Delight in these Peppermint Meringues, a perfect treat for any festive occasion! Their light and airy texture, complemented by a burst of refreshing peppermint flavor, makes them an irresistible addition to your holiday dessert table. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging yourself, these meringues stand out with their crisp exterior and sweet candy cane topping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch of peppermint meringues in no time.
- Light & Airy Texture: These meringues are fluffy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, making them an instant favorite.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy afternoon snack, these treats fit right in.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different candy toppings or even flavors to suit your taste!
- Impressive Presentation: The beautiful swirls and festive color make these meringues as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowl
- Piping bag
- Large star tip
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Ensures that egg whites are whipped to perfection, creating those stiff peaks needed for airy meringues.
- Piping bag: Allows for easy shaping of meringue into uniform, beautiful designs on the baking sheet.
- Baking sheet: A sturdy base for your meringues to bake evenly without sticking.
Ingredients
For the Meringues
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Garnish
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies
How to Make Peppermint Meringues
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites
In a clean mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy.
1. Add the cream of tartar and salt.
2. Continue beating until soft peaks form.
Step 3: Add the Sugar
Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while increasing the mixer speed to high.
– Beat until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Add Flavor
Gently fold in both the vanilla and peppermint extracts. Be careful not to deflate the meringue during this step.
Step 5: Pipe the Meringues
Transfer the meringue into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
– Pipe small mounds onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
Step 6: Bake
Place the meringues in your preheated oven and bake for 90 minutes.
– After baking, turn off the oven and leave them inside to cool completely for about 1-2 hours.
Step 7: Garnish
Once cooled, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top of each meringue for that festive touch!
Enjoy your delightful peppermint meringues!
How to Serve Peppermint Meringues
Peppermint meringues are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Their light and airy texture makes them perfect for pairing with other festive goodies or serving as a standalone dessert. Here are some creative ideas to serve these delicious peppermint meringues.
As a Standalone Treat
- Enjoy them plain for a simple yet satisfying dessert. The crisp exterior and melt-in-your-mouth center make for an irresistible bite.
With Hot Chocolate
- Serve peppermint meringues alongside a steaming cup of hot chocolate. They add a sweet crunch to each sip and enhance the overall flavor experience.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange the meringues on a colorful dessert platter with other holiday sweets. This creates an eye-catching display that is sure to impress guests at any gathering.
Crumbled Over Ice Cream
- Crush the meringues and sprinkle them over vanilla or peppermint ice cream. This adds a delightful texture and festive flavor to the classic dessert.
In Gift Baskets
- Package peppermint meringues in gift baskets for friends and family. They make for thoughtful homemade gifts during the holiday season, showcasing your baking skills.
With Fresh Fruit
- Pair the meringues with fresh berries or slices of citrus fruit. The tartness of the fruit complements the sweetness of the meringues beautifully.
How to Perfect Peppermint Meringues
To ensure your peppermint meringues turn out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips. With attention to detail, you’ll create delightful treats that everyone will love.
- Use room temperature egg whites: This helps achieve better volume and stability when whipping the egg whites.
- Ensure all equipment is clean: Any grease or residue can affect how well your egg whites whip up, so make sure bowls and beaters are spotless.
- Add sugar gradually: Incorporating sugar slowly allows it to dissolve properly, resulting in a smoother meringue texture.
- Don’t open the oven door: Keep the oven closed while baking and cooling to prevent any loss of heat that could affect the drying process.
- Cool completely in the oven: Allowing meringues to cool in the oven helps them dry out fully, ensuring they remain crisp.
- Store properly: Keep your peppermint meringues in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their texture.
Best Side Dishes for Peppermint Meringues
Peppermint meringues shine as a dessert but can also be complemented by some delicious side dishes. Here are some great options that pair well with these sweet treats.
- Chocolate Fondue: A rich chocolate fondue provides a decadent dipping option that perfectly contrasts with the lightness of meringues.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds color and brightness, making it a great palate cleanser alongside sweet desserts.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses balances the sweetness of peppermint meringues, providing savory notes that enhance your dessert experience.
- Coffee or Tea: Offering coffee or tea provides warmth and enhances flavors, creating a cozy atmosphere when enjoying your treats.
- Tart Cherry Sauce: Drizzling tart cherry sauce over or alongside adds a tangy contrast to sweet meringues, enhancing their overall flavor profile.
- Mini Cupcakes: Light mini cupcakes can complement the airy texture of peppermint meringues without overwhelming your guests with sweetness.
- Mousse Cups: Light chocolate or vanilla mousse cups provide creaminess that pairs nicely with crispy meringue textures.
- Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce brings an additional layer of sweetness that works harmoniously with peppermint-flavored desserts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making peppermint meringues can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using dirty equipment: Ensure all bowls and beaters are clean. Any grease or residue can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.
- Skipping the cream of tartar: This ingredient stabilizes the egg whites. Without it, your meringues may not hold their shape.
- Adding sugar too quickly: Gradually incorporate sugar to allow it to dissolve fully. Adding it all at once can lead to gritty meringues.
- Not preheating the oven: Make sure your oven is at the right temperature before baking. An unheated oven can cause uneven baking.
- Opening the oven door: Avoid peeking while they bake. Sudden temperature changes can impact their texture and rise.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store peppermint meringues in an airtight container.
- They will last up to a week in the refrigerator.
- Keep them in a cool area to maintain their crispness.
Freezing Peppermint Meringues
- Place cooled meringues in a single layer in an airtight container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Reheating Peppermint Meringues
- Oven: Preheat to 200°F (93°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes. This will help restore their crispiness.
- Microwave: Not recommended, as it can make them chewy rather than crispy.
- Stovetop: Avoid reheating on the stovetop; this method will not work well for meringues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Peppermint Meringues?
Peppermint meringues are light and airy cookies made primarily from whipped egg whites and sugar, flavored with peppermint extract for a refreshing taste.
How do I make Peppermint Meringues more colorful?
You can add food coloring before piping them onto the baking sheet. Just a few drops will create beautiful festive hues!
Can I use other extracts besides peppermint?
Yes! You can substitute peppermint extract with vanilla or almond extract for different flavors that still result in delicious meringues.
How do I ensure my Peppermint Meringues turn out perfectly?
Follow the recipe closely, ensure your equipment is clean, and measure ingredients accurately for the best results.
What should I serve with Peppermint Meringues?
These treats pair wonderfully with hot cocoa or coffee, making them a perfect addition to your holiday dessert table.
Final Thoughts
Peppermint meringues are not only delightful but also versatile treats that you can customize with different flavors or colors. They make perfect gifts or festive additions to any holiday celebration. Try making these light and airy desserts this season; they’re sure to impress everyone!
Peppermint Meringues
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the festive spirit with these delightful Peppermint Meringues! These light and airy treats are a must-have for any holiday gathering, adding a touch of elegance to your dessert table. With their crisp exterior and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they burst with refreshing peppermint flavor and are beautifully topped with crushed candy canes. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these meringues are easy to make and perfect for sharing. Elevate your holiday celebrations with this charming recipe that will impress both family and friends alike!
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Add cream of tartar and salt; continue beating until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while increasing speed to high. Beat until stiff peaks form (5-7 minutes).
- Gently fold in vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- Transfer the meringue into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip and pipe small mounds onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Bake for 90 minutes, then turn off the oven and let them cool inside for 1-2 hours.
- Once cooled, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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