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Chocolate Meringue Cookies: A Delicate Sweet Treat

ByJessie
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Chocolate meringue cookies are a timeless dessert that combines elegance and flavor with a delightful crunch. Perfect for holiday gatherings, tea parties, or an afternoon snack, these delicate cookies offer a unique mix of airy texture and rich chocolate flavor.

Best of all? They’re light, naturally gluten-free, and use just a few simple ingredients. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing cookie recipe, you can’t go wrong with chocolate meringue cookies!

chocolate meringue cookies in a white bowl, overhead view

Why Chocolate Meringue Cookies Are So Popular

Meringue cookies have been loved for generations, thanks to their crisp, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Adding chocolate elevates the flavor to a whole new level—light and sweet with a rich chocolatey finish.

What makes these cookies stand out is their versatility and simplicity. They look fancy on a cookie platter, but they’re surprisingly easy to make. Plus, they require just a few pantry staples, making them an affordable treat when you want something a little special.

Whether you’re hosting guests or just want to treat yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Chocolate Meringue Cookies

Meringues might seem intimidating, but with a little care, you’ll master this recipe in no time. Here are some tips to ensure your chocolate meringue cookies turn out perfectly:

  1. Clean, Dry Bowl: Always use a squeaky-clean metal or glass mixing bowl. Any grease or moisture can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.
  2. Room-Temperature Eggs: Room-temperature egg whites whip up faster and achieve more volume.
  3. Add Sugar Gradually: Add confectioners’ sugar a little at a time to help the egg whites maintain their structure.
  4. Gentle Folding: When adding the chocolate and cracker crumbs, fold gently to avoid deflating the egg whites.

Pro Tip: If you live in a humid climate, meringues can become sticky. Store them in an airtight container to keep them perfectly crisp.

hand holding 3 stacked chocolate meringue cookies

Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Meringue Cookies

Chocolate meringue cookies are light, sweet, and perfect for almost any occasion. Here are a few creative ways to enjoy them:

  • Dessert Platter: Add them to a holiday cookie tray alongside classics like shortbread, thumbprint cookies, and chocolate crinkles.
  • Tea Time Treat: Serve them with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa.
  • Garnish for Desserts: Crumble the cookies over a bowl of ice cream or pudding for an added crunch.
  • Gift Bags: Package them in pretty boxes or jars for an easy homemade gift during the holidays.

No matter how you serve them, these cookies are guaranteed to disappear fast!

Recipe Variations

Chocolate meringue cookies are fantastic on their own, but here are a few ways to mix things up:

  1. Add Nuts: Sprinkle in finely chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, for added texture.
  2. Peppermint Twist: Add a drop of peppermint extract and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top before baking.
  3. Extra Chocolatey: Fold in mini chocolate chips for an extra dose of chocolate flavor.
  4. Spiced Version: A pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully.

Feel free to get creative—these cookies are a blank canvas for your favorite flavors!

chocolate meringue cookies stacked on a white plate

Storage Tips for Chocolate Meringue Cookies

One of the best things about chocolate meringue cookies is how long they last—if stored properly! Here’s how to keep them fresh:

  • Store in an Airtight Container: Keep the cookies in a dry, airtight container at room temperature. This helps prevent them from becoming sticky.
  • Avoid Humidity: If you live in a humid area, consider adding a small packet of silica gel to the container to absorb moisture.
  • Freezing: Meringues freeze well! Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Quick Tip: If the cookies lose their crispness, you can revive them in a low oven (250°F) for 5–10 minutes.

Chocolate Meringue Cookies
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Chocolate Meringue Cookies

Recipe by Jessie
Course: Dessert
Servings

36

cookies
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

12

minutes

Delicate, airy, and perfectly chocolatey, these chocolate meringue cookies are a melt-in-your-mouth treat that’s as elegant as it is easy to make. With a crisp exterior and a rich chocolate flavor, they’re perfect for special occasions, holiday platters, or whenever you’re craving something sweet yet light.

Ingredients

  • 2/3 c (4 ounces) semisweet chocolate morsels

  • 2 egg whites

  • 2/3 c (4 ounces) confectioners’ sugar (sift after measuring)

  • 1/3 c saltine-cracker crumbs

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Lightly grease two cookie sheets or line them with parchment paper.
  • Place the chocolate morsels in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water (or use a microwave in 15 – 20 intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is mostly melted). Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
  • In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until frothy. Gradually increase the speed and continue beating until the whites form stiff but moist peaks.
  • While continuing to beat the egg whites, add the confectioners’ sugar a little at a time, ensuring it fully dissolves. The mixture should become glossy and hold its shape.
  • Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the melted chocolate, cracker crumbs, and vanilla extract. Be careful not to deflate the meringue mixture.
  • Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared cookie sheets, leaving about 1.5 inches of space between each cookie. Or, using a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch plain tip or other tip of your choosing shape the meringues into 1.5-inch mounds on the prepared baking sheets
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the cookies are firm to the touch.
  • Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
  • Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp. If the environment is humid, freeze them to maintain their texture.

Final Thoughts

These chocolate meringue cookies are light, crisp, and full of chocolate flavor, making them an irresistible addition to any dessert spread. They’re easy to make, versatile to serve, and perfect for gifting during the holidays.

Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the delicious variations, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again.

Looking for other cookie ideas? Check these out!

chocolate meringue cookies lined up on a grey background, overhead view
a plate piled with chocolate meringue cookies, with gift boxes in the background

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