and so easy ! The kids, and husband loved them.
Danielle
Great to hear! Glad you guys liked them 🙂
Mahy Elamin
I've never even tried a meringue before today. They remind me of cotton candy, they melt in your mouth. Will make again.
Danielle
Meringue is just awesome! I'm glad you enjoyed them Mahy.
Cheese Curd In Paradise
I have only tried meringues once and it was a somewhat success, but this makes me want to try again and work on my technique. Thanks for all the fantastic tips!
Danielle
I went through a lot of trial and error to find a good technique. Hope you give it a shot Ashley!
Healthy World Cuisine
Your meringues turned out so beautiful. I know you make it sound easy but still we have not tried this yet. Need to get this on our bucket list. I bet these are addictive and just melt in your mouth. Pinning and sharing, of course!
Danielle
It was totally so much easier than I thought it would be. I have made them in the past where they haven't turned out, but seem to have gotten it just right. Just got to keep that darn humidity in check!
Emily
Totally pinned this recipe so I could attempt to make meringues sometime soon. I've always wanted to try them!
Danielle
I hope you enjoy them Emily!
Diana
Adding almond extract sounds like a great idea. I'm sure that it can help hide the egg white taste a little!
Danielle
The almond extract really gives it an awesome flavor 🙂
April
I would love to try these out. I always thought they were so hard to make but your recipe looks pretty simple.
Danielle
They are so much more simple than I thought. I hope you enjoy them if you try them!
Ginny
Oh, my mother was a pro at this and your recipe looks spot on. Thank you for the sweet memories!
Danielle
Thanks Ginny 🙂
Roxana
Very nice looking meringues and simple recipe. Nice photos detailing the steps.
Danielle
Thanks Roxana!