Peppermint Meringues Recipe
Introduction
Peppermint meringues are light, airy treats with a festive twist. These crisp, minty cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet snack any time of year.
Ingredients
- 2 large egg whites
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 peppermint candy canes (crushed)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Sprinkle with salt and cream of tartar, then beat until soft peaks form.
- Step 2: Gradually add sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form, about 7-8 minutes.
- Step 3: Drop the meringue by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased foil-lined baking sheets. Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candy over the top.
- Step 4: Bake at 225°F for 90 minutes.
- Step 5: Turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside with the door slightly ajar for at least an hour or until completely cool.
Tips & Variations
- For extra peppermint flavor, add a few drops of peppermint extract to the egg whites before beating.
- If you prefer, substitute candy canes with crushed peppermint candies for a different texture.
- Use parchment paper instead of foil to prevent sticking and for easier removal.
Storage
Store peppermint meringues in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Keep them away from humidity to maintain crispness. Reheating is not necessary, as these cookies are best enjoyed fresh and crunchy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use egg white powder instead of fresh egg whites?
Yes, you can substitute egg white powder according to the package instructions, but fresh egg whites usually produce the best texture and volume in meringues.
Why did my meringues turn out sticky instead of crisp?
Sticky meringues often result from humidity or underbaking. Make sure your oven temperature is accurate and allow the meringues to cool completely in the oven with the door slightly open to dry them out properly.
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Peppermint Meringues Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: About 20 small meringues 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Light, airy peppermint meringues with a delightful crunch from crushed candy canes. This festive treat combines the classic sweet meringue texture with refreshing peppermint flavor, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Meringue Base
- 2 large egg whites
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ cup sugar
Topping
- 2 peppermint candy canes, crushed
Instructions
- Prepare the Meringue: In a mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until they become foamy. Then add the salt and cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form, which indicates the egg whites hold a gentle peak when the beaters are lifted.
- Add Sugar Gradually: Gradually add the sugar while continuing to beat the mixture. Keep beating until stiff peaks form, meaning the egg whites will stand straight up without collapsing. This process should take about 7 to 8 minutes.
- Form the Meringues: Drop the meringue mixture by teaspoonfuls onto baking sheets lined with ungreased foil. Then sprinkle the crushed peppermint candy canes over each dollop to add flavor and a festive look.
- Bake the Meringues: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake at 225°F for 90 minutes, allowing the meringues to dry out and become crisp.
- Cool in Oven: After baking, turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside with the door slightly ajar for at least one hour or until the meringues have cooled completely. This helps prevent cracking and keeps the texture light.
- Store Properly: Once cooled, transfer the peppermint meringues to an airtight container to maintain their crispness and freshness.
Notes
- Make sure no yolk is in the egg whites to ensure proper whipping.
- Use room temperature egg whites for better volume when beating.
- Crush candy canes finely to prevent large chunks from interfering with the texture.
- Store meringues in an airtight container to avoid moisture absorption and loss of crispness.
- You can use piping bags to make more uniform meringue shapes if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: peppermint meringue, holiday cookies, peppermint candy, Christmas treats, light dessert
