Easy Peppermint Meringues Recipe – Perfect Holiday Treats

How to Make Perfect Peppermint Meringues – Festive, Easy, and Delicious!

These Peppermint Meringues are the perfect holiday treat! Light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth, each bite delivers a refreshing pop of peppermint flavor. Plus, they’re as pretty as they are delicious, with delicate swirls and a festive look that brightens any dessert table. Whether you’re baking for family, a holiday gathering, or simply craving something sweet, these meringues fit the bill. With just a handful of ingredients, they’re surprisingly easy to make. So, get ready to impress your guests with these delightful peppermint meringues—they’re the perfect little bite of holiday cheer!

What Makes This Recipe So Good?

  • Light and Airy Texture – These meringues practically melt in your mouth.
  • Festive Peppermint Flavor – Adds a refreshing and classic holiday taste.
  • Beautiful Presentation – Delicate swirls make them eye-catching on any dessert table.
  • Easy to Make – With just a few ingredients, you can whip these up without fuss.
  • Perfect for Gifting – Packaged in a cute tin or bag, they make thoughtful, homemade gifts.
  • Low in Calories – A light treat that satisfies sweet cravings without the guilt.
  • Naturally Gluten-Free – Suitable for guests with gluten sensitivities.

Key Ingredients

  • Egg Whites – The base that creates the fluffy, airy texture.
  • Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the meringue.
  • Peppermint Extract – Gives that refreshing, classic minty flavor.
  • Cream of Tartar – Helps to stabilize the egg whites and create a firm structure.
  • Red Gel Food Coloring – Optional, but adds festive red swirls or stripes.

Chefs Helpful Tips

  • Use Room Temperature Egg Whites – They whip up to a higher volume, giving you fluffier meringues.
  • Add Sugar Gradually – Slowly adding sugar helps dissolve it and creates a smooth, glossy texture.
  • Avoid Any Yolk in the Whites – Even a little yolk can prevent the meringue from whipping up properly.
  • Use Gel Food Coloring – Liquid coloring can affect the texture, so gel is best for vibrant swirls.
  • Line Baking Sheets with Parchment – Prevents sticking and makes it easy to lift off the meringues.
  • Bake Low and Slow – A low oven temperature helps dry out the meringues without browning them.
  • Let Cool in the Oven – After baking, turn off the oven and let the meringues cool inside for the best texture.

Recipes To Try…

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 1 hr Rest Time 1 hr Total Time 2 hrs 15 mins
Cooking Temp: 200  °F Servings: 30 Calories: 20

Description

These Peppermint Meringues are the perfect holiday treat! Light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth, each bite delivers a refreshing pop of peppermint flavor. Plus, they’re as pretty as they are delicious, with delicate swirls and a festive look that brightens any dessert table. Whether you’re baking for family, a holiday gathering, or simply craving something sweet, these meringues fit the bill. With just a handful of ingredients, they’re surprisingly easy to make. So, get ready to impress your guests with these delightful peppermint meringues—they’re the perfect little bite of holiday cheer!

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  1. Prepare the Egg Whites

    In a large mixing bowl, add the egg whites and cream of tartar. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until soft peaks form.

  1. Add Sugar Gradually

    Increase the speed to high and add the sugar one tablespoon at a time. Continue beating until the mixture is thick, glossy, and forms stiff peaks. This may take 5-7 minutes.

  1. Add Peppermint Extract

    Gently fold in the peppermint extract until well incorporated.

  1. Create Swirls (optional)

    For festive swirls, lightly dip a toothpick into the red gel food coloring and streak it inside a piping bag fitted with a star or round tip.

  1. Pipe the Meringues

    Carefully spoon the meringue mixture into the prepared piping bag. Pipe small, 1-inch rounds or swirls onto the lined baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.

  1. Bake

    Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. Avoid opening the oven door during baking, as meringues are sensitive to temperature changes.

  1. Cool in the Oven

    After baking, turn off the oven but leave the meringues inside to cool for about 1 hour. This helps them dry out completely.

  1. Serve and Enjoy

    Once cooled, gently remove meringues from the parchment paper. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 30


Amount Per Serving
Calories 20kcal
% Daily Value *
Sodium 5mg1%
Potassium 5mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 4g2%
Sugars 4g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

Gel food coloring is recommended because it won’t affect the texture of the meringue. Liquid food coloring can add too much moisture and make the meringues less stable.

How do I know when my meringue has reached stiff peaks?

Stiff peaks form when the meringue stands upright on the whisk or beaters without drooping. The mixture should be glossy and firm.

Why did my meringues turn out chewy instead of crisp?

Chewy meringues can result from humidity or under-baking. Make sure to bake at a low temperature and let them cool in the oven to dry out completely.

How should I store peppermint meringues?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and crisp for up to two weeks.

Can I make these meringues without cream of tartar?

Yes, but cream of tartar helps stabilize the egg whites and gives the meringues a firmer texture. If you don’t have any, a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar can act as a substitute.

Can I freeze peppermint meringues?

Freezing isn’t recommended as meringues can become sticky when thawed. It’s best to make them fresh and store at room temperature.

Are these meringues gluten-free?

Yes, these meringues are naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

How many meringues does this recipe make?

This recipe makes approximately 30-40 small meringues, depending on size.

Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Absolutely! A hand mixer will work just fine. It might take a bit longer to reach stiff peaks, so be patient.

Why did my meringues crack?

Cracks can occur if the oven temperature is too high. Baking at a low temperature and allowing them to cool slowly in the oven helps prevent cracking.

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