Chocolate Swirled Meringues: A Sweet Taste of Salzburg, Austria
Imagine light, airy whipped egg whites, kissed with just the right amount of sugar, delicately swirled with rich chocolate, and then slow-baked to perfection into a melt-in-your-mouth crispy cookie. These Chocolate Swirled Meringues are more than just a dessert; they’re a delightful whisper of European charm, inspired by my unforgettable journey through Austria.
Our European adventure led us from the historic streets of Prague to the picturesque landscapes of Salzburg, Austria. The journey itself was an experience, navigating a taxi, a bus, and finally, a scenic train ride. I owe immense gratitude to my sister, a seasoned traveler whose expertise saved us from potentially being stranded in Prague, trying to decipher the complex travel logistics!
Salzburg: A City of Music, History, and Sweet Delights
Salzburg, a city steeped in history and culture, is famously known as the birthplace of the legendary composer Mozart and the enchanting setting for the beloved film, The Sound of Music. Beyond its musical heritage, Salzburg boasts an impressive array of architectural wonders, from its magnificent churches to the formidable Fortress Hohensalzburg, perched majestically above the city. And, of course, the city is historically renowned for its salt mines, which gave it its name.
But for a dessert enthusiast like myself, Salzburg held another delightful surprise: meringues. And not just any meringues, but colossal ones! Imagine meringues the size of a child’s head, proudly displayed in bakery windows. It truly made me wonder what delicious creations they conjure up with all the leftover egg yolks!
Beyond these giants, bakeries also offered smaller, equally charming versions. My sister indulged in a bag of assorted cookies, and a brownie that she swore was “to die for,” boasting intriguing flavors of orange and cranberry. That brownie sparked an idea, and I fully intend to experiment with similar flavor combinations in my own kitchen very soon!
Despite their imposing size, those Austrian meringues tasted remarkably similar to the ones we enjoy back home – light, sweet, and wonderfully crisp. This realization, coupled with the desire to share my travel experiences, was the genesis of these Chocolate Swirled Meringues.
The Inspiration Behind Our Chocolate Swirled Meringues
My inspiration for these particular meringues also came from an unexpected source. About a month prior to our trip, I Am Baker introduced me to Manuela of Passion for Baking on Instagram. Her stunning photography and exquisite treats are so captivating, they make you want to reach right through the screen and sample every single one.
It was her festive Christmas Chocolate Meringue Clouds that truly caught my eye and sparked an immediate epiphany. It was a genuine “light bulb moment,” a “why didn’t I think of that before?” kind of revelation.
Instead of wrestling with a pastry bag and tip, trying to meticulously pipe perfectly fancy meringues, a simpler, more charming method came to mind: use a cookie scoop! This brilliant trick ensures each cookie is a consistent size and effortlessly creates those adorable little peaks at various spots, giving every single meringue its own unique personality and rustic charm.
And, of course, there’s the irresistible chocolate swirl. Manuela’s original recipe involved cooking the egg whites with sugar first, which, while effective, felt like a bit too much work for my busy schedule. So, I opted for my reliable, go-to meringue recipe and simply swirled in the decadent chocolate. It’s a quick and easy method that yields equally beautiful and delicious results.
I must admit, I almost got a little carried away with the swirling – but when it comes to chocolate, is there really such a thing as “too much”? The resulting delicate streaks of chocolate throughout the crisp white meringue are simply divine.
Easy Chocolate Swirled Meringue Recipe
These meringues are surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and offering a high reward in terms of flavor and presentation. They’re perfect for a light dessert, a tea-time treat, or as a charming addition to any cookie platter. Follow our step-by-step instructions below to create these delightful, crispy cookies right in your own kitchen.
Connect with Chocolate Chocolate and More!
Facebook | Twitter | Google+Pinterest | Instagram
Chocolate Swirled Meringues
Ingredients
- 2 egg white (room temperature)
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ounce sweetened baking chocolate (I used semi-sweet chocolate)
Instructions
- Prepare Chocolate: Place chocolate in a microwave safe dish and melt on 50% power for 60 seconds. Continue to heat at 50% power in 15-second intervals until chocolate is about half melted. Remove from microwave and stir until smooth and completely melted. If needed, heat for additional time. Let chocolate cool completely before using.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a clean mixing bowl, with the whisk attachment of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), begin beating the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium to medium-high speed.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Once soft peaks begin to form (when you lift the whisk, the peaks gently fall over), slowly add in the sugar, a tablespoon at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, while continuing to beat.
