Fragrant Rose Meringue Kisses

Homemade Rose Meringues with Strawberries: An Elegant & Easy Dessert Recipe

Step into a world of delicate flavors and exquisite textures with our irresistible Rose Meringues. These delightful treats are the quintessential combination of soft, light, crispy, and wonderfully sweet. Infused with the subtle, enchanting aroma of rose water and perfectly paired with fresh, juicy strawberries and rich whipped cream, they are guaranteed to dazzle your guests and elevate any occasion.

Forget complicated desserts! With just a few staple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can effortlessly whip up a batch of these beautiful and utterly delicious meringues. Their ethereal, melt-in-your-mouth texture and unique floral notes will leave your friends and family utterly enchanted, surely begging for your secret recipe!

Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated tea party, celebrating a special birthday, or simply looking for a touch of indulgence to brighten your day, these Rose Meringues offer a truly unforgettable sweet experience. Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a masterpiece that looks as good as it tastes!

A photo from above of meringues with strawberries, four pieces. At the bottom right, a hand takes a meringue. Three strawberries are at the bottom left. The meringues are light pink, garnished with fresh rose petals, and arranged artfully with vibrant red strawberries.

Delight Your Guests with Sweet & Delicious Rose Meringues!

Rose water meringues are more than just a dessert; they are a statement of elegance and a testament to simple ingredients creating extraordinary flavors. Perfect for any gathering, from intimate family dinners to grand celebrations, these sweet treats are crafted with just a few core ingredients, yet their light, airy, and delicately floral texture never fails to impress.

Meringues boast a rich history, gracing dessert tables for centuries as a beloved classic. They are traditionally made by carefully beating egg whites with sugar until they transform into stiff, glossy peaks. This frothy mixture is then gently baked at a low temperature, allowing them to slowly dry out, resulting in a delightfully crispy exterior and a soft, chewy, melt-in-your-mouth interior. The addition of rose water elevates this classic, imbuing it with a wonderful floral aroma and a distinctly sophisticated flavor that sets it apart.

To truly complete this dessert, serve your homemade rose meringues with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream and a handful of vibrant, sweet strawberries. The creamy richness, the fruity tang, and the delicate crispness of the meringue create an irresistible symphony of tastes and textures that is simply divine. It’s a dessert that isn’t just eaten, but experienced.

The Art of Meringue Making: Simple Yet Sophisticated

Creating perfect meringues might seem daunting, but it’s a wonderfully rewarding process. The key lies in understanding the basic principles: the science of whipping egg whites, the careful addition of sugar, and the low-and-slow baking method. Once mastered, you’ll be able to create these beautiful confections with confidence, ready to customize them with various flavors and accompaniments.

Why Rose Water? The Scented Secret to an Exquisite Dessert

Rose water, a fragrant distillate made from rose petals, has been used in culinary traditions for centuries, especially in Middle Eastern and Indian desserts. Its delicate, sweet, and slightly spicy notes add a layer of sophistication that transforms ordinary meringues into an exotic delight. A little goes a long way, ensuring the floral essence enhances rather than overpowers the natural sweetness of the meringue.

Are you looking for more inspiration for delightful desserts? On this page you will find delicious dessert recipes, such as strawberry ice cream, strawberry cream cheese dessert and marbled strawberry cheesecakes. We love pairing our Rose Meringues with other berry-centric treats for a truly fresh and vibrant dessert spread.

Essential Ingredients for Rose Water Meringues with Strawberries

To embark on your journey of creating these ethereal Rose Meringues, you will need a few carefully selected ingredients. Each plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture. You can find the precise measurements for each in the detailed recipe card conveniently located at the bottom of this blog post:

Ingredients for Rose Meringues, individually labeled on a white background, showing egg whites, sugar, rose water, cream, and fresh strawberries.
  • Egg Whites: The foundation of any meringue. For optimal results, ensure your egg whites are completely free of any yolk trace. Even a tiny speck of fat can prevent the whites from whipping into stiff, stable peaks. Using fresh, room-temperature eggs is also highly recommended, as they tend to whip up more easily and achieve greater volume.
  • Rose Water: This aromatic liquid is the star flavor component, providing the distinctive floral notes that make these meringues so special. When selecting rose water, opt for a food-grade variety, typically found in specialty food stores or the international aisle of larger supermarkets. Remember, a little goes a long way to achieve that delicate taste without overpowering.
  • Sugar: Essential not only for sweetening the meringues but also for stabilizing the whipped egg whites. Fine granulated sugar (caster sugar) is often preferred for meringues as it dissolves more readily, resulting in a smoother, more stable foam and a glossy finish.
  • Cream: For the ultimate topping, use heavy cream or whipping cream. Make sure it’s well-chilled before whipping to achieve maximum volume and stiffness. You can sweeten it with a touch of powdered sugar for an extra luxurious touch.
  • Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries provide the perfect sweet-tart counterpoint to the floral meringue. Always wash your strawberries thoroughly *before* removing their green crowns. If you hull them first, they can absorb excess water, making them watery and diminishing their flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Prepare Strawberry Rose Meringues

Creating these beautiful rose meringues is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of these enchanting desserts ready to enjoy. For a convenient, printable version with all measurements, refer to the recipe card at the very end of this blog post.

