Description
Classic Divinity Cookies are a light, fluffy, and sweet treat made from sugar, egg whites, and pecans. These candy-like cookies have a delicate texture with a sweet vanilla flavor, topped optionally with toasted pecans. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a nostalgic dessert, they require careful candy-making techniques to achieve the perfect texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Divinity Cookie Ingredients
- 2 ⅔ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup water
- 2 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup finely chopped pecans
- Toasted pecan halves, optional topping
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line baking sheets with parchment paper and grease two spoons lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside to use for shaping the divinity cookies.
- Cook Sugar Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Stir constantly until all the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches a boil.
- Heat to Hard Ball Stage: Attach a candy thermometer and continue cooking the mixture without stirring until it reaches 260℉ (hard ball stage), which ensures the proper candy texture.
- Beat Egg Whites: While sugar is heating, beat the egg whites in a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment at medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, providing structure to the divinity.
- Combine Sugar Syrup and Egg Whites: Once syrup reaches temperature, remove from heat. With the mixer on medium speed, slowly drizzle the hot sugar syrup in a thin stream into the egg whites. Add vanilla extract during this step for flavor.
- Whip to Desired Consistency: Increase mixer speed to high and whip the mixture for 5-10 minutes until it thickens, holds shape, and loses its glossy appearance. Avoid overmixing to maintain lightness.
- Fold in Pecans: Gently fold the finely chopped pecans into the mixture to evenly distribute the nuts without deflating the fluffiness.
- Shape Cookies: Quickly drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets using the greased spoons. Optionally, top each dollop with a toasted pecan half for decoration and added texture.
- Set Cookies: Allow the cookies to sit at room temperature overnight or until fully dry and firm before serving or storing.
Notes
- Store divinity cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for better volume and stability when whipped.
- Use a reliable candy thermometer to accurately reach the hard ball stage, which is critical for the right texture.
- Do not overmix the egg white and sugar mixture, as this can cause the cookies to become dense.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
