Dreamy Peppermint Meringues Recipe: Fluffy Winter Magic

Sweet winter afternoons invite peppermint meringues that shimmer like delicate snowflakes dancing across holiday plates.

Crisp clouds of white promise a magical treat waiting to enchant your taste buds.

Delightful whispers of cool mint blend perfectly with light, airy textures that crunch softly between teeth.

Baking these elegant confections seems complex, but surprisingly simple techniques make magic happen in your kitchen.

Delicate egg whites transformed through careful whisking create a canvas for peppermint’s refreshing essence.

Elegant yet playful, these meringues bring joy to every festive gathering.

You can craft these stunning treats with just a few ingredients and a sprinkle of culinary confidence.

Savor each bite and let pure peppermint delight sweep you into winter’s sweetest moment.

Reasons Peppermint Meringues Feel Like Winter Magic

• Craft Effortless Treats: Perfect for novice bakers seeking a simple yet impressive dessert that requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills.
• Festive Holiday Delight: Capture the essence of winter celebrations with these peppermint-infused meringues that bring a touch of seasonal cheer to any gathering.
• Texture Magic: Enjoy a melt-in-your-mouth experience with incredibly light, crisp meringues that offer a delicate crunch and refreshing peppermint flavor.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare these delightful cookies in advance and store them easily, making them a stress-free option for busy hosts and sweet tooth enthusiasts.

Peppermint Meringues Ingredient Guide

• Egg Whites: Fresh and key to creating the meringue structure.
• Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the meringue texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps stabilize egg whites.
• Cream of Tartar: Helps create stable and smooth meringue peaks.

• Peppermint Candy: Adds festive crunch and cool mint flavor to the meringues.

• Foil: Prevents meringues from sticking to baking sheets.

Peppermint Meringue Baking Guide

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn the oven to 225°F. Cover baking sheets with aluminum foil to create a non-stick surface for your delicate treats.

Step 2: Whip Those Egg Whites

Grab a spotless mixing bowl and start beating egg whites until they become foamy. Sprinkle in salt and cream of tartar, continuing to beat until soft peaks form beautifully.

Step 3: Sugar Dance

Gradually shower in the sugar, one tablespoon at a time. Keep whisking with enthusiasm. Your goal is achieving stiff, glossy peaks that look like silky clouds. This magical transformation takes about 7-8 minutes of patient mixing.

Step 4: Shape Your Sweets

Use a teaspoon to drop adorable meringue dollops onto the prepared baking sheets. Playfully sprinkle each meringue with crushed peppermint candy for a festive touch.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the warm oven. Let the meringues bake for 90 minutes until they become crisp and dry, transforming into light-as-air delights.

Step 6: Cool Down Gently

Switch off the oven and crack the door open slightly. Allow the meringues to cool inside for a full hour. This slow cooling helps create their signature airy texture.

Step 7: Store with Care

Once completely cool, transfer your peppermint meringues to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks at room temperature.

Meringue Tips That Get Peppermint Just Right

• Prevent Weeping Whites: Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely grease-free to help egg whites whip up properly and maintain their structure.
• Master Soft Peak Technique: Beat egg whites until they form soft, billowy peaks that slightly curl when the beater is lifted, indicating the perfect whipping stage.
• Crush Candy Carefully: Gently crush peppermint candies between two sheets of parchment paper to create uniform, fine pieces that distribute evenly on meringues.
• Control Moisture Enemy: Keep meringues away from humidity by storing in an airtight container with a silica gel packet to maintain their crisp texture.
• Temperature Matters: Use room temperature egg whites for maximum volume and easier beating, allowing them to whip up more quickly and consistently.

Best Ways to Store and Refresh Peppermint Meringues

• Transfer meringues to an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep in refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining crispness and flavor.
• Place meringues in freezer-safe container with wax paper separating each layer. Freeze for 1-2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Store in sealed container away from humidity, keeping them crisp. Place in cool, dry spot for maximum 2 weeks. Avoid storing near heat sources or direct sunlight.
• Add silica gel packet inside storage container to absorb excess moisture and maintain meringue's delicate texture. Replace packet every week if storing long-term.

