These Meringue Bone Cookies are fun, light, and perfect for any spooky occasion! Made with just egg whites and sugar, they’re sweet and crunch with a cute bone shape!
Making these cookies is a blast! They’re simple to whip up, and watching them puff up in the oven is like magic! Just be careful not to eat them all in one sitting—I know I always want to! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg Whites: Fresh, room-temperature egg whites are key for achieving that fluffy, stable meringue. If you’re out of eggs, aquafaba (the liquid from chickpeas) can work as a vegan substitute. Use about 3 tablespoons of aquafaba for each egg white.
Granulated Sugar: Regular granulated sugar gives the best results for meringue. If you need a sugar alternative, consider using superfine sugar or powdered sugar, but be cautious as they may alter the texture slightly.
Cream of Tartar: This ingredient is essential for stabilizing the egg whites and increasing volume. If you don’t have it, you can use lemon juice or white vinegar instead—1/2 teaspoon of either is a good substitute.
Vanilla Extract: While optional, I love adding a bit of vanilla for extra flavor. You can switch it up with almond extract or other flavors if you want something different!
How Can I Achieve Perfect Stiff Peaks in Meringue?
Getting the egg whites to stiff peaks is crucial for meringue. Here’s how you can nail it:
- Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry. Any grease can prevent the egg whites from whipping up.
- Start whisking on medium speed until soft peaks form, which means the meringue will just begin to hold its shape but will still droop a bit.
- Add the sugar gradually. This helps dissolve it better and gives you that glossy texture.
- Once the sugar is added, boost the mixer speed to high and whip until stiff peaks form—this means the peaks stand straight up when you lift the beaters out!
Practice makes perfect, so don’t worry if it takes a few tries! Trust me; it’s worth it for those beautiful meringue bones.
How to Make Meringue Bone Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 large egg whites (at room temperature)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 20 minutes of prep time and 1.5 to 2 hours for baking, plus an additional hour to cool the meringues in the oven. So, get ready to spend about 2.5 to 3 hours to make these charming Meringue Bone Cookies, perfect for sharing with friends and family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Parchment:
Start by preheating your oven to 200°F (95°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. If you have a piping bag with a round or bone-shaped nozzle, great! If not, you can easily use a plastic bag with one corner snipped off.
2. Whisk the Egg Whites:
In a clean and dry mixing bowl, take your egg whites and add the cream of tartar. Using an electric mixer, whisk them on medium speed until soft peaks form. This means when you lift the beater out, the egg whites will form peaks that droop a little.
3. Add the Sugar:
Now, it’s time to sweeten things up! Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat the egg whites. Once all the sugar is added, turn your mixer to high speed and whip until the meringue becomes shiny and stiff peaks form. You want those peaks to hold their shape!
4. Fold in Flavor:
Gently add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the meringue. Use a spatula to fold them in carefully, being cautious not to deflate the mixture.
5. Pipe the Meringue:
Now it’s time to get creative! Transfer the meringue mixture into your piping bag. Pipe out the meringue onto the lined baking sheets, forming bone shapes. Start with a thick, short line, and finish each end with a rounded cluster to create the look of bones. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place your baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the meringue bones for about 1.5 to 2 hours. They should be completely dry, and you should be able to lift them off the parchment without sticking. The outside should be crisp while the inside stays light!
7. Cool in the Oven:
Once the baking time is up, turn off the oven and slightly crack the door open. Let the meringues cool completely inside for an additional hour. This extra time helps them set beautifully.
8. Store Your Cookies:
After they have cooled completely, carefully remove the meringue bone cookies from the parchment paper and store them in an airtight container. Keeping them sealed will help maintain their delightful crispiness!
Enjoy your light, crunchy, whimsical Meringue Bone Cookies! They’re perfect for Halloween or any fun occasion. Share them with friends or keep them all to yourself—because who could resist these adorable treats?
Can I Use Pasteurized Egg Whites Instead?
Yes, you can use pasteurized egg whites! They come in a carton and are great for meringue since they’re safe to consume raw. Just measure out the equivalent of 4 large egg whites, which is about 1/2 cup of liquid egg whites.
Can I Make These Cookies in Advance?
Absolutely! Meringue bone cookies can be made ahead of time. Once fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll last for about a week and maintain their crispiness as long as they are sealed properly.
What If My Meringue Is Runny?
If your meringue is runny, it might be due to a few things: make sure your mixing bowl and beaters were clean and dry, as any fat can prevent proper whipping. Also, check that the egg whites were whisked long enough—continue beating until stiff peaks form. If it’s still not cooperating, try again with fresh egg whites!
Can I Add Colors to My Meringue?
Yes, you can easily add food coloring to your meringue! Just ensure you use gel food coloring, as it’s thicker and won’t affect the meringue’s structure. Add a few drops after reaching the soft peak stage and gently fold it in until evenly colored. This way, your bone cookies can have a spooky twist!