Peppermint Meringue

Peppermint Meringue Recipe

Imagine a world filled with shimmering, airy clouds of sweet peppermint goodness that melt in your mouth. That’s precisely what Peppermint Meringue brings to the table—a delightful treat that captures the heart of festive celebrations and cozy moments alike. Each crunchy bite delicately balances the cool freshness of peppermint with the luxurious sweetness of melted chocolate, creating a dessert that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.

Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering, a birthday bash, or a simple afternoon treat, this Peppermint Meringue recipe stands apart with its ease and kid-friendly preparation. Who wouldn’t want to indulge in these whimsical confections? Follow along as we explore how to conjure up these stunning meringues that are as appealing to the eye as they are to the taste buds.

Got a Sweet Tooth?

Does the thought of soft, airy meringue, kissed with refreshing peppermint and cloaked in satin chocolate, make your mouth water? Each bite is a delightful journey that transports you back to holiday afternoons spent sipping hot cocoa, surrounded by family.

Imagine the twinkling lights and laughter, with these Peppermint Meringues as the cherry on top. So, when was the last time you treated yourself to such luxurious sweetness? It’s time to indulge!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Peppermint Meringue recipe is a dream come true for numerous reasons:

Easy Prep: With just a few steps and minimal ingredients, you can whip up these beauties in no time.
Kid-Friendly: Involve the little ones in the decorating process, making it a fun family activity.
Impressive Presentation: Their unique colors and textures make them a showstopper at any gathering.
Delightful Flavor: The combination of peppermint and chocolate creates a heavenly taste experience that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Here’s what you will need to create your own Peppermint Meringue:

4 large egg whites: Start with the freshest eggs for a stable meringue.
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar: This will help stabilize the egg whites, lending a delightful volume.
1/4 tsp. kosher salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweet flavor.
1 cup (200 g.) granulated sugar: To achieve that perfect sweetness.
1/2 tsp. peppermint extract: The star that adds a refreshingly cool kick.
Red gel food coloring: For that festive flair.
1 cup (155 g.) semi-sweet chocolate chips: To indulge your chocolate cravings.
5 small peppermint canes or candies (70 g.) : To sprinkle on top, adding a burst of flavor and a crunchy texture.

Each ingredient harmoniously plays its role in creating these ethereal peppermint creations.

Timing

Expect a delightful experience from start to finish with this fast, indulgent recipe. The beauty of Peppermint Meringue is that while it requires a few hours for the final baking stage, the hands-on prep is a mere 30 minutes.

So whether you’re looking to create something special for a party or simply satisfy your sweet tooth, you won’t feel rushed. Patience makes the final product all the more rewarding and luxurious.

Step-by-Step

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to a gentle 200 degrees. Line two sheet pans with parchment paper, creating a non-stick surface for your meringue magic.
Mixing the Meringue: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine the egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt. Beat on medium speed until the whites foam up, forming soft peaks (approximately 1 minute).
Sugar Addition: With the mixer still running, slowly add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time. Then increase the speed to high and continue to beat until the meringue thickens to a marshmallow-like texture, holding firm peaks—this should take around 4 to 6 minutes.
Flavoring: Beat in the peppermint extract to infuse that delicious minty flavor.
Piping Setup: Fit a large disposable piping bag with a large tip. Use a small paintbrush to paint a few thin vertical stripes of red gel food coloring inside the bag. This step ensures a beautiful marbled effect when piped.
Filling the Bag: Rest the bag in an empty glass, which helps hold it upright, and use a rubber spatula to scrape the meringue into the piping bag. Then, fold the top back and twist to seal.
Piping the Meringues: Pipe 2-inch cookies onto the prepared sheet pans, leaving about an inch of space between each one.
Baking Time: Bake the meringues until they feel very crisp and hard to the touch, approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. When time is up, turn off the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely inside, roughly another 2 hours.
Crushing the Peppermints: While the cookies cool, place the peppermints in a mini food processor and pulse until they turn into fine pieces. Alternatively, for a bit of fun, put the candies in a zip-top bag and crush them using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
Melting the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth and glossy.
Dipping the Meringues: Working with one cookie at a time, dip the bottom in chocolate, letting excess drip off. Sprinkle some crushed peppermint over the chocolate before placing the cookie back on the baking sheet.
Final Touch: Repeat the process with all remaining cookies and refrigerate until the chocolate hardens—about 15 to 20 minutes.
Storing: Keep the meringues in an airtight container to preserve their divine crispiness.

Nutritional Information

While indulging in Peppermint Meringue may feel like a guilty pleasure, each piece offers a delightful balance of sweetness without overwhelming calorie counts. On average, each cookie contains approximately 60 calories. While they may be an occasional treat, their light, airy texture allows you to enjoy a satisfying dessert without the heavy load of others—after all, life is about balance!

Healthier Alternatives

Craving something sweeter but worried about sugar? Consider these adjustments:

Low-Sugar Options: Substitute coconut sugar or a sugar alternative such as monk fruit to reduce the sweetness while maintaining meringue integrity.
Dairy-Free Swaps: Ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. Use dark chocolate varieties that cater to any dietary preference, allowing everyone to join in on the fun!

Serving Suggestions

Picture these gorgeous Peppermint Meringues paired with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or nestled next to homemade hot chocolate during the holidays. They also serve as a delightful addition to any dessert platter at gatherings, adding both beauty and taste.

Common Mistakes

Creating meringue can be tricky; avoid these common errors:

Overbaking: It’s crucial not to let your meringues bake for too long, as this could lead to an undesirable chewy texture.
Texture Issues: Make sure there’s no yolk in the egg whites, as even a tiny bit can prevent proper whipping.
Messy Piping: If you’re not familiar with piping, practice your technique before piping onto the actual baking sheets.

Storing Tips

Storing your Peppermint Meringues properly ensures maximum enjoyment:

Freezing Portions: These meringues freeze marvelously! Store in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper.
Reheating: If you’ve frozen them, allow them to thaw at room temperature; there’s no need to reheat, as the texture is best enjoyed chilled.

Tempted to Bake?

The moment has come to dive into this enchanting recipe and whip up some delicious Peppermint Meringue! Whether for a special occasion or just because you deserve a sweet treat, making these whimsical cookies will provide joy for you and those you share them with.

So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to whisk, pipe, and indulge in the delightful sweetness of Peppermint Meringue!

FAQs

Can I use egg white powder instead of fresh egg whites?
Yes, you can substitute egg white powder; just be sure to follow the conversion instructions on the package for the equivalent of 4 egg whites.
What should I do if my meringue doesn’t hold peaks?
Ensure that your mixing bowl and tools are clean and free from any grease or yolk, and consider adding a pinch more cream of tartar.
How long do meringues last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, Peppermint Meringues can last for up to two weeks.
Can I use other extracts?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with almond or vanilla extracts for a different flavor profile.
Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
Yes! You can use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as a substitute for egg whites. Follow similar steps to whip it into meringue.