Description
These light and airy ghost-shaped meringue cookies are perfect for Halloween. They’re crisp on the outside, soft and marshmallowy on the inside, with cute chocolate chip eyes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°F (95°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Separate eggs carefully, placing whites in a large clean bowl. Add cream of tartar and salt.
- Whip on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until foamy.
- Gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while mixing on medium speed (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add vanilla extract and increase speed to medium-high. Whip until stiff, glossy peaks form (5-7 minutes). The mixture should hold its shape and feel smooth when rubbed between fingers.
- Fit a piping bag with a large round tip (Wilton 1A or similar). Fill bag with meringue.
- Pipe ghosts onto prepared baking sheets: squeeze a round base about 1.5 inches wide, then lift while easing pressure to create a taller body, finishing with a flick for the tail. Space 1 inch apart.
- Gently press two mini chocolate chips into each ghost for eyes before meringue sets.
- Bake for 90 minutes without opening the oven door.
- Turn off oven and let ghosts cool completely inside with door closed (1-2 hours).
- Test for doneness: ghosts should lift easily off parchment with dry bottoms.
Notes
For best results, ensure egg whites are at room temperature and bowl is completely clean and dry. Avoid making meringue on humid days. If meringue starts to separate, re-whip for a minute. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Do not refrigerate.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 15
- Fat: 0.5
- Saturated Fat: 0.3
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Protein: 1
Keywords: ghost meringue cookies, Halloween cookies, meringue ghosts, chocolate chip eyes, easy Halloween treat