Sweet & Crispy Peppermint Meringues Recipe for Holiday Joy

Delicate and cloud-like peppermint meringues dance on the edge of culinary magic, promising a sweet adventure.

Crisp winter memories peek through each delicate bite.

Light as whispers, these treats capture pure peppermint essence.

Swirling white peaks carry hints of cool, refreshing flavor.

Delightful crunch meets melt-in-your-mouth texture in this simple yet elegant confection.

Minimal ingredients combine to create something unexpectedly spectacular.

Start whipping and watch pure magic unfold before you.

Peppermint Meringues Common Questions Answered

• Can I make meringues without cream of tartar?

Yes, you can substitute it with white vinegar or lemon juice. These acidic ingredients help stabilize the egg whites and create a more consistent texture.

• Why are my meringues not forming stiff peaks?

This could happen if there’s any trace of egg yolk, oil, or moisture in your mixing bowl. Always use a clean, completely dry bowl and ensure no yolk gets into your whites when separating eggs.

• How do I know when the meringue is beaten enough?

The meringue is ready when it forms stiff, glossy peaks that hold their shape when you lift the beater. They should look smooth and have a high, sturdy structure that doesn’t droop.

• Can I pipe these meringues instead of dropping them?

Absolutely! Use a piping bag with a star tip to create beautiful swirled shapes. This method gives your meringues a more elegant and professional look.

What Makes Peppermint Meringues Refreshing

• Create elegant, festive desserts that look professionally made but require simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills, ideal for Christmas gatherings or winter parties.
• Enjoy a light, crispy dessert that's naturally low in calories, gluten-free, and packed with refreshing peppermint flavor, making it a smart choice for health-conscious dessert lovers.
• Transform just four ingredients into a stunning, melt-in-your-mouth treat that impresses guests without complex cooking techniques or expensive components.

Peppermint Meringues Ingredient Essentials

• Egg Whites, Cream of Tartar: Egg whites create the light, airy structure of meringues, while cream of tartar stabilizes the foam and helps create smooth, glossy peaks. Use fresh, room temperature eggs for best volume.

• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a crisp, stable meringue structure. White, fine sugar dissolves most easily and creates the smoothest texture.

• Peppermint Extract: Adds refreshing, cool mint flavor to the meringues. Pure peppermint extract offers the most authentic taste. Use sparingly to avoid overwhelming the delicate meringue.

How to Whip Up Peppermint Meringues

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Space

Preheat the oven to 225°F. Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring complete surface coverage.

Step 2: Create Fluffy Egg White Base

In a spotless, moisture-free mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip egg whites and cream of tartar. Beat at medium speed until soft, billowy peaks emerge.

Step 3: Transform Whites into Glossy Meringue

• Peaks stand tall and stiff
• Mixture looks ultra-shiny
• Texture becomes smooth and luxurious
• Total whipping time reaches about 5-7 minutes

Step 4: Infuse Peppermint Flavor

Gently fold peppermint extract into the meringue mixture. Mix until extract is perfectly incorporated, being careful not to deflate the delicate whites.

Step 5: Shape Delicate Treats

Using a piping bag or spoon, create small swirled or peaked meringue shapes on prepared baking sheets. Space them slightly apart to allow air circulation.

Step 6: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Place baking sheets in preheated oven. Bake until meringues are crisp and light, typically 60-90 minutes. Meringues should lift easily from parchment paper.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Turn off oven. Leave meringues inside with door slightly ajar to cool completely. Store in airtight container for maximum crispness.

Tips That Elevate Peppermint Meringues

• Choose Spotless Utensils: Ensure your mixing bowl and whisk are completely grease-free for perfect meringue volume, using metal or glass containers for best results.
• Control Sugar Incorporation: Add sugar slowly and steadily while beating to create smooth, stable meringue with a silky texture and gorgeous shine.
• Master Peak Formation: Beat egg whites until they form stiff, glossy peaks that stand upright without falling, which indicates proper whipping technique.
• Prevent Moisture Interference: Keep all ingredients at room temperature and avoid any water droplets, as moisture can deflate the delicate egg white structure.
• Store Smartly: Keep finished meringues in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, away from humid environments to maintain their crisp texture.

