Schlumbergerli - Swiss Chocolate Meringue Cookies

Ingredients

• 4 large egg whites 4 large egg whites
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (60g) Swiss dark chocolate, finely chopped 1/2 cup (60g) Swiss dark chocolate, finely chopped
• Optional: cocoa powder for dusting Optional: cocoa powder for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 50 kcal / 209 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 1g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 9g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 0.02g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 120°C (250°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy.
3. 3.
   Add the cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
5. 5.
   Gently fold in the vanilla extract and chopped Swiss chocolate.
6. 6.
   Transfer the meringue mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
7. 7.
   Pipe small mushroom-shaped or other desired shapes onto the prepared baking sheet.
8. 8.
   Bake for 1 hour or until the meringue cookies are dry and crisp.
9. 9.
   Turn off the oven and leave the cookies inside for an additional 30 minutes to cool and dry completely.
10. 10.
    Once cooled, dust the cookies with cocoa powder, if desired.
11. 11.
    Serve and enjoy these delightful Swiss chocolate meringue cookies.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Swiss dark chocolate — Use high-quality Swiss dark chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70% for the best flavor and texture.
• Cream of tartar — This ingredient helps stabilize the egg whites and create a fluffy meringue. If you don't have cream of tartar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar.

Tips & Tricks

• Make sure the mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of any grease to ensure successful meringue.
• Allow the meringue cookies to cool completely in the oven to prevent them from becoming sticky.
• For a festive touch, you can dip the bottoms of the cookies in melted chocolate and let them set before serving.
• Store the Schlumbergerli in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness.

Serving advice

Serve Schlumbergerli as a delightful treat with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee. They are perfect for special occasions, afternoon tea, or as a sweet gift.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Schlumbergerli on a decorative platter or in a gift box lined with parchment paper. Dust them with cocoa powder for an elegant touch. Consider adding a sprig of mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for a visually appealing presentation.