These Chocolate Meringue Cookies are light as air, crisp on the outside, and melt-in-your-mouth rich with chocolate flavor. With their stunning swirls and cocoa-kissed centers, they make for a beautifully simple yet sophisticated treat that can be enjoyed any time of year. Whether you’re planning a fancy tea party, holiday cookie tray, or just a sweet something to nibble on, these cookies will fit right in.


What makes these cookies stand out is how deceptively simple they are. Made with just a few pantry staples, they transform into cloud-like bites of cocoa perfection. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free, making them ideal for guests with dietary needs. Just be sure to whip those egg whites to stiff peaks and bake them low and slow for that perfect texture.
What Kind of Cocoa Powder Should I Use?
For best flavor, use a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder. Dutch-processed cocoa will give you a deeper, smoother flavor, while natural cocoa powder offers a lighter, fruitier profile. Both work beautifully, but Dutch-processed is our go-to for a more decadent result.
Ingredients for the Chocolate Meringue Cookies
- Egg Whites: The base structure of the meringue, these need to be at room temperature to whip up to their full volume.
- Granulated Sugar: Slowly added to stabilize and sweeten the meringue.
- Cream of Tartar: Helps the egg whites hold their shape.
- Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: The star flavor! Choose a rich, high-quality variety.
How To Make the Chocolate Meringue Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Tools
Preheat the oven to 225°F (107°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are clean and grease-free for optimal whipping.
Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites
In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and salt. Continue beating until soft peaks form.
Step 3: Add Sugar Gradually
Increase the mixer speed to high and slowly add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time. Beat until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy.
Step 4: Fold in Flavor
Gently sift the cocoa powder over the meringue and fold it in along with the vanilla extract until just combined. Don’t overmix.
Step 5: Pipe and Bake
Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and let them sit inside for another hour to dry out completely.

How to Serve and Store These Cookies
Chocolate Meringue Cookies are best enjoyed the day they’re made, when they’re crisp and light. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid humidity as it can make them chewy. If you want to make ahead, store unbaked meringue in the fridge for a few hours and bake just before serving.
What to Serve With Chocolate Meringue Cookies?
Hot Espresso or Cappuccino
The deep bitterness of coffee contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the meringue.
Fresh Berries
Raspberries or strawberries offer a fruity brightness to complement the cocoa.
Vanilla Ice Cream
For a show-stopping dessert, sandwich two cookies around a scoop.
Whipped Cream
A dollop on the side enhances the melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Red Wine
A rich Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon pairs elegantly with chocolate.
Citrus Sorbet
Adds a refreshing tang to cut through the sweetness.
Pistachio Crumble
For added crunch and nutty contrast.
Chocolate Drizzle
Why not take it up a notch? A thin drizzle of dark chocolate on top adds visual flair.
Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?
If you loved these chocolate meringue cookies, you’ll definitely want to try these other creative treats:
- Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies Recipe with a fruity twist and creamy surprise.
- Lemon Cheesecake Cookies Recipe that blend tart citrus and rich filling.
- Brownie Cookies Recipe for deep, fudgy satisfaction.
- Peanut Butter Candy Corn Cookies with unexpected nostalgia.
- Pistachio Cookies Recipe that bring subtle nuttiness and soft texture.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try Dutch-process cocoa or stick to natural? Pipe them tall or go rustic with a spoon?
I love seeing how others personalize these treats. Questions welcome too—let’s make meringue magic together.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and dessert treats on ChefAlchemy Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next sweet addiction!

Chocolate Meringue Cookies
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 36 small cookies
Description
Light, crisp, and chocolatey, these Chocolate Meringue Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone craving a delicate yet rich dessert. Made with whipped egg whites and cocoa powder, these cookies are naturally gluten-free and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re hosting a party or need a quick dessert fix, these airy bites are your answer. Ideal for anyone searching for easy desserts, healthy snack ideas, quick chocolate recipes, or unique holiday cookie inspiration.
Ingredients
3 large egg whites
0.25 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 pinch salt
0.75 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 225°F (107°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a clean bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed until foamy.
3. Add cream of tartar and salt, then continue to beat until soft peaks form.
4. Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form.
5. Gently fold in cocoa powder and vanilla extract until just combined.
6. Transfer mixture to a piping bag with a star tip and pipe onto baking sheets.
7. Bake for 1 hour. Turn off the oven and let cookies sit inside for an additional hour to fully dry.
8. Remove and cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
Notes
Whip the egg whites in a clean, grease-free bowl for the best volume.
Use Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother, deeper chocolate flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cookies
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg