Baking & Pastry > Meringues > Meringue Desserts > Meringue Cookies Recipe
Chocolate Swirl Meringue Cookies
Elevate your meringue game with these stunning Chocolate Swirl Meringue Cookies. The perfect combination of airy meringue and rich chocolate creates a visually appealing and delicious treat. This recipe is perfect for those who want to add a touch of elegance to their baking.
Ingredients
- 3 large Egg whites
- 3/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon Pinch of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon Hot water
Preparing the Egg Whites
As with any meringue recipe, start with a clean and grease-free bowl and whisk. Separate the egg whites into the bowl, ensuring no yolk is mixed in.
Whipping the Meringue
Add a pinch of salt to the egg whites. Begin whipping on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to whip. Increase the speed to high and whip until stiff, glossy peaks form. The meringue should be firm enough to hold its shape.
Adding Vanilla Extract
Gently fold in the vanilla extract into the meringue base.
Creating the Chocolate Swirl
In a small bowl, mix the unsweetened cocoa powder with hot water to form a smooth paste. Gently fold the chocolate paste into half of the meringue, creating a chocolate-flavored meringue.
Piping the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 225°F (107°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Fill two separate piping bags, one with the plain meringue and one with the chocolate meringue. Alternatively, use two spoons. Pipe alternating dollops of the plain and chocolate meringues onto the baking sheet. To create a swirl effect, gently drag a toothpick or skewer through the dollops.
Baking the Meringues
Bake the meringues for 60-90 minutes, or until they are dry and crisp. As before, test for doneness by gently lifting a meringue from the parchment paper. Turn off the oven and let the meringues cool completely inside the oven with the door slightly ajar.
Storing the Meringues
Store the cooled meringues in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep for several days, retaining their crisp texture.
FAQ
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Can I use a different flavor extract instead of vanilla?
Yes, you can experiment with other extracts like almond, peppermint, or lemon to customize the flavor of your meringues. -
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Yes, you can use different cocoa powders (dark, dutch-processed) or even melt and drizzle dark, milk or white chocolate after baking. -
Why did my chocolate meringue become runny?
Make sure the chocolate paste isn't too warm when you add it, and don't overmix. Overmixing the chocolate mixture can also deflate the egg whites.