These Finnish Meringue Cookies are a deliciously light and crispy treat, perfect for any occasion. Made with a buttery cookie dough and topped with sweet, fluffy meringue, these cookies are a balance of textures and flavors. Ideal for gifting, holiday celebrations, or afternoon tea, they’re easy to make with just a few simple ingredients like butter, flour, sugar, egg yolks, and egg whites. This recipe also includes tips for achieving perfect meringue and rolling the dough, ensuring every cookie is a golden, melt-in-your-mouth delight. Discover how to make Finnish Meringue Cookies, a classic Scandinavian dessert that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients:

For the Finnish Cookie Dough:

14 Tbsp unsalted butter (200g), softened at room temperature
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour (I used bleached Gold Medal)
1 tsp baking soda
2 egg yolks
2 Tbsp sour cream

For the Finnish Cookie Meringues:

2 egg whites
3/4 cup granulated sugar

For Dusting (Optional):

Powdered sugar

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth and combined.
Make the Cookie Dough: Sift together the flour and baking soda, then add it to the butter-sugar mixture along with the sour cream and egg yolks. Mix with a paddle attachment or by hand until the dough comes together and the sides of the bowl are clean.
Make the Meringue: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with sugar on high speed until stiff peaks form. This should take about 6-7 minutes if the egg whites are at room temperature, or about 10 minutes if they’re cold.
Assemble the Cookies: Roll the dough out onto a long sheet of parchment paper, shaping it into a rectangle about 7″ by 20″. Spread the meringue evenly over the dough.
Form the Cookie Log: Carefully roll the dough into a log using the parchment paper to help you roll. Slice the log into 1/2″ rounds and arrange them on the parchment paper, about 1/2″ apart. Position the side with the most meringue facing up.
Bake: Bake the cookies at 350°F for 15-17 minutes or until the cookies are golden and the meringue is starting to brown around the edges. Let them cool on a wire rack. For easy cleanup and serving, keep the cookies on the parchment paper.
Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the cookies have cooled to room temperature, dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch (optional).

Tips

Room Temperature Egg Whites: For best results, use room temperature egg whites, as they whip better and faster than cold egg whites.
Don’t Overmix the Meringue: Be careful not to overbeat the egg whites. Once stiff peaks form, stop mixing to prevent the meringue from becoming too dry.
Chill the Dough: If the dough becomes too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to make rolling easier.

Variations and Substitutions

Flavor Add-ins: Try adding a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to the dough for extra flavor.
Nutty Twist: Add finely chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts to the meringue for added texture.
Dairy-Free Version: Replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use non-dairy sour cream for a dairy-free option.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dough and meringue ahead of time. Store the dough in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to a month. The meringue should be made just before assembling the cookies.

Q: Can I freeze the baked cookies?
A: Yes, once baked, these cookies freeze well. Place them in an airtight container with layers of parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.

Q: Why do I need to dust with powdered sugar?
A: Dusting with powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and helps the cookies look more attractive, but it’s completely optional.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with Tea or Coffee: These Finnish Meringue Cookies make the perfect treat to serve with a cup of tea or coffee.
Great for Special Occasions: These cookies are ideal for holiday celebrations, brunches, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests with a light and delicate dessert.
Gift Idea: Package these cookies in a cute jar or box for a lovely homemade gift.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Light and Crispy: These cookies are delicately crisp on the outside with a soft, buttery interior and a sweet meringue topping.
Perfect Balance of Sweetness: The combination of the cookie dough and the meringue creates a delightful balance of sweetness that’s not overpowering.
Simple to Make: With only a few ingredients, this recipe is straightforward to follow and perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Versatile and Elegant: The classic flavors make these cookies a hit for any occasion, and their simple yet elegant look makes them a stunning addition to dessert tables.

Enjoy these delightful Finnish Meringue Cookies with your favorite warm beverage or as a perfect treat for your next gathering!