Celebrate with a dash of whimsy with these delightful Cotton Candy Meringues! Perfect for any festive occasion, these meringues are light, airy, and infused with a fun cotton candy twist. Their vibrant appearance and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them a fantastic choice for parties, adding a playful and colorful element to your dessert table.
Ingredients:
- Egg whites: 1/2 cup (120g) or 4 large
- Cream of tartar: 1/2 tsp
- Granulated white sugar: 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp (115g)
- Duncan Hines Cotton Candy Flavoring: 1 packet
- Powdered sugar, lightly spooned: 1 cup (115g)
Directions:
- Prep and Preheat:
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk Egg Whites:
- In a clean bowl, whisk egg whites until frothy. Add cream of tartar and continue to beat until soft peaks form.
- Add Sugar:
- Gradually add granulated sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Flavor and Fold:
- Beat in the cotton candy flavoring. Gently fold in the powdered sugar until well combined.
- Pipe and Bake:
- Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with your chosen tip (e.g., Wilton 2D for stars or swirls).
- Pipe the meringues onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 2 hours, or bake for 1 hour and leave in the turned-off oven overnight.
- Finish:
- Once done, let the meringues cool on the baking sheet.
Prep Time: 20 minutes + baking time Cook Time: 2 hours Total Time: About 2 hours 20 minutes Yield: Varies depending on size Category: Dessert Method: Baking Cuisine: American Diet: Gluten-Free Calories: Approx. 30 kcal per meringue
Tips:
- Ensure your mixing bowl and whisk are completely grease-free to get the best volume from your egg whites.
- For even more festive flair, sprinkle with nonpareils or edible glitter before baking.
- Store in an airtight container to keep them crisp.
FAQs:
- Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar? It is best to stick with powdered sugar for its fine texture, which dissolves more easily and helps maintain the meringue’s structure.
- How long do these meringues last? Stored properly in an airtight container, they can last up to 2 weeks.
- Can I make these meringues in different flavors? Yes, you can substitute the cotton candy flavoring with other extracts like vanilla or almond for a different twist.
Conclusion: Cotton Candy Meringues offer a burst of joy and flavor that is sure to dazzle and delight at any gathering. Light, crisp, and beautifully flavored, these meringues are not just a treat to eat but also a feast for the eyes. Enjoy creating this enchanting dessert that promises to be as fun to make as it is to serve!