4 collage photo showing the preparation steps for Rose Meringues: whisking egg whites, adding sugar and rose water, spooning onto a baking sheet, and finished meringues with strawberries and cream.
  1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets: Begin by preheating your oven to 285°F (approximately 141°C). Line two baking trays with parchment paper. This low temperature is crucial for drying the meringues rather than baking them, ensuring their signature crispness.
  2. Whip Egg Whites: In a meticulously clean, grease-free bowl (stainless steel or glass bowls work best), begin beating the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue until they start to foam and hold soft peaks.
  3. Gradually Add Sugar & Rose Water: Once soft peaks form, gradually add the sugar, a tablespoon at a time, while continuously mixing. Allow each addition to fully incorporate before adding more. This slow addition helps the sugar dissolve properly and creates a stable, glossy meringue. Finally, pour in the rose water and continue beating until the mixture is very stiff, glossy, and holds firm peaks when you lift the whisk. You should be able to invert the bowl without the meringue falling out!
  4. Shape the Meringues: Using two tablespoons, gently scoop spoonfuls of the meringue mixture onto the prepared baking trays, leaving ample space between each meringue. For a more uniform and elegant look, you can also transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe individual rosettes.
  5. Dry Bake the Meringues: Place the baking trays in the preheated oven. Dry the meringues for approximately 60 minutes. After this time, turn off the oven but leave the meringues inside with the door slightly ajar for another hour or two, or even overnight. This allows them to cool down slowly and become perfectly crisp all the way through, preventing them from cracking or becoming sticky.
  6. Prepare Topping: While the meringues cool, prepare your topping. Whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. If desired, you can sweeten the cream with 1-2 tablespoons of confectioners’ sugar for extra sweetness. Wash the strawberries, hull them, and slice them into small, bite-sized cubes.
  7. Serve Immediately: Once the meringues are completely cool and crisp, spoon a generous dollop of whipped cream on top of each and decorate with the fresh strawberry cubes. For an extra touch of elegance, in the summer months, you can garnish with fresh organic rose petals. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect contrast of textures and flavors.

Expert Tips, Creative Substitutions, and Delightful Variations

Mastering meringues is all about a few key techniques and having fun with flavor. Here are some invaluable tips to ensure your Rose Meringues are perfect every time, along with ideas to customize them to your liking:

  • The Golden Rule: Grease-Free Equipment: This cannot be stressed enough! Any trace of fat, whether from residual soap, egg yolk, or even your hands, will prevent egg whites from whipping properly. Always wash your bowl and mixer attachments with hot, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before starting. You can also wipe them down with a little lemon juice or vinegar for extra assurance.
  • Room Temperature Eggs are Best: While separating egg whites is easier when they are cold, bringing them to room temperature before whipping yields a greater volume and more stable meringue. Plan ahead by separating them while cold, then let them sit on the counter for 20-30 minutes.
  • Enhance Your Cream with Strawberry Jam: For a delightful twist, instead of plain sugar, mix a tablespoon of high-quality strawberry jam into your whipped cream. This adds an extra layer of fruity flavor and a beautiful pink swirl that complements the rose meringue perfectly.
  • Creative Toppings Beyond Strawberries: While strawberries are a classic pairing, feel free to experiment with other fruits. Raspberries, blueberries, or even finely diced mango can offer a wonderful burst of flavor. A sprinkle of chopped pistachios can add a lovely texture and color contrast, enhancing the Middle Eastern theme.
  • Don’t Waste Leftover Meringues – Make Eton Mess! If you happen to have any leftover meringues (though we doubt you will!), they are perfect for creating the classic British dessert, Eton Mess. It’s a fantastic, easy way to enjoy them. Simply spoon creamy Greek yogurt or unsweetened whipped cream into a bowl. Layer it generously with homemade strawberry sauce (find an easy recipe here). Crumble your leftover meringues over the top, then add finely sliced fresh strawberries. Drizzle with a little more strawberry purée and perhaps a sprig of mint for garnish. This deconstructed dessert is a heavenly blend of crunchy, creamy, and fruity.
  • Experiment with Other Floral Flavors: If rose isn’t your only floral fancy, consider trying lavender extract or orange blossom water for a different aromatic experience. Just like rose water, use these sparingly to avoid an overpowering taste.
  • Add a Pop of Color: For festive occasions, a tiny drop of gel food coloring (pink works beautifully for rose meringues) can be added to the egg whites towards the end of whipping. This gives your meringues a vibrant hue that makes them even more appealing.
Rose meringues with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, garnished with delicate rose petals, arranged on an elegant serving plate.

