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
