Icelandic Meringue Cornflake Christmas Cookies

Icelandic Meringue Cornflake Christmas Cookies are wonderfully chewy inside, crispy outside and full of dark chocolate and cornflakes. You only need 5 ingredients and 20 minutes for Marens-Kornflexkökur, a holiday treat popular in Iceland at Christmastime.

Craving a taste of Christmas with a twist? Look no further than these Icelandic Christmas Cornflake Meringues, locally known as Marens-Kornflexkökur!

This delightful treat strikes the perfect balance between the airy lightness of meringues and the satisfying crunch of cornflakes. It's a symphony of textures, with gooey pockets of dark chocolate and a finishing touch of sea salt that'll make your taste buds dance.

The outside is dry and delicate, while the inside of the meringue turns marshmallowy and gooey. Absolute bliss!

If you're ready to elevate your holiday dessert game, then whip up a batch for a journey into the heart of Icelandic festive indulgence.

They're like little mountains of festive deliciousness. But one of the best things, besides the incredible taste, is how EASY they are!

Just whip eggs whites and sugar into meringue, fold in cornflakes and chopped chocolate, spoon onto a cookie sheet and bake. Serve drizzled with a little melted chocolate and optionally a little sea salt.

You only need 5 ingredients and 20 minutes for this fun festive treat from Iceland.

If you're looking for more global Christmas treats, be sure to try Piparkokur (Icelandic Pepper Cookies), Romkugler (Danish Rum Balls), Bethmännchen (German Marzipan Cookies), and Rumkugeln (German Rum Balls).

This recipe was originally posted on December 11, 2017, and republished on December 13, 2023 with new images and text and doubled recipe.

Jump to:

• What Are Icelandic Marens-Kornflexkökur
• Why You Should Make This Recipe
• Ingredients for Marens Kornflexkökur
• How to Make Meringue Cornflakes
• Variations
• Storage
• Recipe Tips
• Icelandic Christmas Traditions
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

What Are Icelandic Marens-Kornflexkökur

Marens Kornflexkökur are a relatively new Icelandic Christmas treat, originating from the early 1900s.

They are a simple yet delicious cookie that has quickly become a popular staple in Iceland's Christmas baking traditions. The cookies are made with just 5 ingredients: egg whites, sugar, chocolate, cornflakes, and vanilla extract. The simplicity of the recipe is part of what makes them so popular, as they are easy to make and perfect for beginners.

The popularity of Icelandic Marens Kornflexkökur has steadily grown over the years, and they are now a beloved tradition in many Icelandic homes. The cookies are often served at Christmas parties and potlucks, and they are also a popular gift item.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

1. Textural Triumph: These meringues offer a delightful contrast of textures, from the crispy exterior to the marshmallowy centre with gooey chocolate pockets within, plus the satisfying crunch of cornflakes.
2. Global Tastes: We love trying traditional recipes from around the world, and this is a taste of Iceland. Marens Kornflexkökur are a popular Icelandic Christmas treat.
3. Flavor Fusion: The combination of sweet meringue, rich dark chocolate, and the subtle nuttiness of cornflakes creates a flavor profile that's both familiar and pleasantly surprising.
4. Festive Elegance: Elevate your holiday dessert spread with these visually appealing cookies. The drizzled dark chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt add a touch of elegance that's perfect for festive occasions.
5. Easy and Impressive: Impress your guests without breaking a sweat. These meringues might look intricate, but the straightforward recipe ensures that even beginners can achieve stunning results.

Ingredients for Marens Kornflexkökur

• Egg Whites: The backbone of meringues, egg whites provide the airy structure. Ensure they're at room temperature for optimal volume. Try using your leftover yolks in one of these Egg Yolk Recipes.
• Superfine (caster) Sugar: The secret to smooth meringues lies in superfine (caster) sugar, which dissolves easily for a silky texture.
• Cornflakes: Adding a rustic crunch, cornflakes bring a unique element to these cookies.
• Dark Chocolate: Choose high-quality dark chocolate for rich, indulgent pockets within the meringues.
• Vanilla: A dash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, adding warmth to the sweet and crunchy symphony. Try swapping it for almond extract for a different flavor.

How to Make Meringue Cornflakes

Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.

Preheat the oven to 300°F/150°C. Line a cookie sheet with baking paper.

Beat the egg whites with an electric mixer or stand mixer, slowly adding the sugar, until stiff peaks form.

Gently fold in the chocolate chunks, cornflakes and vanilla.

Drop tablespoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced 1” apart.

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the outside is crispy.

Melt the remaining dark chocolates and drizzle or splatter over the cooled cornflake meringues, then (optionally) sprinkle each one with a few flakes of sea salt.

Variations

• Nutty Twist: Fold in chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
• Liquorice: Make them more similar to Lakkrís Toppar with chocolate covered liquorice (Lakkrís Kurl).
• Fruity Burst: Introduce dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a sweet and tart contrast.
• Peppermint Pleasure: For a festive touch, add a hint of peppermint extract to the meringue mixture.
• White Chocolate Drizzle: Switch things up by drizzling white chocolate over the meringues for a visually stunning effect.

Storage

To keep these Icelandic Christmas Cornflake Meringues at their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Recipe Tips

1. Room Temperature Magic: Let your egg whites come to room temperature before whipping. Warmer whites whip up better, creating a fluffier meringue.
2. Gentle Folding: When incorporating the cornflakes, chocolate, and vanilla, use a gentle folding motion to preserve the airiness of the meringue.
3. Precise Placement: Spoon the mixture onto the baking sheet with precision, leaving enough space between each meringue to allow for very slight expansion during baking.
4. Patience Pays Off: The key to achieving that perfect crisp exterior is patience. Allow the meringues to cool completely before drizzling with chocolate and sprinkling sea salt.

Icelandic Christmas Traditions

1. Jólabókaflóð: This translates to "Yule Book Flood," where Icelanders exchange books on Christmas Eve and spend the night reading. It's a literary tradition that adds a cozy touch to the holiday season.
2. Laufabrauð: A unique Christmas delicacy, Laufabrauð, or "leaf bread," is thin, crispy bread decorated with intricate patterns. Families gather to create these edible works of art, showcasing their creativity and festive spirit.
3. Yule Lads: Forget about one Santa Claus; Iceland has thirteen Yule Lads, mischievous characters who visit children in the thirteen nights leading up to Christmas. Each has a distinct personality and brings either gifts or pranks.
4. Réttir: In the days leading up to Christmas, Icelandic farmers participate in Réttir, a tradition where they round up their sheep from the mountains. It's a communal event that combines work with celebration.
5. Christmas Cat: According to Icelandic folklore, a monstrous Christmas Cat roams the countryside, ready to devour those who haven't received new clothes before Christmas Eve. It's a quirky tradition that encourages gift-giving and warmth during the winter months.

If you make this chocolate cornflake meringues recipe, please tag it with #veggiedesserts on Instagram or other social media. I LOVE seeing your recreations of my recipes.

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