- Achieve Stiff Peaks: Continue to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form (when you lift the whisk, the peaks hold their shape firmly). Ensure the mixture is smooth and not grainy when rubbed between your fingers.
- Fold in Chocolate: Drizzle about half of your cooled melted chocolate over the whipped egg whites. Gently fold it in just one time with a spatula. Drizzle the remaining chocolate over the egg whites and fold 2 more times. Be careful not to over-fold; the goal is to have beautiful chocolate streaks running through the white meringue, not a uniform brown color.
- Scoop Meringues: Using a medium or large cookie scoop, drop rounded portions of the meringue mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake Slowly: Place the baking sheet in a preheated 200°F (95°C) oven and bake for 90 minutes. Turn the tray once during baking to ensure even drying. After 90 minutes, turn the oven off and, without opening the oven door, let the cookies sit in the cooling oven for 6-8 hours or even overnight. This slow cooling process is crucial for achieving that perfectly crisp, dry texture.
- Store: Once completely cooled and dry, store the meringues in an airtight container at room temperature. They will retain their crispness for several days.
Did you make this recipe?
Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram
Exploring Salzburg’s Timeless Wonders
Returning to my travel reflections, the sheer variety of experiences in Salzburg was incredible. Next time I find myself with extra egg whites, I’m determined to bake one of those colossal meringues, just to say I did it! Though, technically, a giant meringue would probably be called a Pavlova, usually accompanied by fruit, which I could certainly embrace.
Fortress Hohensalzburg: A Glimpse into Medieval Romance
Our exploration began with the majestic Fortress Hohensalzburg (Hohensalzburg Castle). If you’ve ever delved into a romance novel set in medieval times, or even if you just pretend you have, this fortress embodies every sweeping scene. It’s truly a place that ignites the imagination.
Perched dramatically atop a hill, the fortress offers unparalleled panoramic views, stretching down over the entire charming city of Salzburg, with the snow-capped mountains creating a breathtaking backdrop in the distance.
As one of the largest medieval castles in Europe, Hohensalzburg Fortress is not just a landmark but a living testament to centuries of history, offering fascinating insights into the region’s past. Walking through its ancient halls truly transports you back in time.
Salzburg’s Magnificent Churches: Artistic and Spiritual Havens
The churches in Salzburg, much like those found across Europe, are ancient masterpieces, each one a treasure trove of history, devotion, and stunning artistry. Adorned with intricate mosaics, golden sculptures, and breathtaking frescoes, they have stood the test of time, silently narrating stories of faith and human ingenuity.
The ceiling in the dome of the Salzburg Cathedral, for instance, is so utterly captivating that I wished I could have simply laid on the floor and gazed upwards for hours, absorbing every intricate detail. It’s an overwhelming display of Baroque splendor.
Beyond the vibrant mosaics, the detailed statuary and ubiquitous embellishments within these ancient churches have remarkably withstood the centuries, preserving their original grandeur and spiritual significance.
The Kollegienkirche Church (Collegiate Church) in Salzburg, known as the “all-white church,” presents a stark contrast with its minimalist yet profoundly elegant design. Its pure white interior, punctuated by only a few delicate gold embellishments, evokes an immediate sense of purity and tranquility upon entering.
Angels, beautifully sculpted, adorn every corner, from the ceiling decor to the majestic columns of the altar, reinforcing the ethereal and sacred atmosphere that permeates this unique architectural gem.
You might recognize the historic St. Peter’s Abbey and Catacombs from one of my all-time favorite movies, The Sound of Music. This was the dramatic location where the Von Trapp family famously sought refuge from the Nazis before their courageous escape over the mountains. (Though, a fun fact: the actual filming of that iconic scene took place on a Hollywood set, the real catacombs are just as atmospheric and moving).
Even draped in a pristine blanket of snow, the inherent beauty of the abbey grounds and catacombs radiated, offering a serene and poignant experience.
Plan Your Own Salzburg Adventure & Bake These Meringues!
My journey through Salzburg, a perfect blend of culinary delights and cultural immersion, left an indelible mark. I eagerly anticipate a return visit, perhaps in the vibrant spring or warm summer, to explore all the iconic film locations of The Sound of Music and to venture into the breathtaking Ice Caves.
Until then, these Chocolate Swirled Meringues serve as a delicious reminder of European enchantment. Whether you’re planning your own Austrian adventure or simply dreaming of one, whip up a batch of these crispy, airy cookies. They’re a simple yet elegant treat that brings a little taste of Salzburg right into your home. Enjoy the process, savor the flavor, and let them transport you!