Sweets That Fit Peppermint Meringues

• Savor Creamy Hot Chocolate: Rich, velvety hot chocolate complements the light, crisp peppermint meringues, creating a luxurious holiday flavor combination that melts in your mouth.
• Pair with Peppermint Mocha: The coffee's bold intensity and minty undertones enhance the meringues' delicate sweetness, making this a perfect winter dessert pairing.
• Serve alongside Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Smooth, cold vanilla ice cream provides a delightful temperature and texture contrast to the airy, crunchy meringues.
• Match with Spiced Chai Latte: Warm, aromatic chai spices beautifully balance the cool peppermint, offering a sophisticated and comforting holiday treat experience.

Peppermint Meringue Styles

• Gluten-Free Candy Cane Clouds: Replace crushed peppermint with gluten-free candy canes for celiac or gluten-sensitive bakers, ensuring safe and delicious treats.
• Vegan Meringue Magic: Swap egg whites with aquafaba (chickpea liquid) and use organic sugar to create plant-based meringues that maintain the same crispy texture.
• Low-Sugar Minty Puffs: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce sugar content while preserving the classic meringue structure and peppermint flavor.
• Chocolate-Dipped Peppermint Dream: After cooling, partially dip meringues in dark chocolate and sprinkle with extra crushed peppermint for a decadent holiday variation.

FAQs

• What are egg whites and why are they important in this recipe?

Egg whites are the clear, liquid part of an egg that turns white and fluffy when beaten. They provide structure and volume to meringues, creating their signature light and airy texture.

• Why do I need salt and cream of tartar when beating egg whites?

Salt and cream of tartar help stabilize the egg whites, allowing them to form stronger and more consistent peaks. They prevent the egg whites from collapsing and create a smoother, more stable meringue.

• How can I tell if my egg whites are beaten correctly?

You’ll know your egg whites are properly beaten when they form stiff, glossy peaks that stand up straight when you lift the beater. This typically takes 7-8 minutes of continuous beating while gradually adding sugar.

• Can I make meringues without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can use a hand mixer or even whisk the egg whites manually, though it requires more arm strength and time. The key is to beat consistently and gradually add sugar to achieve the right texture.

Peppermint Meringues Recipe

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• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Crisp holiday Peppermint Meringues dance with festive cheer, offering delicate swirls of peppermint-kissed sweetness. Light, airy cookies melt gracefully on your palate, delivering pure winter magic in each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 large egg whites
• 1/2 cup sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 peppermint candy canes, crushed

Stabilizing Ingredients:

• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar

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Instructions

1. Meticulously sanitize a glass mixing bowl to ensure no residual grease interferes with egg white whipping, which can prevent proper meringue formation.
2. Crack egg whites into the cleaned bowl, allowing them to reach room temperature for optimal volume and stability.
3. Initiate whisking at medium speed, incorporating salt and cream of tartar to enhance protein structure and create a more stable foam.
4. Gradually elevate whisking speed, transforming the liquid whites into a soft, billowy texture with gentle peaks that slightly curl when the whisk is lifted.
5. Introduce granulated sugar incrementally, approximately one tablespoon every 30 seconds, maintaining constant whisking to develop a luxurious, glossy meringue with stiff, dramatic peaks.
6. Gently transfer the pristine white mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star tip, or use a spoon to create delicate, cloud-like mounds on parchment-lined baking sheets.
7. Delicately sprinkle crushed peppermint candies over each meringue, ensuring even distribution for a festive aesthetic and vibrant flavor profile.
8. Position the baking sheets in a low-temperature oven, allowing the meringues to slowly dehydrate and develop their signature crisp exterior and tender interior.
9. Once baking duration concludes, disable the oven and leave the door slightly ajar, permitting residual heat to gently complete the drying process.
10. After complete cooling, transfer the ethereal confections to an hermetic container, preserving their delicate crunch and preventing moisture absorption.

Notes

• Avoid humidity when making meringues, as moisture can cause them to become sticky and lose their signature crispness.
• Use room temperature egg whites for maximum volume and better peak formation during beating.
• Crush peppermint candies finely to ensure even distribution and a consistent minty flavor throughout each meringue.
• For a gluten-free and low-fat dessert option, these meringues are perfect for various dietary needs without compromising on taste.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 25
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg