Name: Delightful Peppermint Meringues: Light & Festive Treats
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 230 min
Ingredients: 4 whites Egg Whites (Ensure they are at room temperature for the best structure and puffiness.); 1 cup Granulated Sugar (Use superfine sugar for quicker dissolution and a smoother texture.); 1 teaspoon Cream of Tartar (This stabilizer helps achieve the stiff peaks needed for perfect meringues.); 1 pinch Salt (Just a pinch enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the sweetness.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Opt for pure extract to add depth to the flavor profile.); 1 teaspoon Peppermint Extract (Infuses your meringues with their signature holiday taste.); 1/2 cup Crushed Peppermint Candies (Adds a festive touch; coarsely crush for the best presentation.)

I caught a whiff of something unmistakably festive in the air—a wave of peppermint that instantly transported me back to holiday gatherings filled with laughter and delight. Enter my Peppermint Meringues, a magical dessert that captures that very essence! These airy treats are not just visually stunning but incredibly easy to whip up, making them the perfect addition to your holiday spread. With their light texture and refreshing peppermint flavor, they are sure to charm your guests or provide a sweet moment of indulgence when you’re snuggled up on the couch. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or seeking a simple yet elegant way to satisfy your sweet tooth, these meringues are a delightful choice. Are you ready to sprinkle some festive cheer in your kitchen?

Why Are Peppermint Meringues So Special?

Light and Airy: These meringues have a texture that’s nothing short of cloud-like, creating a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can impress your friends and family without the stress of complicated baking techniques.

Festive Flavor: The refreshing peppermint essence adds a holiday twist that pairs perfectly with warm beverages like hot cocoa or coffee.

Versatile Treat: Not only are they stunning on a dessert table, but you can also experiment with flavors and colors to match any occasion!

Make Ahead: Perfect for busy holiday schedules, these meringues can be made days in advance and stored easily in an airtight container.

Once you’ve tried these Peppermint Meringues, you’ll understand why they’re a festive favorite! They embody the spirit of celebrations and are bound to leave a lasting impression.

Peppermint Meringues Ingredients

• A delightful blend perfect for festive treats!

For the Meringue

Egg Whites – Ensure they are at room temperature for the best structure and puffiness.
Granulated Sugar – Use superfine sugar for quicker dissolution and a smoother texture.
Cream of Tartar – This stabilizer helps achieve the stiff peaks needed for perfect meringues.
Salt – Just a pinch enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the sweetness.
Vanilla Extract – Opt for pure extract to add depth to the flavor profile.
Peppermint Extract – Infuses your meringues with their signature holiday taste; can be substituted with almond extract for a different twist.

For the Topping

Crushed Peppermint Candies – Adds a festive touch; coarsely crush for the best presentation on top of your meringues.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peppermint Meringues

Step 1: Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 200°F (93°C) while you prepare your baking sheet. Line the sheet with parchment paper to prevent the meringues from sticking. This low temperature is key for ensuring that the Peppermint Meringues bake slowly, allowing them to dry and achieve that delightful crispiness without browning.

Step 2: Beat Egg Whites
In a clean, dry mixing bowl, add room temperature egg whites. Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites on medium speed until they become foamy, about 2-3 minutes. This initial stage is crucial for incorporating air, which creates the fluffy texture of your Peppermint Meringues, so keep a close watch as the foam forms.

Step 3: Add Stabilizers
Once the egg whites are foamy, add the cream of tartar and a pinch of salt. Continue beating the mixture until it reaches soft peaks, which should take another 2-3 minutes. Soft peaks will gently fold back when the beaters are lifted. This step is pivotal for stability, ensuring your meringues hold their shape during baking.

Step 4: Add Sugar
Gradually incorporate the superfine sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while increasing the mixer speed to high. Beat this mixture until stiff, glossy peaks form, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. The sugar should completely dissolve into the egg whites, resulting in a smooth and shiny meringue. This stage is what gives your Peppermint Meringues their signature structure.

Step 5: Flavoring
With the meringue reaches stiff peaks, gently fold in the vanilla and peppermint extracts using a spatula. Take care to fold without deflating the mixture, as you want to retain the airy lightness of the Peppermint Meringues. The extracts will infuse the meringue with that festive peppermint flavor!

Step 6: Pipe Meringues
Transfer the fluffy meringue mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe your meringues onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1-inch space between each swirl. Aim for even, dollop-like shapes to ensure consistent baking and presentation. This is where you can get creative with sizes and designs!

Step 7: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the piped meringues for 90 minutes. After this time, turn off the oven, allowing the meringues to cool inside for an additional 1-2 hours. This gentle cooling process helps them dry out further, creating that light, airy texture that defines Peppermint Meringues.

Step 8: Finish
Once cooled completely, remove the meringues from the oven and sprinkle them with crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch. These crushed candies not only add a holiday flair but also enhance the peppermint flavor. Now, your Peppermint Meringues are ready to charm your guests at any festive gathering!

Expert Tips for Peppermint Meringues

Clean Equipment: Ensure all utensils are completely clean and dry; any residue can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly, resulting in flat meringues.
Stable Egg Whites: Always use room-temperature egg whites for better volume and stability when whipping up your peppermint meringues.
Gradual Sugar Addition: Add sugar gradually and keep beating until stiff peaks form to ensure a glossy, stable meringue—this step is essential for perfect texture.
Avoid Overmixing: Be gentle when folding in flavorings to maintain the lightness; overmixing can deflate your meringue, affecting its airy quality.
Decorative Touch: After piping, try adding festive food coloring to the meringue before baking for a colorful holiday twist and an eye-catching presentation.
Serving Suggestions: Pair your Peppermint Meringues with hot cocoa or coffee for a delightful serving option that enhances their festive charm.

Peppermint Meringues Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with these Peppermint Meringues to make them your own for the holidays!

Almond-Infused: Substitute peppermint extract with almond extract for a delightful twist that offers a warm, nutty flavor.
Colorful Treats: Add a few drops of food coloring to the meringue before piping to create vibrant holiday-themed meringues. Your dessert table will pop with colors!
Chocolate Drizzle: After baking, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled meringues for a luxurious touch that perfectly complements the peppermint.
Spicy Kick: For a bolder flavor, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the meringue for a surprising and delightful kick at the end.
Coconut Bliss: Fold in unsweetened shredded coconut for a chewy texture that adds an extra dimension and depth to these light treats.
Matcha Magic: Introduce a unique flavor profile by folding in matcha powder before piping. This will provide a subtle green tea taste and a stunning color contrast.
Mini Meringue Bites: Pipe smaller, bite-sized meringues to create adorable treats that are perfect for sharing at parties or as holiday gifts. They’ll be devoured in seconds!
Serve with Elegance: Pair these delightful meringues with a side of homemade hot chocolate or your favorite coffee blend for a delightful holiday experience.

Let the holiday spirit guide your creativity and enjoy the endless possibilities with these Peppermint Meringues!

What to Serve with Festive Peppermint Meringues

Pairing delicious flavors and textures will elevate your holiday celebration.

Hot Cocoa: The rich, velvety chocolate of hot cocoa beautifully contrasts with the light, airy meringues while enhancing their peppermint flavor.
Coffee: A cozy cup of coffee offers a warm, robust backdrop that pairs perfectly with the sweet, minty taste of the meringues, making each bite even more delightful.
Chocolate Fondue: Dip your meringues into luscious chocolate for a treat that balances sweetness with decadence, providing a fun, interactive dessert experience.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy softness of vanilla ice cream adds a wonderful contrasting texture to the crispness of the meringues, creating a satisfying mix of temperatures and flavors.
Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad with seasonal berries and citrus brings a vibrant color and brightness that complements the minty treats, lightening up your dessert table.
Cheesecake: A slice of rich, tangy cheesecake pairs gracefully with the sweetness of peppermint meringues, making for a delightful blend of flavors on your plate.
Mulled Wine: The warm spices of mulled wine provide a comforting, aromatic pairing that enhances the festive mood and complements your dessert perfectly.

How to Store and Freeze Peppermint Meringues

Room Temperature: Store your Peppermint Meringues in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them crisp. Avoid direct sunlight.

Fridge: While not recommended for long-term storage, you can refrigerate meringues for short periods. Ensure they are in an airtight container to prevent moisture, but they may lose their crispness.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze your meringues in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Seal them well to avoid freezer burn.

Reheating: If desired, allow frozen meringues to thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving, maintaining their delightful texture and peppermint flavor.

Make Ahead Options

These Peppermint Meringues are perfect for busy holiday schedules, allowing you to prepare a delightful treat in advance! You can whip up the meringue mixture and pipe the shapes up to 24 hours ahead of time, storing them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispiness. If you’re feeling extra resourceful, you can even bake them up to 3 days in advance, ensuring they cool completely before storing. The crucial tip is to avoid humidity, which could compromise their light texture. When you’re ready to serve, simply sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies on top just before presentation, and you’ll have a charming, festive dessert ready to impress!

Peppermint Meringues Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select egg whites for Peppermint Meringues?
Absolutely! For the best results, use fresh egg whites that are at room temperature, as they whip up to a greater volume. Check for any dark spots or off odors, as these can indicate spoilage. If you’re separating the whites from the yolks, ensure no yolk enters the mixture, as this will prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.

How should I store my Peppermint Meringues?
To maintain their delightful crispiness, store your Peppermint Meringues in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Keep them away from direct sunlight or moisture, as either can cause them to lose their lovely texture. Alternatively, for longer storage, you can freeze them!

Can I freeze Peppermint Meringues, and if so, how?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Peppermint Meringues, first ensure they are completely cooled. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container, adding parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Seal tightly to avoid freezer burn, and they will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours.

What should I do if my meringues are sticky or not holding their shape?
If you encounter sticky meringues, it may be due to moisture either in the air or on your equipment. Make sure your mixing bowl and utensils are impeccably clean and dry. If your meringues aren’t holding their shape, ensure the egg whites were beaten to stiff peaks before folding in any extracts. Don’t rush the sugar addition; add it gradually for optimal stabilization.

Are Peppermint Meringues safe for individuals with egg allergies or pets?
Meringues are primarily made with egg whites, so they are not suitable for individuals with egg allergies. As for pets, particularly dogs and cats, it’s best to keep these sweets away from them since the ingredients aren’t designed for animals. The sugar content and any extracts could pose health risks. Always consult with a veterinarian regarding pet-safe treats!