Name: Rose Meringues with Pistachios
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 3 h 30 min
Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients: 6 large free-range egg whites, at room temperature; 320 g (1 ½ cups) caster sugar; 2 tsp corn flour; 2–3 tsp rose water; 1 tsp white vinegar; A few drops of red or pink gel food coloring; 2 tbsp finely chopped pistachios (for garnish)

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These rose meringues with pistachios are as beautiful as they are delicious. Light, airy, and delicately flavored with rose water, they’re swirled with pink color for a stunning finish. The crisp shells give way to soft centers, making them a perfect elegant dessert for afternoon tea, celebrations, or as an edible gift.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Light, crisp, and delicately floral
Gorgeous swirled appearance with pink coloring
Perfect make-ahead dessert for entertaining
Naturally gluten-free
Easy to customize with different flavors and garnishes

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

6 large free-range egg whites, at room temperature
320 g (1 ½ cups) caster sugar
2 tsp corn flour
2–3 tsp rose water
1 tsp white vinegar
A few drops of red or pink gel food coloring
2 tbsp finely chopped pistachios (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat oven to 150°C (300°F). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.
Ensure your bowl and whisk are completely clean and dry.
In a stand mixer, whisk egg whites on medium-high until stiff peaks form.
Gradually add sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, whisking continuously. Beat for 8–10 minutes until glossy and sugar has dissolved.
Sift in corn flour, add rose water and vinegar, then whisk briefly to combine.
Remove the bowl and scrape down the whisk.
Add a few drops of gel food coloring and gently fold with a spoon to create swirls.
Drop 6 mounds of meringue onto the tray, spacing them apart.
Place in oven and immediately reduce temperature to 120°C (250°F). Bake for 40 minutes without opening the door.
Turn off oven and leave meringues inside for 2–3 hours until cooled and dried out.
Sprinkle with finely chopped pistachios before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 large meringues.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Cooling time: 2–3 hours
Total time: About 3 hours 30 minutes

Variations

Replace rose water with orange blossom water or vanilla extract.
Add freeze-dried raspberries or strawberries for extra texture.
Use different food colorings for a rainbow effect.
Shape the meringues into nests and fill with whipped cream and berries.
Swap pistachios for almonds, hazelnuts, or edible dried rose petals.

Storage/reheating

Store meringues in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Do not refrigerate, as humidity will soften them.
If they lose crispness, return to a 250°F (120°C) oven for 10 minutes to refresh.
Meringues do not freeze well, as moisture affects their texture.

FAQs

Why do I need to add vinegar and corn flour?

They help stabilize the meringue, giving it a crisp outside and soft inside.

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

Gel works best since liquid coloring may make the mixture runny.

Do I need a stand mixer?

A stand mixer is easiest, but you can use a hand mixer—it just takes longer.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but bake in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Why do I have to leave the meringues in the oven to cool?

This prevents cracks and helps them dry out fully.

Can I make mini rose meringues?

Yes, just pipe smaller shapes and reduce baking time to 25–30 minutes.

Why is my meringue weeping or sticky?

This can happen if the sugar isn’t fully dissolved or the air is too humid.

What’s the best way to check if sugar is dissolved?

Rub a little meringue between your fingers—it should feel smooth, not gritty.

Can I make them less sweet?

No, sugar is essential for structure, but you can serve with tart fruit for balance.

Can I add nuts into the meringue mixture?

It’s best to sprinkle pistachios on top after baking to keep the texture crisp.

Conclusion

Rose meringues with pistachios are an elegant, show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make. With their crisp shells, soft centers, and delicate floral flavor, they make a beautiful addition to any celebration. Pair them with tea, serve as part of a dessert spread, or package them as edible gifts to impress family and friends.