Creating 4th of July Meringue Cookies can be both fun and straightforward. Follow these simple steps to create your own batch:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 200°F (95°C) to prepare for slow baking.
2. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. Whisk Egg Whites: In a large bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar together on medium speed until soft peaks form.
4. Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar, a tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat the mixture until stiff peaks form.
5. Add Vanilla: Incorporate the vanilla extract, mixing until fully blended.
6. Divide the Mixture: Separate the meringue mixture into three bowls. Leave one bowl plain, color the second with red food coloring, and the third with blue.
7. Create a Swirl: Using a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off, layer the colored meringues in the bag. This creates a beautiful swirl effect when piped onto the baking sheet.
8. Pipe Cookies: Pipe dollops or cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
9. Bake: Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until they are dry and can easily lift off the parchment.
10. Cool: Turn off the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely inside the oven, ensuring they dry out further and retain their crispiness.

With these steps, you’ll be ready to serve a stunning array of meringue cookies that scream celebration!