Peppermint Meringues are a delightful treat that embodies the essence of the holiday season. These sweet, crisp, and airy confections are not only a festive addition to your dessert table but also incredibly simple to make. With just a few ingredients, you can create these light-as-air meringues that melt in your mouth and leave a refreshing peppermint flavor lingering on your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a holiday gift idea or a charming addition to your holiday gatherings, Peppermint Meringues are the perfect choice.
Ingredients
- 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red food coloring (optional, for a festive swirl)
Instructions
Preparing Your Equipment:
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Ensure that your mixing bowl and beaters or whisk are clean and completely grease-free.
Whipping the Egg Whites:
- In your clean, dry mixing bowl, add the room-temperature egg whites and start beating them on low speed.
- Once the egg whites become frothy (after about a minute), add the cream of tartar. This helps stabilize the egg whites.
- Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and continue to beat until soft peaks form. Soft peaks mean that when you lift the beaters, the peaks of egg whites curl over slightly.
Gradually Adding Sugar:
- With the mixer running on medium-high, gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time. This process should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Once all the sugar is added, continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. These peaks should stand up straight when you lift the beaters and should not fold over.
Flavoring the Meringue:
- Gently fold in the peppermint extract, being careful not to deflate the meringue.
Adding Food Coloring (Optional):
- For a festive touch, you can add a few drops of red food coloring to create a swirl effect in your meringues. Use a toothpick to add small amounts of coloring and then gently swirl it through the meringue with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; you want a marbled effect.
Piping the Meringues:
- Transfer the meringue mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star tip or any tip of your choice.
- Pipe small mounds of meringue onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart.
Baking and Drying:
- Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meringues are completely dry to the touch and can be easily lifted off the parchment paper.
- Once done, turn off the oven but leave the meringues inside to cool slowly for about an hour.
Storage:
- Store your Peppermint Meringues in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to two weeks.
Variations and Tips
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a delightful twist, drizzle the cooled meringues with melted dark chocolate and let it set before serving.
- Crushed Peppermint Candy: Add a festive touch by sprinkling crushed peppermint candy or candy canes on top of the meringues before they dry.
- Other Extracts: Experiment with different extracts like vanilla, almond, or even a hint of orange for unique flavor profiles.
- Pipe into Shapes: Instead of simple mounds, pipe the meringue mixture into festive shapes like Christmas trees, stars, or snowmen.
- Low and Slow: The key to successful meringues is to beat them gradually and bake them at a low temperature to ensure they dry out without browning.
Peppermint Meringues are the epitome of holiday sweetness. These delicate treats capture the essence of the season with their crisp texture and refreshing peppermint flavor. Whether you enjoy them on their own, use them as a topping for hot cocoa, or give them as thoughtful gifts, these meringues are sure to spread joy and cheer during the holiday season. So, get ready to whip up a batch, share the love, and savor the delightful taste of Peppermint Meringues this holiday season.
