Delicious Peppermint Meringues: 24 Festive Treats

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Peppermint Meringues bring a delightful touch to any festive occasion, especially during the holiday season. These light and airy treats are perfect for cookie trays and gatherings, infused with a refreshing peppermint flavor and adorned with festive red stripes. Every bite melts in your mouth, offering a sweet crunch that can brighten your day. If you’re searching for an easy peppermint meringue dessert that stands out, this recipe is just what you need!

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Meringues

There are numerous reasons to fall in love with these peppermint meringue cookies. For starters, they are incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients. The light and airy peppermint meringues are not only visually appealing but also deliver a deliciously sweet crunch that is hard to resist. Each bite bursts with a refreshing mint flavor, making them perfect for the holiday season. These treats also serve as an excellent base for peppermint meringue toppings for desserts, allowing for creativity in presentation. Finally, they can be made ahead of time, making them a stress-free addition to your holiday menu.

Ingredients for Peppermint Meringues

Gather these items:

3 large egg whites
¾ cup sugar
1 drop peppermint concentrate (or ½ tsp pure peppermint extract)
Red gel-paste food coloring

How to Make Peppermint Meringues Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set a pastry bag fitted with a small open-star tip aside.
Step 2: In a heatproof bowl suitable for an electric mixer, combine the egg whites and sugar. Place this bowl over a pan of simmering water. Stir gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture feels warm to the touch.
Step 3: Transfer the bowl to an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whisk on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
Step 4: Gently fold in the peppermint concentrate or extract.
Step 5: Using a clean small paintbrush, paint 2 or 3 stripes of red gel food coloring inside the pastry bag.
Step 6: Fill the pastry bag with 1 to 2 cups of the meringue mixture. Pipe small star shapes about ¾ inch high onto the prepared baking sheets.
Step 7: Bake the cookies for about 1 hour and 40 minutes, until they are crisp but not browned.
Step 8: After baking, turn the oven off and leave the meringues inside for an additional 30 minutes to cool gently.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and let the meringues cool completely on wire racks.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Peppermint Meringues

Keep these in mind:

Store meringues in a sealed container to keep them crisp.
Ensure that your mixing bowl and utensils are completely clean and dry, as any grease can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.
For a festive touch, use different colors of gel food coloring to create beautiful designs.

Best Ways to Serve Peppermint Meringues

These minty meringue treats can be served in various ways. They are delightful on their own or as a topping for hot chocolate, adding a sweet and crunchy texture. You can also layer them in a trifle with peppermint-flavored whipped cream and chocolate shavings for an indulgent dessert. Alternatively, crush them and sprinkle over ice cream for a refreshing twist!

How to Store and Reheat Peppermint Meringues

To keep your peppermint meringues fresh, store them in a sealed container at room temperature. This will help maintain their crisp texture. If you make them in advance, they can last for up to two weeks. Just ensure they are kept away from humidity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peppermint Meringues

What’s the secret to perfect Peppermint Meringues?

The secret lies in ensuring your egg whites are at room temperature and that your mixing equipment is completely clean. This helps achieve the desired stiff peaks and light texture characteristic of peppermint-flavored meringues.

Can I make Peppermint Meringues ahead of time?

Yes! These meringues can be made a few days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them crisp, making them a convenient option for holiday preparations.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Peppermint Meringues?

To avoid common pitfalls, ensure not to overbeat the egg whites and to monitor baking time closely. Following the instructions carefully will yield easy peppermint meringue dessert results!

Variations of Peppermint Meringues You Can Try

There are many delicious peppermint meringue variations to explore! Consider adding crushed candy canes for a crunchy texture or incorporating chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. You could also experiment with different extracts such as vanilla or almond to create unique flavors. For a vegan alternative, aquafaba can be used in place of egg whites, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.

For more tips on making meringues, you can check out this guide on Serious Eats. If you’re interested in other festive treats, you might enjoy soft Christmas peppermints or Christmas chocolate bark.