If you’re searching for a delightful treat that feels light as air but bursts with festive flavor, look no further than this Peppermint Meringues Recipe. These delicate, crisp meringues capture the refreshing coolness of peppermint candy canes combined with a silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s truly irresistible. Perfect for cozy winter afternoons or holiday gatherings, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant confection that’s as fun to make as it is to enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up your batch of peppermint meringues, you only need a handful of essentials. Each ingredient plays a starring role, whether adding volume, sweetness, stability, or that signature peppermint crunch that makes this recipe so special.
- 2 large egg whites: These create the fluffy base that gives your meringues their airy texture.
- ⅛ teaspoon salt: A pinch to balance sweetness and enhance the egg whites’ structure.
- ⅛ teaspoon cream of tartar: This stabilizes the egg whites so they hold their shape perfectly.
- ½ cup sugar: Sweetens and helps the meringue develop a crisp outer shell while staying tender inside.
- 2 peppermint candy canes (crushed): Adds refreshing peppermint flavor and crunchy festive sparkle on top.
How to Make Peppermint Meringues Recipe
Step 1: Whip the Egg Whites
Start by beating your egg whites in a clean, dry bowl until they become foamy and light. Then sprinkle in the salt and cream of tartar to stabilize the mixture. Continue beating until you see soft peaks forming, which means the mixture holds a shape but is still tender. Gradually add the sugar, a little at a time, beating continuously until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial because it’s what makes the meringues so airy and capable of holding their shape during baking.
Step 2: Shape and Add Peppermint
Using a teaspoon, drop dollops of the stiff meringue mixture onto a foil-lined baking sheet. Don’t worry about perfect shapes—part of the charm of homemade meringues is their rustic, cloud-like appearance. Once plated, sprinkle the crushed peppermint candy canes generously on top to infuse each cookie with that signature minty crunch and a beautiful festive touch.
Step 3: Bake Low and Slow
Pop your baking sheet into an oven preheated to 225°F and bake for a gentle 90 minutes. The slow baking dries out the meringues rather than browning them, ensuring a crisp exterior and tender center. Once time’s up, turn off the oven, open the door slightly, and let the meringues cool completely inside. This helps them dry further and achieve that perfect texture we love.
Step 4: Store Properly
After cooling, transfer your peppermint meringues to an airtight container to keep them crisp and fresh. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy these little bites over several days without losing their delightful crunch or flavor.
How to Serve Peppermint Meringues Recipe
Garnishes
While the crushed peppermint on top adds natural decoration, you can elevate these treats by dusting a little powdered sugar or adding a small dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. A light drizzle of melted dark chocolate also pairs beautifully with the peppermint flavor, giving an elegant finishing touch especially for guests.
Side Dishes
Peppermint meringues shine splendidly alongside warm drinks like hot cocoa, peppermint tea, or a rich coffee. They provide a refreshing contrast to the deep, robust flavors and make festive coffee breaks or afternoon snack times memorable. They also pair nicely with a bowl of fresh berries or crushed ice cream for a light, refreshing dessert combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with presentation by stacking the meringues in a glass jar tied with a festive ribbon, making the perfect holiday gift. Alternatively, nestle them atop cupcakes or layer crumbled meringues in parfait glasses with layers of whipped cream and chopped chocolate for a stunning peppermint dessert parfait. Presentation is as joyful as the taste, so have fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s rare!), store your peppermint meringues in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid humid areas as moisture can soften their crispness. Stored this way, they should remain deliciously fresh for up to two weeks.
Freezing
Freezing peppermint meringues is possible, but you’ll want to protect them well in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw them at room temperature before serving to maintain their crisp texture. Freezing can slightly change the texture, so it’s best used when you want to keep them fresh for longer.
Reheating
These delicate treats don’t require reheating. If they lose a bit of their crispness, placing them in a low oven (around 200°F) for a few minutes can help to dry them out again. Keep a close eye as they can easily overbake and brown.
FAQs
Can I use regular peppermint extract instead of crushed candy canes?
You can add peppermint extract to the egg whites before whipping for a more intense mint flavor, but crushed candy canes add both flavor and delightful crunch that extract alone can’t provide.
Why do my meringues sometimes turn out sticky?
Humidity is the biggest culprit. On damp days, meringues absorb moisture from the air and may become sticky. Baking them fully and letting them cool in the oven helps prevent this.
Can I color my meringues?
Definitely! Adding a drop of red or green food coloring to the mixture before baking can give your peppermint meringues a festive appearance without affecting taste.
Is it necessary to use cream of tartar?
Cream of tartar stabilizes egg whites and helps achieve that perfect stiffness. Without it, your meringues might be less stable and lose volume, though many still have success without it by beating longer.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Traditional meringues rely on egg whites, so this recipe isn’t vegan. However, aquafaba (chickpea water) can be used as an egg white substitute in vegan meringues, though results may vary.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re baking for holiday cheer or just craving a delicate mint-flavored treat, this Peppermint Meringues Recipe is a charming way to brighten your day. Its simple ingredients and straightforward steps yield a dessert that’s as pretty as it is delicious, and sharing them feels like spreading a little joy. So grab your mixing bowl, crush those candy canes, and treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special!
Print
Peppermint Meringues Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 36 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully light and crunchy peppermint meringues that offer a perfect balance of sweet, airy texture and festive peppermint flavor. These meringues are ideal for holiday gatherings or as a charming sweet treat throughout the year, featuring crushed peppermint candy canes for a refreshing twist.
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 Egg Whites: In a mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until they become foamy. Add salt and cream of tartar, then continue beating until soft peaks form, which helps stabilize the meringue.
- Add Sugar Gradually: Slowly add sugar while beating continuously until stiff peaks develop. This process takes approximately 7-8 minutes to achieve the perfect meringue texture.
- Shape Meringues: Drop teaspoonfuls of the meringue mixture onto ungreased foil-lined baking sheets. Evenly sprinkle the crushed peppermint candy canes over the tops for a festive touch.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in an oven preheated to 225°F (107°C). Bake the meringues for 90 minutes until they are dry and 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 to cool gradually, ensuring they maintain their light, airy texture without becoming soggy.
- Store Properly: Once completely cooled, transfer the peppermint meringues into an airtight container to keep them fresh and crispy.
Notes
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature before beating to achieve maximum volume.
- Use a clean, grease-free bowl and beaters to prevent the meringue from collapsing.
- Crushed peppermint candy canes add flavor and a decorative crunch but can be substituted with peppermint extract for a smoother texture.
- Do not open the oven door during baking to prevent cracking.
- Store meringues in an airtight container at room temperature; avoid humidity to keep them crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
