Rich Matcha & Chocolate Forest Meringue Cookies
Bake Enchanting Matcha Chocolate Forest Meringue Cookies at Home
For all the matcha lovers out there, this recipe is for you! I adore the earthy, slightly bitter notes of matcha and use it in many of my bakes. My younger sister recently craved meringue cookies, so I decided to create these delightful ‘Chocolate Forest’ matcha meringue cookies for her. The intense matcha flavor is absolutely wonderful! These cookies are perfect for a special treat or a delightful afternoon snack.
Meringue Cookie Ingredients- 67g egg whites (from about 2 large eggs, ensure no yolk contamination)
- 67g granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons matcha powder (high quality)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, carefully separate the egg whites from the yolks. It’s crucial that absolutely no yolk gets into the egg whites, as this will prevent them from whipping properly.
Step 2
Cleanliness is key for perfect meringues! Ensure your bowl and whisk are completely free of any grease or fat. Even a tiny bit of yolk can ruin the meringue, so be extra meticulous.
Step 3
In a clean, dry bowl, start whisking the egg whites. Begin on a low speed and gradually increase as foam starts to form, until the egg whites become frothy and bubbly all over.
Step 4
Once you have a frothy mixture, add the tablespoon of lemon juice. Lemon juice helps to stabilize the egg whites, making them more resilient as you add sugar.
Step 5
Add one-third of the total sugar (about 22g) to the egg whites. Continue whisking. Adding sugar gradually is essential for creating a stable and glossy meringue.
Step 6
Keep whisking until the mixture resembles foamy beer – thick, smooth, and with fine bubbles. Avoid large, airy bubbles at this stage.
Step 7
Now, add the second portion of sugar, which is half of the remaining sugar (about 22g). Continue to whisk vigorously.
Step 8
After adding the second dose of sugar, the meringue should start to look glossy, and you’ll see distinct ribbon-like trails forming as you whisk. Whisk until it reaches a medium peak stage, where the meringue holds its shape but the tip slightly curls over. It should have a subtle sheen.
Step 9
Finally, add the last third of the sugar (about 22g).
Step 10
Continue whisking until stiff, firm peaks form. When you lift the whisk, the meringue should stand straight up without drooping (this is called a ‘hard peak’). Be careful not to over-whisk, as this can cause the meringue to break down.
Step 11
Sift the matcha powder directly over the stiff meringue. Sifting helps to prevent lumps and ensures even distribution of the matcha flavor and color.
Step 12
Using the lowest speed setting on your mixer, gently whisk for about 1 minute, just until the matcha powder is incorporated. Over-mixing at this stage can deflate the meringue, so be brief and gentle. The goal is a uniform green color without streaks.
Step 13
Transfer the matcha meringue mixture into a piping bag fitted with your desired tip.
Step 14
Pipe mounds of meringue onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can pipe them in swirls, dollops, or any shape you like! Leave a little space between each cookie as they bake.
Step 15
Bake in a preheated oven at 90-100°C (194-212°F) for 120 minutes (2 hours). Meringue cookies are best baked slowly at a low temperature to ensure they become crisp all the way through. Try not to open the oven door frequently during baking.
Step 16
Once baked, the meringues should be firm and lift easily off the parchment paper. They will feel light and might ‘pop’ off the paper if perfectly baked. If they still feel soft or underbaked, return them to the oven for an additional 10-20 minutes at a slightly lower temperature.
Step 17
After the matcha meringues have cooled, lightly dust them with cocoa powder using a fine-mesh sieve. This adds a touch of chocolate flavor and creates a beautiful ‘chocolate forest’ appearance.
Step 18
Voila! Your delicious Matcha Chocolate Forest Meringue Cookies are ready. Enjoy their crisp texture and delightful matcha-cocoa flavor!
