Description
Forgotten Chocolate Pecan Meringues offer a delightful dance of crisp, airy texture and rich chocolate notes. Southern bakers embrace this classic dessert, crafting delicate clouds of sweetness that melt gently on palates and leave perfect memories of nostalgic comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 egg whites (room temperature)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Sweeteners and Stabilizers:
- ⅔ cup (158 milliliters) superfine sugar
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
Flavor Enhancers and Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Crushed candy canes (optional)
Instructions
- Arrange two baking sheets with parchment paper or aluminum foil, creating a smooth, non-stick surface for the delicate meringue cookies.
- Crack egg whites into a clean, grease-free mixing bowl, using an electric mixer to whip them into a soft, billowy foam.
- Incorporate cream of tartar to stabilize the egg whites, continuing to beat until the mixture transforms into a voluminous, cloud-like texture.
- Gradually introduce granulated sugar in four incremental portions, thoroughly blending after each addition to ensure a silky, glossy consistency.
- Midway through sugar incorporation, stream in pure vanilla extract, enhancing the meringue’s aromatic profile while maintaining its structural integrity.
- Continue whipping until the mixture develops stiff, glossy peaks that hold their shape when the whisk is lifted, indicating perfect meringue formation.
- Delicately fold semisweet chocolate chips and roughly chopped pecans into the meringue, using a gentle folding motion to preserve the delicate air bubbles.
- Utilize two teaspoons to carefully deposit dollops of the meringue mixture onto prepared baking sheets, creating rustic, free-form shapes.
- Optional: Sprinkle crushed candy canes over the meringues for a festive touch and additional flavor dimension.
- Place baking sheets in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), then immediately turn off the oven.
- Allow meringues to slowly set and dry overnight, leaving them undisturbed in the residual warmth, which will create a crisp exterior and tender interior.
Notes
- Delicate meringues require precision, so use room temperature egg whites for maximum volume and stability.
- Cream of tartar acts as a stabilizer, helping egg whites reach their peak fluffiness and maintain structure.
- Gradual sugar addition prevents deflation and ensures a smooth, glossy meringue with perfect texture.
- Gentle folding technique preserves the delicate air bubbles, creating light and airy cookies.
- Turning off the oven after placing meringues inside allows slow, gentle drying without browning, resulting in crisp, melt-in-your-mouth treats.
- Overnight resting in the oven completely dries out the meringues, creating a perfect crisp exterior and soft interior.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg