| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 90 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 154 | 3.5g | 2g | 27g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 25g | 0g | 4g | 0.1g |
I’m exceptionally excited to share with you all one of my absolute favorites – Wintergreen Meringue Cookies. This recipe, though not traditionally West African or Southern, sparks joy in my Atlanta-reared, Nigerian-schooled heart with its subtle minty zing and chocolatey goodness. These cookies are sure to liven up your dessert plate!
The Sweet Spot of Fusion
While wintergreen might not traditionally feature in West African or Southern American cooking, I’ve found that the bright, minty notes of this extract beautifully complement the sweet and savory profiles these cuisines are known for. Much like in my Peppermint White Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe, that kick of mint brightens the undertones of the chocolate chips, resulting in a burst of flavor with every bite. Try them after a hearty meal of Jambalaya or sauteed okra and tomatoes for a complete Afro-Southern fusion experience.
Healthier Indulgences
By virtue of their ingredients, Wintergreen Meringue Cookies also offer a few health benefits. The star ingredient, wintergreen, is known for its medicinal properties and has been used to soothe aches and pains. While I’m not saying this cookie will mend a broken bone, it may just soothe your sweet tooth without upsetting the nutrition balance too much. Egg whites, one of the key ingredients, are an excellent source of lean protein and contain essential vitamins and minerals. So why not enjoy these meringue delights while knowing they supply not only taste but a portion of your daily nutritional needs?
So there you have it – Wintergreen Meringue Cookies! A healthier treat that melds the zingy freshness of mint, the sweet allure of sugar, and the decadence of chocolate chips, all fluctuating in meringue’s light, airy texture. A bite of this cookie is like hosting a fun carnival in your mouth! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do!
What You’ll Need
- 4 egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon wintergreen extract
- Green food coloring (optional)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Method
Step One
To start, preheat your oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper, this will ensure your cookies are non-stick without adding extra oils.
Step Two
In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until they become foamy. This is best done with an electric mixer on medium speed, and it can take a minute or two.
Step Three
Once the eggs are frothy, add the cream of tartar. Continue beating the mixture until soft peaks form.
Step Four
Gradually add the granulated sugar, about a tablespoon at a time, to your egg whites. Also add the salt. Keep beating the mixture until stiff peaks form. This means the meringue holds its shape even when the beater is lifted.
Step Five
After your meringue is stiff and glossy, beat in the wintergreen extract. If desired, add a few drops of green food coloring until you reach your preferred hue.
Step Six
Fold in the mini chocolate chips into your meringue mixture gently, being careful not to deflate the egg whites.
Step Seven
Use a piping bag or a tablespoon to drop meringue onto the prepared baking sheets. They won’t spread, so you can place them fairly close together.
Step Eight
Bake the cookies for 1 hour, or until they are crisp and dry. Turn off the oven and let them cool inside the oven for another hour. This will make sure they are fully dry inside.
Step Nine
Once cooled, your Wintergreen Meringue Cookies are ready to serve! Enjoy these light, crispy treats with a touch of wintergreen flavor.
