“Forgotten” Hot Chocolate Meringues

Before finishing a cookie-baking marathon, I usually pop a batch of these “forgotten” hot chocolate meringues into my oven before going to bed. They taste just like the warm chocolate beverage we all know and love.  These meringues melt in your mouth – it’s hard to eat just one!

This recipe is easy, using ingredients that you likely have in your kitchen.  It’s also super kid-friendly! 

The best part about this recipe is that you can literally walk away from them after putting them in the oven.  Simply pop them in, then turn off your oven and forget about the meringues until morning.

Makes 2-3 dozen meringues, depending on how large you make them

Gluten free

Inspired by Boulder Locavore and my grandmother

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the egg whites until they become foamy (about 3 minutes).  Continue beating the egg whites, gradually adding granulated sugar, vanilla, cream of tartar, and cocoa powder (if using) until soft peaks form.
3. Gently fold in chocolate chips.  
4. Drop meringues by teaspoonfuls onto a baking sheet.  For a fancier presentation, you can pipe them onto the baking sheet.  
5. Place the meringue cookies inside the oven, then promptly turn the oven off (yes, really!).  Leave them undisturbed until morning. Do not open the oven door or disturb the meringues after placing them inside!  
6. In the morning, take the meringues out of the oven and place in a sealed container.  These meringue cookies will keep at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

This recipe is from Content Manager and OPL Community member Kristina Shane.

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