Goonie Birds
Light, crisp meringue cookies infused with peppermint and chocolate chips, perfect for festive occasions or satisfying a sweet craving with a minty, chocolaty crunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Beat egg whites until fluffy.
- Gradually add sugar and continue beating.
- Add salt, 2 or 3 drops of food coloring, and peppermint extract.
- Beat until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Cover a cookie sheet with tinfoil; do not grease.
- Drop teaspoonfuls of batter onto the prepared cookie sheet.
- Bake in the oven for about 5 minutes.
- Turn off the oven and let the cookies stand in the closed oven for several hours or overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry to achieve fluffy egg whites. If you want to experiment, you can substitute almond extract for peppermint, or use different food coloring for a festive twist. Be careful not to overbeat the egg whites; stop once stiff peaks form. These cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday spread, alongside favorites like Frosted Carrot Cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Goonie Birds as a whimsical dessert at gatherings or alongside coffee during a cozy afternoon. They pair wonderfully with hot cocoa or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, garnish with crushed peppermint candies or serve with a side of Coco'S Cake(Pancakes) for a delightful treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Goonie Birds in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider refrigerating them. Reheat gently in a low oven, but they are best enjoyed at room temperature for optimal texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Goonie Birds contains roughly 113 calories, with 15g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 680mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use liquid egg whites instead of fresh eggs?
Yes, you can use liquid egg whites as a substitute. One egg white is approximately 2 tablespoons of liquid egg whites. Just make sure to follow the same whipping instructions, as the volume may vary slightly.
What can I substitute for chocolate chips?
If you want to change up the flavor, try using white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips instead. For a healthier option, you can also add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the mixture for added texture and flavor.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The Goonie Birds should be slightly puffed and set around the edges but still soft in the center. Since they bake quickly, keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking, as they will harden as they cool.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).