Meringue cookies

Delicate meringue cookies with chocolate glaze

A culinary journey can sometimes be filled with wonderful surprises, and today I invite you to discover a recipe for cookies that melt in your mouth, made from egg whites! These cookies are not only delicious but also an excellent way to use up leftover egg whites from other delights, such as creams or mayonnaise. Our cookies will have a light and fluffy texture, and the chocolate glaze will add a touch of refinement.

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 8 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 20 cookies

Ingredients:

- 3 egg whites
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 100 g flour
- 50 g dark chocolate (for decoration)

Short introduction to the recipe

Egg white cookies have a rich history and are very popular in various culinary cultures. They are often made to make use of leftover egg whites from various dishes. Additionally, they are easy to customize and can be decorated in countless ways. The recipe I propose is inspired by the famous "cat tongues," but with a delicious twist: a chocolate glaze that transforms them into true sweet jewels!

Step by step: Preparing the cookies

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients

Make sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature. This will help in easier homogenization of the mixture. Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It is important that the bowl in which you will beat the egg whites is completely clean and dry to achieve a stable foam.

Step 2: Butter cream

In a large bowl, add the soft butter and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until it becomes a fluffy and airy cream. This step is essential to ensure a light texture for the cookies.

Step 3: Adding flavors

Add the vanilla sugar to the butter and sugar mixture. This will give a pleasant aroma to your cookies. Continue mixing until everything is well incorporated.

Step 4: Incorporating the flour

Gradually add the flour to your mixture. It is normal for the dough to become a bit stiff at this step, but don't worry, it will become light and fluffy once you add the egg whites!

Step 5: Whipping the egg whites

Use another clean bowl to whip the 3 egg whites. Beat them until they form a firm and glossy foam. This step is crucial, as the egg white foam will give the cookies an airy texture.

Step 6: Combining the ingredients

Carefully fold the egg white foam into the butter and flour dough using a spatula. Do this gently to avoid losing the air in the egg whites. Mix until you no longer see traces of egg whites.

Step 7: Shaping the cookies

Prepare a baking tray with parchment paper. Use a pastry bag to form small flowers or circles on the parchment paper, making sure to leave enough space between them as they will spread while baking.

Step 8: Baking

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the cookies for 7-8 minutes, or until the edges turn golden. Do not leave them in the oven too long, as they will continue to bake after you take them out.

Step 9: Glazing

Once the cookies have completely cooled, melt the dark chocolate. You can do this in the microwave or in a double boiler. Put the melted chocolate in a plastic bag, cut off a small corner, and decorate the cookies with an attractive pattern. You can also stick two cookies together with chocolate for a doubly delicious effect.

Useful tips

- Flour: Make sure to use quality flour for the best results. You can experiment with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- Egg whites: If you have frozen egg whites, make sure they are completely thawed and at room temperature before using them.
- Chocolate: Choose a good quality dark chocolate, as its taste will make a difference in the end.
- Storage: The cookies can be kept in an airtight container for a few days, but they are best enjoyed fresh!

Calories and nutritional benefits

These egg white cookies have approximately 45 calories each, making them a lighter choice compared to other desserts. Egg whites are rich in protein, and butter provides healthy fats. However, consume them in moderation, especially due to the sugar.

Variations and combinations

I recommend trying these cookies alongside a cup of fragrant tea or coffee. You can also add various flavors, such as almond or lemon essence, to customize the recipe. Another idea is to fill them with chocolate cream or fruit mousse for a sophisticated dessert.

Frequently asked questions

1. Why did the cookies stick to the parchment paper?
This may be due to insufficient butter or overbaking. Make sure to use quality parchment paper and lightly grease the parchment with butter if you encountered issues.

2. Can I use brown sugar instead of powdered sugar?
Yes, but it will slightly change the texture and taste, and the cookies will have a darker hue.

3. How can I make the cookies less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the recipe, but make sure it doesn't affect the overall proportions of the dough.

Egg white cookies with chocolate glaze are a fantastic choice for any occasion. With a light texture and divine taste, they will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. So, don't wait any longer! Step into the kitchen and enjoy the cooking process, and the result will reward you fully.