Sister's Inspiration

"One of the best things about being an adult is the realization that you can share with your sister and still have plenty for yourself." ~ Betsy Cohen

My sisters are wonderful people. And they love and support me in many ways. And while they may be better at music and math, I am turned to for crafty answers. When I mentioned my blog to my older sister the other day, she asked if I could make a mimic of Starbucks Chocolate Meringue Cookies. I told her I'd see what I could do.

Now I love chocolate. Pure simple chocolate. Milk or dark, with delicious additives or not, a piece of chocolate is hard to beat for me. That being said, most chocolate based desserts I do not like. Brownies in particular hold no happy place in my heart. But chocolate cookies are wonderful. They take that chocolate flavor and add a little magic. Who can resist?!?

Now meringues are special too. They kind of remind me of cotton candy the way most just melt in your mouth. For those of you who aren't aware, meringue refers to a mixture of egg whites and sugar, whipped until it looks fluffy. The only real trick I know for meringue is that the humidity on the day it is made matters. Always bake meringues on a dry, sunny day.  The meringue won't stiffen and harden properly in moist weather

Now these aren't your traditional Meringue Cookies. They are kind of a hybrid between real meringues and traditional chocolate cookies. Really, the best of both worlds. Hope you enjoy! :)

Chewy Fudge Meringues

3 cups of powdered sugar
0.5 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp cornstarch
6 oz bittersweet chocolate, melted
0.25 tsp. salt
4 egg whites
1 tbsp. vanilla extract
0.25 tsp. cream of tartar


Mix cocoa powder, cornstarch, and half of the sugar in one bowl.

Melt chocolate in a separate bowl.

Place egg whites in a third bowl. You can separate these when the eggs are cold, but then wait to continue until they are room temperature. Add vanilla, cream of tartar, remaining sugar, and salt. Whip until thickened and cream in color

Gently add sugar mix, stirring in until just mixed. Then stir in melted chocolate.

Drop batter on to pans in teaspoons, spread far apart. Pans should be lined with parchment paper ( or a slipmat) and buttered.  Bake at 350 degrees F for about 20 mins.

Let cool slightly and remove from pan. :)