Chocolate Chip Cloud Cookies
We’ve got a way to capture a little piece of heaven and bring it down to earth (and into our ovens). Puffy, almost meringue-like cookies that are light and airy, and don’t let their dark color make you feel stormy – these fluffy puffs are filled with sweet chocolate drops (in the form of chocolate chips) and cocoa powder, ingredients that are guaranteed to chase the metaphorical clouds away. If you’ve not had these before, then you’re in for a real treat!
We fell upon this recipe recently after our foray into cloud bread, and felt inspired to do a little more experimentation. What better way to shake up a recipe than with chocolate! We took our cloud bread formula and made some changes, adding sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and of course mini chocolate chips. These puff up in the oven into light and fluffy clouds of chocolate goodness. And here’s a little surprise benefit: these cookies are gluten free, and we were able to use the same chocolate chips that we do in our usual chocolate chip cookie batter. We love this cookie because it just tastes good, and we also love knowing that it can be shared with family and friends who need some gluten free options.
Making good food that is gluten free doesn’t mean you have to compromise on taste or enjoyment. These cookies prove that eating well doesn’t mean we’re chomping on cardboard or missing out on flavor. Chocolate clouds store well in an airtight container at room temperature, but they’re also pretty irresistible, so don’t expect them to last very long. A gust of wind (and by that we mean the rush of wind as our family races into the kitchen to grab a cookie) will quickly blow these clouds away!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe brings together the delightful combination of light, airy textures with rich chocolate flavor. The cookies are not only delicious but also gluten-free, making them accessible to more people. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for any chocolate lover.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Sifter
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Wire rack
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs, separated to whites
- ⅛ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F. Prepare your baking sheet by covering it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add in the sugar while continuing to beat, followed by the vanilla extract. Beat until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy.
- Sift the cocoa powder into the egg whites and gently fold until well combined.
- Carefully fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Drop even-sized heaping scoops of the mixture onto the prepared cookie sheet.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cookies are just dry. Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
Tips for Success
Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry before starting. Any oil or moisture can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly. Be gentle when folding the cocoa powder and chocolate chips into the egg whites to maintain the airy texture.
Additional Tips or Variations
Try adding a pinch of cinnamon for a warm flavor twist, or swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate chips to create a different flavor profile. For extra crunch, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Chip Cloud Cookies is low in calories and contains no gluten, making it a lighter treat compared to traditional cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini ones? Yes, but mini chocolate chips distribute more evenly throughout the cookies.
How should I store these cookies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for best results.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Absolutely! They stay fresh for several days when stored properly.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Chip Cloud Cookies are a delightful way to enjoy a sweet treat without feeling weighed down. Their light, airy texture combined with rich chocolate flavor makes them irresistible. Give this recipe a try and see for yourself! We’d love to hear about your baking experience, so feel free to share your thoughts and any variations you tried.
