Meringue cookies

Egg White Cookies with Raisins - A Quick and Flavorful Delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 12-15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 20-25 cookies

Welcome to the delicious world of baking! Today, I will guide you step by step through the recipe for these egg white cookies with raisins, a perfect choice for a quick and simple dessert that impresses with flavor and texture. These cookies are not just a sweet treat, but also an excellent way to use up leftover egg whites from other dishes.

A Brief History of Cookies

Cookies were originally created as a way to preserve egg whites, which were often considered waste during the preparation of other dishes. Over time, they evolved into a beloved dessert worldwide. Egg white cookies are known for their airy and slightly crispy texture, and the addition of raisins gives them a perfectly balanced sweet-tart flavor.

Necessary Ingredients

- 2 egg whites (approximately 60 g)
- 80 g butter (melted and cooled)
- 80 g flour
- 80 g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar (or 15 g)
- a few raisins (or other dried fruits, as preferred)

Ingredient Details

- Egg whites: Make sure they are at room temperature for better whipping. Beat them until they form stiff peaks to achieve fluffy cookies.
- Butter: Use quality butter, as it will influence the final texture and flavor of the cookies.
- Powdered sugar: It dissolves quickly and helps achieve a fine texture.
- Flour: You can use regular flour, but a finer version, such as cake flour, can add extra delicacy.
- Raisins: These can be replaced with other dried fruits, such as apricots or cranberries, for a more exotic version.

Preparation Technique

1. Beat the egg whites: In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer until they form stiff peaks. This will take a few minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar and lemon juice, continuing to mix until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture becomes glossy and firm.

2. Incorporate the butter: Add the melted and cooled butter to the egg white mixture, gently folding with a spatula. Be careful not to lose the air in the egg whites.

3. Add the flour and vanilla sugar: Sift the flour over the mixture and add the vanilla sugar. Gently fold through, avoiding overmixing to maintain the airiness of the mixture.

4. Prepare the baking tray: Line a tray with parchment paper or grease it with margarine and sprinkle with flour. It is essential to use parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

5. Form the cookies: Using a spoon, take a teaspoon of the mixture and place it on the tray, leaving a distance of 3 cm between them, as they will spread while baking.

6. Add the raisins: Place a raisin on each cookie for a sweet accent and pleasant texture.

7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.

8. Cool and serve: After removing them from the oven, use a knife to gently detach them from the tray. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. If you leave them too long on the tray, they may stick.

Practical Tips

- Aerate the egg whites: Ensure that the bowl and utensils used are completely clean and dry to achieve perfect foam.
- Vary the ingredients: You can try adding chopped nuts, chocolate, or spices like cinnamon to create unique cookies.
- Serving: These cookies are excellent alongside a cup of tea or coffee, but they can also make a wonderful gift for loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar?
While it can be used, powdered sugar dissolves more easily, which is essential for the final texture of the cookies.

2. What is the best way to store the cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispiness. If they become soft, you can return them to the oven for a few minutes to restore their texture.

3. How many calories do these cookies have?
Each cookie has approximately 50-60 calories, depending on size and ingredients used.

These egg white cookies with raisins are not only a delicious choice but also a fantastic way to enjoy cooking. I encourage you to try the recipe and personalize it to your taste. Enjoy!