Introduction

Weight Watchers (WW) 0-Point Meringue Cookies are a delightful, guilt-free treat for anyone looking to enjoy a light and airy dessert without adding to their daily SmartPoints. These cookies are crisp, slightly sweet, and melt in your mouth. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, they pair beautifully with tea or coffee and can be customized with a variety of flavors and add-ins. This recipe is simple to prepare, requires only a few ingredients, and is an excellent choice for those on a WW journey who still want to indulge occasionally.

Ingredients

To make these delicious WW-friendly meringue cookies, you will need:

  • 3 large egg whites (room temperature for best results)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/2 cup granulated erythritol (or another zero-calorie sweetener like monk fruit sweetener)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Optional flavorings:
    • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
    • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (for chocolate meringues)
    • 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
    • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Optional Decorations

  • A sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder
  • A few drops of food coloring for visual appeal

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

  1. Preheat your oven to 225°F (107°C). A low baking temperature is essential for drying the meringues rather than baking them.
  2. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
  3. Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of any grease, as even a small amount of fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.

Step 2: Beat the Egg Whites

  1. In a large mixing bowl, add the room-temperature egg whites and cream of tartar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes frothy.
  2. Gradually increase the mixer speed to high and continue beating while slowly adding the granulated erythritol, 1 tablespoon at a time. This gradual addition helps dissolve the sweetener and creates a smooth meringue.
  3. Add the vanilla extract (and any additional flavorings, if desired) and continue to beat the mixture until stiff, glossy peaks form. This means the meringue holds its shape when the beaters are lifted.

Step 3: Pipe or Spoon the Meringues

  1. Transfer the meringue mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star or round tip. Alternatively, use two spoons to dollop the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets.
  2. Pipe or spoon the meringues into small, evenly spaced rounds, about 1.5 inches in diameter. The cookies will not spread during baking, so they can be placed relatively close together.

Step 4: Bake the Meringues

  1. Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the meringues for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they are completely dry and easily lift off the parchment paper.
  2. Turn off the oven and allow the meringues to cool inside with the door slightly ajar. This step ensures they remain crisp and do not absorb moisture from the air.

Step 5: Store and Serve

  1. Once completely cool, transfer the meringues to an airtight container. Store them at room temperature for up to one week.
  2. Serve as a light snack, dessert, or accompaniment to tea or coffee.

Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie (recipe makes approximately 24 cookies)
  • Calories: 5
  • Protein: 0.2g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 0g (using erythritol)
  • Fat: 0g
  • SmartPoints (WW): 0 points per cookie

Tips for Perfect Meringues

  1. Room Temperature Egg Whites: Allowing the egg whites to come to room temperature ensures they whip to their maximum volume.
  2. No Yolk Allowed: Be careful when separating the eggs, as even a tiny bit of yolk can prevent the whites from whipping properly.
  3. Add Sweetener Gradually: Slowly incorporating the erythritol ensures it dissolves completely, preventing a gritty texture.
  4. Dry Baking: The key to perfect meringues is to dry them out in the oven at a low temperature, not bake them.
  5. Avoid Humidity: Meringues are sensitive to moisture, so try to make them on a dry day for the best results.

Why This Recipe Works for WW

  • 0 SmartPoints: These cookies are entirely free of SmartPoints, making them an excellent choice for anyone tracking their daily intake.
  • Low-Calorie Sweetener: Using erythritol or another zero-calorie sweetener keeps the calorie and sugar content low without compromising sweetness.
  • High Protein: Egg whites provide a small protein boost while keeping the recipe low in fat.
  • Customizable: This recipe can be easily adapted with different flavors or decorations to suit your preferences.

Variations and Add-Ins

  1. Chocolate Meringues: Add 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey flavor.
  2. Lemon Meringues: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright and tangy taste.
  3. Peppermint Meringues: Add 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract and a few drops of red food coloring for festive holiday cookies.
  4. Swirled Meringues: Use a toothpick to swirl in a small amount of food coloring for a marbled effect.
  5. Mini Meringue Kisses: Pipe smaller meringues for bite-sized treats.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

  1. Not Beating to Stiff Peaks: Ensure the meringue is beaten until stiff and glossy peaks form; under-whipping will result in flat cookies.
  2. Greasy Bowl or Tools: Always clean your mixing bowl and beaters thoroughly to remove any grease or residue.
  3. Opening the Oven Too Soon: Avoid opening the oven door during baking, as this can cause the meringues to collapse.
  4. Baking at Too High a Temperature: A high oven temperature can cause the meringues to brown or crack.

Conclusion

WW 0-Point Meringue Cookies are a versatile, light, and airy treat that you can enjoy without guilt. These cookies are perfect for those on a weight management journey who want to indulge in something sweet without straying from their goals. With endless customization options and simple ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your WW-friendly dessert repertoire. Enjoy the sweet satisfaction of these delightful meringue cookies today!