Colorful, crunchy meringue cookies in various flavors are a festive Mexican sweet. This light, family-friendly confection is a cheerful treat found in markets and candy shops nationwide.
Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a clean, dry mixer bowl, beat 4 egg whites with a pinch of salt on medium speed until foamy, then add cream of tartar and increase speed.
Slowly add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high until stiff, glossy peaks form (about 8–10 minutes).
Add vanilla extract and any desired flavor extracts. Divide the meringue into bowls and gently fold in different colors.
Transfer the mixture to piping bags and pipe small mounds or swirls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing slightly apart.
Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and let the meringues cool inside for 45 minutes to 1 hour to dry out further without browning.