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+ servings
Close-up of crunchy meringue cookies with a smooth white coating.

Pecan Meringue Cookies Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Oven cooling 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Crisp on the outside, light and airy inside, these classic pecan meringue cookies are made with whipped egg whites, sugar, and toasted pecans—a timeless treat perfect for holidays or any sweet occasion.
24 Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup 100g pecans lightly roasted for 8–10 minutes at 250°F (120°C)
  • 3 large egg whites
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3/4 cup 150g granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar

Instructions
 

Prepare the pecans:

  1. Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and roast for 8–10 minutes, or until lightly browned and fragrant. Allow to cool, then place the pecans in a plastic bag and crush them gently using a rolling pin or wooden spoon. Set aside.

Beat the egg whites:

  1. In a clean, grease-free mixing bowl, add the egg whites and a pinch of salt. Using an electric mixer set to medium speed, beat until soft peaks begin to form. The mixture should appear slightly glossy with small, uniform bubbles.

Add the sugar gradually:

  1. Increase the speed to medium-high. Slowly add the sugar, two tablespoons at a time, while continuing to beat. This gradual addition allows the sugar to dissolve fully, giving the meringue a smooth, glossy texture.

Incorporate vinegar and achieve stiff peaks:

  1. Add the vinegar to the mixture, then increase the mixer speed to high. Beat until stiff peaks form and the meringue is thick, glossy, and holds its shape when the whisk is lifted.

Fold in the pecans:

  1. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the crushed pecans into the meringue. Take care not to overmix, as this will deflate the whipped egg whites.

Shape the cookies:

  1. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Drop teaspoonfuls of the meringue mixture onto the sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Bake and cool:

  1. Place the cookies in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven. Immediately reduce the temperature to 250°F (120°C). Bake for 25 minutes, then turn the oven off without opening the door. Leave the cookies inside to cool and dry for 2–3 hours, or overnight.
  2. When ready, the cookies should be crisp on the outside and light, airy, and slightly chewy on the inside. If the centers remain soft, allow them to sit in the turned-off oven for an additional hour.

Notes

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it contains no flour or wheat-based ingredients. However, ensure that your pecans, vinegar, and other ingredients are certified gluten-free, as cross-contamination can occur during processing.
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