Cinnamon Maple Meringues are light, airy confections that combine the sweetness of maple syrup with the warm spice of cinnamon. These delightful treats are perfect for any occasion, whether as a light dessert, a sweet snack, or a festive addition to holiday gatherings. Their crispy texture and melt-in-your-mouth goodness make them a favorite among meringue lovers!
Ingredients List
For the Meringues:
- 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Timing
Preparing Cinnamon Maple Meringues takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 1 hour of baking time. Total time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Meringue Mixture
- Whip Egg Whites: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites on medium speed until frothy.
- Add Cream of Tartar: Add the cream of tartar and continue to beat until soft peaks form.
- Gradually Add Sugar: Slowly add the granulated sugar, about 1 tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat on high speed. Beat until the mixture is glossy and stiff peaks form.
- Incorporate Flavorings: Gently fold in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and maple syrup until just combined. Be careful not to deflate the meringue.
Step 3: Pipe the Meringues
- Transfer to Piping Bag: Transfer the meringue mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star or round tip.
- Pipe onto Baking Sheets: Pipe small dollops or swirls of meringue onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Step 4: Bake the Meringues
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the meringues are dry to the touch and can easily lift off the parchment paper.
- Turn Off Oven: After baking, turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside to cool completely, about 1 hour.
Step 5: Serve
- Enjoy: Once cooled, remove the meringues from the parchment paper and serve. They can be enjoyed on their own or used as a topping for desserts like ice cream or pies.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional profile of Cinnamon Maple Meringues (per meringue, assuming 24 meringues):
| Nutrient | Amount per Meringue |
|---|---|
| Calories | 30 |
| Protein | 0.5g |
| Fat | 0g |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Fiber | 0g |
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Use a sugar substitute suitable for baking to reduce calories.
- Experiment with different extracts, such as almond or vanilla, for varied flavors.
Serving Suggestions
- A cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Fresh fruit or berries for a refreshing contrast.
- Whipped cream or chocolate sauce for an indulgent dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Using Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature for better volume and stability.
- Overbeating the Egg Whites: Stop beating when stiff peaks form; overbeating can cause the meringue to become dry and grainy.
- Opening the Oven Door: Avoid opening the oven door during baking, as this can cause the meringues to crack.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Cinnamon Maple Meringues can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their crispness.
Conclusion
In just about 1 hour and 15 minutes, you can create delicious Cinnamon Maple Meringues that are light, airy, and full of flavor. These delightful treats are perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress your family and friends!
FAQs
Can I make these meringues in advance?
Yes! Meringues can be made days in advance and stored in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Can I use other flavorings?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different extracts or spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
What can I do if I have leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Can I freeze meringues?
Yes! Meringues can be frozen for up to 1 month. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent moisture.
Cinnamon Maple Meringues
Ingredients
- • 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
- • 1 cup granulated sugar
- • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Meringue Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until frothy.
- Add the cream of tartar and continue to beat until soft peaks form.
- Slowly add the sugar, about 1 tablespoon at a time, while beating on high speed until glossy and stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and maple syrup until just combined.
Step 3: Pipe the Meringues
- Transfer the meringue mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star or round tip.
- Pipe small dollops or swirls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 1 inch apart.
Step 4: Bake the Meringues
- Bake for 1 hour, or until dry to the touch and can lift off parchment paper easily.
- Turn off oven and leave meringues inside to cool completely, about 1 hour.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove cooled meringues from parchment paper and serve as is or as a dessert topping.
