Chocolate Strawberry Meringue Kisses

Name: Chocolate Strawberry Meringue Kisses
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 24 meringue kisses
Ingredients: 4 large egg whites; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar; 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

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I absolutely love making Chocolate Strawberry Meringue Kisses when I want a sweet treat that's both elegant and delicious. The combination of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries is irresistible. Each meringue is light and crispy, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that beautifully contrasts the juicy burst of strawberries. They also make a lovely presentation for parties or special occasions. Trust me, once you try these delightful morsels, you'll want to make them again and again!

Created by

Noah

Last updated on 2026-01-08T11:02:41.751Z

When I first tried to make meringues, I was quite intimidated, but the process turned out to be wonderfully rewarding. By whipping the egg whites to the right consistency and gradually adding sugar, I discovered the secret to achieving that perfect glossy finish. Incorporating cocoa powder not only adds flavor but gives the meringues a beautiful chocolate hue that pairs so well with the strawberries.

For this recipe, I recommend using fresh strawberries as they add a juicy and vibrant touch to each kiss. After piping the meringues, I let them dry in the oven for a longer duration at a gentle temperature, ensuring they turn out crispy on the outside yet chewy inside. This technique really elevates them!

        Why You'll Love These Kisses
        Delicate meringue texture that melts in your mouth
A delightful combination of chocolate and fresh strawberries
Perfect for special occasions or a sweet indulgence

      

Mastering Meringue Texture

Achieving the perfect meringue texture is essential for Chocolate Strawberry Meringue Kisses. Start with completely clean and dry mixing bowls and beaters to ensure no grease interferes with the egg whites. When whipping the egg whites, aim for soft peaks initially. This means when you lift the beaters, the peaks should curl over slightly. Once soft peaks form, gradually add the sugar, which helps stabilize the meringue and contributes to its glossy finish.

During the whipping process, it's crucial to beat the egg whites until they reach stiff peaks. This is where the meringue holds its shape and stands up tall without collapsing. The mixture should look shiny and be able to hold its structure well, which typically takes about 5-8 minutes of mixing on medium-high speed. If the peaks start slumping, continue whisking for a little longer until they look firm and glossy.

Filling and Serving Ideas

Once you've baked and cooled the meringues, filling them with fresh strawberries adds not just flavor but also a vibrant pop of color. For an added dimension, consider drizzling some melted chocolate over the strawberries before placing them in the meringues. This creates a beautiful presentation and enhances the chocolate flavor of the meringues. You can also experiment with different berries to add a mix of flavors and textures, like raspberries or blueberries.

These meringue kisses can also be served alongside whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. If you want to add a touch of sophistication, a sprinkle of finely grated dark chocolate on top or a dusting of powdered sugar can elevate the look and taste of your dish. The contrasting textures of the crispy meringue, juicy strawberries, and creamy accompaniments will surely impress your guests.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your Chocolate Strawberry Meringue Kisses.

Meringue Kisses

4 large egg whites
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

Make sure to handle the strawberries gently to preserve their shape and sweetness.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your beautiful meringue kisses!

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 200°F (90°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Whip Egg Whites

In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.

Add Sugar

Gradually add the sugar while continuing to whip until the mixture is glossy and stiff peaks form.

Incorporate Cocoa Powder

Gently fold in the cocoa powder and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Pipe the Meringues

Using a piping bag, pipe small dollops onto the prepared baking sheet. Create a small indentation in the center of each for the strawberries.

Bake

Bake the meringues for about 60 minutes or until they are crisp to the touch. Turn off the oven and let the meringues cool completely inside.

Fill with Strawberries

Once cooled, place the chopped strawberries into the indents and serve your meringue kisses!

Enjoy your deliciously sweet Chocolate Strawberry Meringue Kisses!

Pro Tips

For the best texture, make sure your bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry before whipping the egg whites. Humidity can affect the meringue, so try to pick a dry day for making these treats.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a way to make this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free, there are plenty of options available. For the cocoa powder, you can use a gluten-free cocoa blend, ensuring that all your ingredients are certified gluten-free. Additionally, if you're allergic to strawberries or prefer a different fruit, you can substitute with raspberries or diced kiwi, which both pair perfectly with chocolate.

In case you're short on time, you can use store-bought chocolate ganache as a filling instead of fresh strawberries. This will give a rich chocolate flavor but skip the fresh fruit's texture. For a different flavor profile, try adding almond or peppermint extract in place of vanilla, adjusting to your taste preference.

Storing and Make-Ahead Tips

Meringue kisses can be made ahead of time, making them an excellent choice for gatherings. To store them, let the meringues cool completely after baking, then place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should remain crisp for up to a week. Avoid refrigeration as it can introduce moisture, making the meringues become chewy rather than crisp.

If you plan to use the meringue kisses in a dessert that requires filling, do that just before serving to maintain their delicate crisp texture. If you have any leftover filled meringues, keep them in the fridge for a day but consume promptly as the moisture from the berries will start to compromise the meringue's texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use egg whites from a carton?

Yes, but ensure they are fresh and have no additives for best results.

→ How do I store leftover meringue kisses?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I replace strawberries with other fruits?

Absolutely! Other fruits like raspberries or blueberries work great too.

→ Why did my meringues crack?

Cracking can occur due to too much humidity or baking at a temperature that's too high. Keep the oven low and dry.