Fall is the season for all things cozy and delicious, and what better way to indulge in the flavors of the season than with homemade Pumpkin Spice Meringue Pumpkins? These adorable treats are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the taste buds. This simple recipe will have you whipping up these festive treats in no time.
These bite-sized pumpkins are perfect for a Halloween party, Thanksgiving dessert, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy on a crisp autumn afternoon. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these irresistible and Instagram-worthy pumpkin spice meringue cookies shaped like pumpkins – a true fall delight.
Pumpkin spice has become synonymous with fall, evoking warm memories of cozy sweaters, crackling fires, and the aroma of spices permeating the air. This classic combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves is the perfect way to add a touch of warmth and comfort to any recipe. The earthy pumpkin flavor pairs perfectly with these spices, creating a flavor profile that is irresistible during the fall season. Whether it’s in the classic pumpkin spice latte, seasonal baked goods, or desserts, pumpkin spice is everywhere this time of year!
In this recipe, I used the following tools to form the perfect pumpkins:
12-inch disposable piping bags
Wilton Tip #22 for pumpkins
Wilton Tip #1 for the stems
Wilton Tip #67 for leaves
I do have this full decorating set, but felt the tips above would give me the best results. Feel free to use different tips if you have them and they work well!
To make these delightful pumpkins, you will need the following ingredients:
5 egg whites (room temperature)
1 cup granulated sugar
A pinch of cream of tartar
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (use store-bought or use my Homemade Pumpkin Spice)
Green liquid food coloring ( Though I prefer gel food coloring for best results)
Preheat your oven to 175 degrees F. and prepare a large baking sheet(s) by lining it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl over a pot with an inch of simmering water, combine the egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar. Whisk constantly for 7 minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved. You’ll be able to tell when you rub a little of the contents between your thumb and finger and it doesn’t feel granular.
Gently pour the mixture into a large bowl and fold in the vanilla and pumpkin pie spice.
With a whisk attachment or an electric mixer, beat on low, gradually increasing to high for 7 minutes until stiff peaks form.
Place 2/3 cup of the meringue into a mixing bowl and color with green food coloring until the desired hue is reached, mixing with a rubber spatula.
Pour the desired amount of orange food coloring into the remaining meringue in the mixing bowl and beat until well mixed.
Place the orange meringue into a piping bag fitted with the #22 piping tip. See recipe card below for how to fill the bag.
Create the pumpkins by piping them in one place on the parchment and pull up. The meringues will not spread, so can be placed about 1 inch or so apart on the baking sheet. You can make them large or small, or even pipe cute mini pumpkins!
Place 1/3 of the green meringue into a piping bag fitted with the Wilton #1 tip to add the stem. Place the remaining green meringue into a piping bag fitted with the Wilton Tip #67.
Pipe the stem with the Wilton #1 tip by piping a small amount of green meringue on the top of the pumpkin and pulling over.
Use the Wilton #67 tip to pipe leaves onto each pumpkin.
See recipe card below for the complete ingredient list and full instructions.
Place the meringues into the preheated oven and bake for 2 hours.
Next, turn the oven off and leave the meringues inside for an additional 4 hours to set.
Remove from the oven to cool. Transfer them to a platter to serve to your friends and family!
Making meringue can be intimidating, but with a few tips and tricks, you can achieve the perfect texture every time. Here are some pointers to keep in mind:
Start with clean utensils and bowls. Any trace of oil or grease can prevent the egg whites from reaching their full volume.
Use fresh egg whites at room temperature. Cold eggs take longer to whip and may not achieve the desired volume.
Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This means that when you lift the beaters, the meringue should hold its shape and not collapse.
Be gentle when folding in the flavorings. Overmixing can deflate the meringue and result in a dense texture.
Here are a few decorating ideas to make them even more enticing:
Dust the finished pumpkins with a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin spice for an extra pop of flavor.
Use edible gold or orange glitter to add a touch of sparkle to the pumpkins.
Place the meringue pumpkins on a bed of crushed graham crackers to mimic a pumpkin patch.
Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
If you like these Pumpkin Spice Meringue Pumpkins, then you’ll love these sweet treats:
No-Bake Pumpkin Nutella Cheesecake
Halloween Pumpkin Spider Cupcakes
Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese Cookies
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This recipe was originally published September 13, 2016. It has been updated in format and with photos on October 25, 2024.
The post Pumpkin Spice Meringue Pumpkins appeared first on 365 Days of Baking.