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📖 Recipe

RECIPE CARD

A square photo with rose meringue in the foreground and three in the background. Left strawberries.
Rose Meringues

Author's avatarAndréa

Rose Meringues are the perfect combination of soft and light, crispy and sweet. They are the perfect dessert for any occasion and dazzle your guests with their delicate flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. With just a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can quickly whip up a batch of these beautiful, delicious treats that will leave your friends and family begging for more!

5 of 40 votes
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Bake time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Course Sweets and Sweet Baking, Dessert
Cuisine European, Middle Eastern

Servings 12 meringue
Calories 111 kcal

Equipment

  • A conventional oven is used. When using a convection oven (with air fan) decrease the temperature with 30 °F / 20 °C
  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper
  • Electric mixer with whisk attachment
  • Large, clean mixing bowl (preferably glass or stainless steel)
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Ingredients

Rose Meringue

  • 4 egg whites, size L, at room temperature
  • 1 cup sugar (fine granulated or caster sugar recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon rose water

Topping

  • ½ cup heavy cream, chilled
  • 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar, (optional, for sweetening cream)
  • 2 oz. fresh strawberries, washed, hulled and sliced in small cubes
  • Optional: fresh organic rose petals for garnish

All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.

Metric – US Customary

Instructions

Meringue Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 285 °F (141 °C) for a conventional oven, or 250 °F (121 °C) for a convection oven.
  • Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a thoroughly clean, fat-free bowl, whisk the room-temperature egg whites until they start to stiffen and form soft peaks.
    4 egg whites
  • Then, gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuously mixing. Once all the sugar is incorporated, add the rose water.
    1 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon rose water
  • Continue to beat the mixture until the egg whites are very stiff, glossy, and form firm peaks that hold their shape.
  • Using two spoons or a piping bag, create small piles (approximately 1.5-2 inches wide) of the meringue foam on your prepared baking sheets. Ensure sufficient distance between each meringue as they will expand slightly.
  • Place the trays in the preheated oven and dry the meringues for 1 hour. After 1 hour, turn off the oven but leave the meringues inside with the oven door slightly ajar for at least another hour, or ideally, until completely cool and crisp. This slow cooling prevents cracking.
  • Take them out of the oven and let them cool completely to room temperature before handling. They will become fully crisp as they cool.

Assembly & Serving

  • In a cold bowl, mix the chilled heavy cream until stiff peaks form. If desired, add confectioner’s sugar for a sweeter cream.
    ½ cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar
  • Just before serving, put a generous spoon of whipped cream on each cooled meringue and decorate with the small strawberry cubes. Garnish with fresh organic rose petals if available. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor!
    2 oz. fresh strawberries

Notes

1. Egg Whites for Perfect Meringues:

  • The most critical step! Ensure your mixing bowl (preferably glass or stainless steel) and whisk attachments are immaculately clean and completely grease-free before you begin beating the egg whites. Even a tiny speck of fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping to their full potential. Washing with hot water and detergent, then drying thoroughly, is essential.
  • Always use fresh eggs, and ideally, let them come to room temperature before whipping. Room temperature egg whites whip up faster and achieve greater volume and stability.

2. Creative Cream Sweetening:

Instead of plain confectioners’ sugar, try mixing a tablespoon of high-quality strawberry jam (or raspberry jam) with your heavy cream before whipping. This adds a lovely fruity flavor and a beautiful color.

3. Making Eton Mess with Leftover Meringues:

Have leftover meringues? Transform them into a delightful Eton Mess! Spoon Greek yogurt or unsweetened whipped cream into a serving bowl. Layer it with homemade strawberry sauce (find an easy recipe here). Crumble the meringues over this. Top with finely sliced fresh strawberries and a final drizzle of strawberry purée. Decorate with a small piece of meringue and serve immediately.

4. Oven Temperature Matters:

For a conventional oven, set the temperature to 285 °F (140 °C). If you are using a convection oven (which typically has a fan for even heat distribution), a slightly lower temperature of 250 °F (approximately 121 °C) is usually sufficient. The goal is to dry the meringues slowly, not to bake them quickly.

5. Storage Guidelines:

  • Room Temperature: Unassembled meringues can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. Ensure they are completely cool before storing. For best results, place baking paper between layers to prevent sticking and absorb any minimal moisture.
  • Freezer: Meringues can also be frozen for longer storage. Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight freezer-safe container, again with parchment paper between layers. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature.
  • Once Assembled: Meringues topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit are best enjoyed immediately after assembly. Unfortunately, they do not store well as the moisture from the cream and fruit will quickly soften the crisp meringue.

6. Nutritional Value: The nutritional information provided is an estimate per serving, assuming the recipe yields 12 individual meringues.

Nutrition

Calories: 111kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 20mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 148IUVitamin C: 3mgIron: 0.05mg

Keyword a recipe for a meringue cookie, rose water dessert, strawberry meringue

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