Description
Sweet whispers of love dance through Confetti Meringue Heart Cookies, delicate pastel meringues adorned with playful sprinkles. Crisp edges and tender centers promise a whimsical Valentine’s treat you’ll savor with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup (180 milliliters / 6 fluid ounces) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (59 milliliters / 2 fluid ounces) sprinkles or jimmies, plus extra for topping
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional)
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a gentle heat source by warming a pot of water over medium-high heat. Arrange parchment-lined baking sheets nearby, creating a workspace for delicate cookie crafting.
- Combine egg whites and sugar in a heatproof bowl positioned above the simmering water. Whisk gently until sugar dissolves and mixture feels warm, incorporating salt and cream of tartar during the process.
- Transfer the bowl to a mixer and whip the mixture at medium-high speed. Continue beating until meringue develops glossy, stiff peaks and approaches room temperature, approximately 7 minutes.
- Introduce vanilla and almond extracts into the fluffy mixture, gently folding to maintain the delicate texture. Carefully incorporate colorful sprinkles, ensuring even distribution without deflating the meringue.
- Transfer the light, airy mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a round tip. Create heart-shaped designs on parchment paper by piping symmetrical “V” formations, connecting edges to form precise heart outlines.
- Embellish the heart-shaped meringues with additional sprinkles, allowing for artistic personal touch and extra color.
- Slide the prepared baking sheets into a low-temperature oven set at 200°F. Bake for approximately one hour, allowing cookies to develop a crisp exterior while maintaining a tender interior.
- Remove from oven and allow meringues to cool completely on a wire rack, ensuring they solidify and maintain their delicate structure.
- Store the finished confetti meringue hearts in an airtight container, preserving their texture in a cool, dark environment for up to one week.
Notes
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for maximum volume when whipping, creating fluffier meringue peaks.
- Use gel food coloring instead of liquid to maintain meringue stability and prevent deflating the mixture.
- Wipe mixing bowl and whisk with vinegar or lemon juice to remove any residual grease, which can prevent proper egg white whipping.
- Experiment with different sprinkle colors and sizes to customize the heart cookies for various occasions like Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or holidays.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg