To be honest, meringues are not a cookie that I typically choose to make. I made these back in May for my mom because she they are one of her favorites and she loves chocolate and orange anything. These were easy enough to make, but I think the humidity of the day caused these to lose their shape. I probably won't attempt to make these again until the fall, but this cookie has been added to my favorites list!
Ingredients:
3 large egg whites
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
3/4 cup of caster sugar {if you only have granulated sugar, just pulse it for 30 seconds to make it superfine}
1/8 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp orange extract
1/4 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
zest of a small orange
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 200°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl of an electric mixer with the whisk attachment, whisk the egg whites, cream of tartar, and vanilla and orange extracts until soft peaks form. Add in the sugar a little bit at a time and then beat on high until stiff glossy peaks form, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Very carefully fold in the chocolate chips and orange zest until combined.
4. Pipe or spoon onto the baking sheet.
5. Bake for 60-90 minutes, or until slightly golden brown. The meringues will be slightly crisp, but chewy in the center.
6. Turn the oven off and cool in the oven for 30 minutes.
7. Store in an airtight container or serve immediately!