Best Storage for Peppermint Meringues

• Store meringues in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from humidity.
• Carefully place meringues in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper separating layers. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing their delicate texture.
• Remove frozen meringues from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas.
• Do not store meringues in the refrigerator, as moisture can make them sticky and lose their crisp texture. Room temperature storage maintains their light, airy crunch.

What Goes Well with Peppermint Meringues

• Rich dark chocolate mousse or chocolate ganache cake beautifully complements the light, crisp peppermint meringues, creating a decadent flavor balance that dance on your taste buds.
• Warm peppermint hot chocolate or a festive coffee with peppermint schnapps provides a cozy, complementary drink that enhances the meringues' delicate mint notes and adds warmth to each sweet bite.
• Fresh vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream with crushed candy canes offers a cool, creamy contrast to the crisp meringue texture, elevating the entire dessert experience with smooth and crunchy elements.
• Crisp, chilled moscato or a light sparkling rosé can accentuate the peppermint's cool profile, providing a sophisticated adult pairing that brings out the meringues' elegant sweetness.

Peppermint Meringues: Fun Twists to Try

• Low-Sugar Meringues: Replace sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit for a diabetic-friendly version with reduced calories.
• Chocolate Candy Cane Meringues: Fold in crushed candy canes and drizzle melted dark chocolate over meringues for a festive winter treat.
• Vegan Aquafaba Meringues: Substitute egg whites with chickpea liquid (aquafaba) and use coconut sugar for a plant-based alternative that maintains the classic light texture.
• Nutty Peppermint Crunch: Mix in finely chopped toasted almonds or pistachios for added crunch and nutty flavor, creating a more complex meringue experience.

Peppermint Meringues Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delicate peppermint meringues dance with festive holiday cheer, whisking sweet memories into light, airy clouds of minty delight. Cool winter gatherings become magical when you share these crisp, melt-in-mouth treats that sparkle with peppermint’s cool essence.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients:

• 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
• ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar

Stabilizing Ingredient:

• ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) cream of tartar

Flavoring and Optional Decorative Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) peppermint extract
• Red gel food coloring (optional, for swirls)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sanitize and prepare a pristine mixing vessel, ensuring it’s completely free from moisture and residual oils.
2. Whip the egg whites and cream of tartar using an electric mixer, gradually increasing momentum until soft, billowy peaks emerge with gentle cloud-like texture.
3. Incorporate sugar incrementally, maintaining vigorous mixing technique, allowing each tablespoon to dissolve completely before adding the next portion.
4. Elevate mixer speed to maximum intensity, transforming the mixture into a luminous, stiff meringue with robust, defined peaks that stand upright when beater is lifted.
5. Delicately fold peppermint extract into the voluminous mixture, using gentle sweeping motions to distribute essence without deflating the delicate foam.
6. Carefully transfer the peppermint-infused meringue into a piping bag fitted with a decorative star tip, creating elegant swirled shapes on parchment-lined baking sheets.
7. Position trays in a preheated oven calibrated to 225F (110C), allowing meringues to gently dehydrate and solidify with minimal color transformation.
8. Bake for approximately 90 minutes, ensuring meringues develop a crisp exterior while maintaining a light, airy interior structure.
9. Once complete, turn off oven and allow meringues to cool gradually inside, preventing sudden temperature shifts that might compromise their delicate composition.

Notes

• Ensure your mixing bowl and whisk are completely grease-free to help egg whites whip up perfectly and create stable meringue structure.
• Use room temperature egg whites for faster and more stable volume when beating, allowing better air incorporation.
• Add food-grade peppermint extract sparingly to prevent overwhelming the delicate meringue flavor, starting with a small amount and adjusting to taste.
• Create festive holiday look by using red or green food coloring in gentle swirls for a peppermint candy cane aesthetic, maintaining the light and airy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 25
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg