3 large egg whites
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Food coloring, optional
3/4 cup sugar
1 Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2 Preheat oven to 200°. Add vanilla and cream of tartar to egg whites; beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff peaks form. Remove 1/4 cup and tint pink. Lightly swirl pink mixture into remaining meringue. Fill pastry bag with meringue. Pipe 2-in. heart shapes 2 in. apart onto prepared baking sheets.
3 Bake until set and dry, about 20 minutes. Turn oven off; leave meringues in oven until oven has completely cooled. Store in an airtight container.
Pretty pastel cookies are a fun way to brighten any special occasion. Replace the vanilla with a different extract for a change of flavor.
Total Time
Prep: 25 min. Bake: 20 min. + cooling
Makes about 2 dozen
Nutrition Facts
1 meringue: 27 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.