Chef Mitchell preparing Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies while experimenting with meringue techniques in culinary school. Perfecting the light and crispy texture took time, but the result is always worth it. Friends and family rave about these cookies, and they quickly became a staple at gatherings. I love how they bring people together over a sweet, shared experience."

With over a decade of experience in French cuisine, I have created countless dessert recipes. My passion lies in combining classic techniques with modern flavors, ensuring that every dessert tells a story. I believe that desserts should not only taste good but also bring joy and connection.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies served on a plate

Why This Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies Recipe Works

This recipe is a perfect balance of airy meringue and rich chocolate, creating a delightful cookie that melts in your mouth. The combination of textures is sure to impress anyone who tries them. The low baking temperature allows for a gentle drying process, resulting in perfectly crisp meringues. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch followed by a soft, chewy center.

Using a stand mixer to whip the egg whites ensures that you achieve the right consistency for the meringue. The gradual addition of sugar helps to stabilize the egg whites, preventing them from collapsing. The addition of chocolate chips adds a burst of flavor that complements the lightness of the meringue beautifully.

💡 Professional Tip

For best results, ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free from grease. This will allow for maximum volume when whipping the egg whites. Also, be patient when adding sugar—slowly incorporating it helps create a more stable meringue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies can be made ahead of time. They store well in an airtight container for up to a week. Just ensure they are completely cooled before storing to maintain their crispiness. If you live in a humid environment, consider using a desiccant packet in the container to prevent them from becoming soggy.

If you're looking for an egg-free alternative, you can use aquafaba, which is the liquid from canned chickpeas. Three tablespoons of aquafaba is equivalent to one egg white. Whip it until it forms stiff peaks just like egg whites. Keep in mind that the flavor may differ slightly from traditional meringue.

Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies are done when they are dry to the touch and easily lift off the parchment paper. The inside should be soft and chewy while the outer shell remains crisp. If they are still sticky or feel moist, continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, checking regularly.

Yes, you can freeze Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

These cookies are delicious on their own but can be served with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat. Pair them with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added flavor. They also make a great topping for desserts like pavlova or as a garnish for fancy cakes.

Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can last in the fridge for up to a week if stored in an airtight container. However, refrigeration can cause them to lose their crispness, so it’s recommended to store them at room temperature instead.

Absolutely! These cookies can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container. They maintain their texture and flavor for several days. Just ensure they are completely cooled before storing. If you want to make them even more special, consider adding a layer of chocolate ganache between two cookies!

Meringue cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, so reheating isn't necessary. If they become soft, you can place them in a low oven (about 200°F or 93°C) for a few minutes to restore some crispness. Just keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: Your meringue cookies may have turned out too dry if they crumble when bitten.

Solution: To prevent this, ensure you do not overbake them and keep an eye on the baking time. Also, store them in an airtight container to maintain their moisture levels.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If your cookies aren't crisp, they may not have been dried out sufficiently during baking.

Solution: Consider baking them a bit longer, but keep the oven temperature low. You can also try leaving them in the oven with the door slightly ajar to help them dry out without browning.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked meringue cookies can develop a burnt outer layer.

Prevention: To prevent this, monitor the baking time closely and adjust the temperature if necessary. Using parchment paper can also help prevent sticking and burning.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the insides of your cookies are still gooey, they may be undercooked.

Recovery: Return them to the oven for a few more minutes, but ensure not to overbake. Checking them periodically is key to achieving the perfect texture.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: Burnt meringue cookies typically result from high baking temperatures.

Prevention: Always bake meringue at a low temperature and adjust as necessary for even cooking. Using an oven thermometer can help ensure accurate temperature readings.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If your cookies are too sweet, try reducing the sugar slightly next time or adding a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: To fix overly salty cookies, avoid adding salt in the future or use unsalted butter if that’s part of your recipe.

Bland: If your cookies taste bland, consider enhancing the flavor by adding more vanilla or almond extract in the meringue.

Fresh ingredients for Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies

Essential Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies

The key ingredients for Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies include egg whites, which provide the structure, and sugar, which adds sweetness and stability. The addition of chocolate chips introduces a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the lightness of meringue. Each ingredient plays a vital role in the final product, resulting in a wonderful contrast of textures.

Using high-quality chocolate chips can significantly enhance the flavor of these cookies. Opt for semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a deeper taste. The freshness of the eggs also matters; organic or free-range eggs are recommended for better flavor and quality. Each ingredient should be measured accurately for the best results.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Egg Whites: Fresh egg whites are crucial for achieving the perfect meringue. Ensure that there are no traces of yolk in the whites, as even a small amount of fat can prevent them from whipping up properly. For best results, use room temperature egg whites, as they whip to a greater volume than cold ones.
  • Granulated Sugar: Using superfine sugar can help achieve a smoother texture in your meringue. Regular granulated sugar can be used, but it may take longer to dissolve fully. Gradually adding sugar while whipping the egg whites allows for maximum volume and stability in the meringue.
  • Chocolate Chips: Opt for high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor. Mini chocolate chips are preferred for this recipe as they distribute evenly within the meringue, ensuring that every bite has a touch of chocolate. You can also experiment with flavors, such as dark chocolate or even white chocolate for variety.
Cooking process for Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Making Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Start by whipping the egg whites until frothy, then gradually add sugar until stiff peaks form. The key is to ensure that the mixture remains glossy and stable throughout. Once the chocolate chips are folded in, the mixture is ready for baking.

To achieve the perfect texture, bake the cookies at a low temperature to allow them to dry out properly without browning. The cooling process in the oven is equally important, as it helps to maintain the crispness of the cookies. With these steps, you’ll create meringue cookies that are light, airy, and full of flavor.

Key Technique for Perfect Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies

The most important technique for baking Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies is the proper whipping of the egg whites. Achieving stiff peaks is crucial, as this ensures the meringue holds its shape during baking. Additionally, folding in the ingredients gently helps retain the airiness of the mixture, which is what gives these cookies their unique texture.

Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature

For the Sauce

  • 4 large egg whites
    Fresh for best results
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
    Superfine is best
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
    Stabilizes egg whites
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 1 cup mini chocolate chips
    Semi-sweet or dark
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
    Pecans or walnuts
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    Enhances flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
    Adds stability
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    Helps stabilize
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
    Optional topping
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
    For added flavor
  • 2 cups of whipped cream (optional for serving)
    Delicious companion

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Whip Egg Whites

    In a clean mixing bowl, whip the egg whites with cream of tartar until frothy.

  3. Add Sugar Gradually

    Gradually add granulated sugar, beating until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy.

  4. Add Vanilla and Almond Extracts

    Gently fold in vanilla and almond extracts, cornstarch, and salt until combined.

  5. Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts

    Carefully fold in mini chocolate chips and chopped nuts, if using.

  6. Scoop Meringue Mixture

    Using a spoon or piping bag, scoop or pipe the meringue mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.

  7. Bake Meringues

    Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, until the cookies are dry and crisp.

  8. Cool Cookies

    Turn off the oven and let the cookies cool completely inside the oven with the door ajar.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To keep your Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay crispy for up to a week. Avoid storing them in the fridge as the moisture can make them chewy. If you live in a humid area, consider using silica gel packets in the container to absorb excess moisture.

Serving Suggestions

Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies can be enjoyed on their own or served alongside fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream. They also make an elegant addition to dessert platters, complementing other rich desserts with their lightness. For a special touch, drizzle chocolate sauce on top before serving.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize your Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies by adding different mix-ins. Consider using dried fruits, coconut flakes, or various types of nuts for added texture. You can also experiment with flavored extracts like peppermint or orange for a unique twist!