Gather Your Ingredients
- 4 egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Food coloring (optional)
Step 1: Preparing the Meringue
To start making spumiglie, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Place the egg whites in a clean mixing bowl and beat them on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. This should take around 2-3 minutes.
Step 2: Adding Sugar
Gradually add the granulated sugar to the beaten egg whites. Continue beating on medium-high speed until the mixture forms stiff peaks. This will take another 3-4 minutes. You can add vanilla extract at this stage for added flavor.
Step 3: Piping the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to the meringue mixture and gently fold it in until evenly distributed. Transfer the meringue mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
Hold the piping bag perpendicular to the baking sheet and pipe small rosettes, about 1 inch in diameter, onto the prepared parchment paper. Leave some space between the cookies as they will expand slightly during baking.
Step 4: Baking
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cookies are crisp and dry. It’s important to bake them at a low temperature to avoid browning. After baking, turn off the oven and leave the cookies inside to cool completely without removing them from the oven.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Once the spumiglie cookies have completely cooled, gently remove them from the parchment paper and store them in an airtight container. These delightful treats make for a perfect accompaniment to your afternoon tea or as an elegant addition to any dessert tray. Enjoy!
Making spumiglie may seem challenging, but with this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to create perfectly delicate Italian meringue cookies. Take your time, follow the instructions, and soon you’ll be savoring the sweet triumph of your homemade spumiglie. Buon appetito!