White Christmas Peppermint Meringues

Introduction

White Christmas Peppermint Meringues are a holiday delight that combines elegance, festivity, and the unmistakable flavor of peppermint. These delicate treats bring a touch of magic to any holiday table with their light, airy texture and delightful crunch. Each meringue has a soft, melt-in-your-mouth quality that pairs perfectly with the cool, refreshing taste of peppermint, making them an irresistible addition to your seasonal sweets.

I started making these meringues a few years ago when looking for a unique holiday treat to share with friends and family. Their crisp exterior and fluffy interior quickly made them a favorite, especially when paired with a warm cup of cocoa or coffee by the fireplace. The festive red swirl not only adds a pop of color but also makes them almost too pretty to eat—almost!

One of the best parts of these meringues is how versatile they are. You can enjoy them on their own, add them to dessert platters, or package them in cellophane with a red ribbon for a thoughtful holiday gift. Their lightness makes them perfect after a heavy meal or as an afternoon pick-me-up during the holiday rush. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free, making them a wonderful treat for friends and family with dietary restrictions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why these White Christmas Peppermint Meringues will be a festive favorite:

• Festive and Elegant: Beautiful red and white swirls make them visually striking.
• Light and Airy: A delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Easy to Make: Requires just a few simple ingredients and steps.
• Perfect for Gifting: Makes a great holiday gift for friends and family.
• Low in Calories: A guilt-free treat that’s light on calories.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be made ahead and stored for days.
• Naturally Gluten-Free: Ideal for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Customizable Flavors: Add vanilla or almond extract for a twist.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have.
• Holiday Spirit: Brings a festive flair to your dessert table.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Cooling Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 40 meringues
• Calories per serving: About 15 calories per meringue
• Key Nutrients: Low-calorie, low-fat

Ingredients

For the Meringues:

• 4 large egg whites (room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• Red gel food coloring

Ingredient Highlights

• Egg Whites: Create the light and fluffy texture of the meringue.
• Peppermint Extract: Adds the signature holiday flavor.
• Red Gel Food Coloring: Adds festive color without altering the meringue’s texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make White Christmas Peppermint Meringues:

Prepare the Meringue Mixture

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Beat the Egg Whites: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
3. Add Sugar Gradually: Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while beating on high speed. Continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Peppermint Extract: Gently fold in the peppermint extract until just combined.

Pipe the Meringues

1. Prepare the Piping Bag: Fit a piping bag with a star tip and add a few drops of red gel food coloring along the inside of the bag for a striped effect.
2. Fill the Bag: Spoon the meringue mixture into the prepared piping bag.
3. Pipe Meringues: Pipe 1-inch meringue swirls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each.

Bake and Cool

1. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the meringues are dry to the touch and easily lift off the parchment paper.
2. Turn Off the Oven: Turn off the oven and let the meringues cool inside for 30-40 minutes.
3. Remove and Store: Remove from the oven and store in an airtight container at room temperature.

How to Serve

Enjoy your White Christmas Peppermint Meringues in these festive ways:

• On a Dessert Tray: Add them to your holiday dessert spread for a beautiful presentation.
• With Hot Cocoa: Serve with hot chocolate for a cozy holiday treat.
• Gift-Wrapped: Pack in decorative tins or jars and give as gifts.
• As Cake Toppers: Use them as decorative toppers on cakes or cupcakes.
• With Coffee or Tea: Pair with your favorite hot beverage for a light snack.
• At a Holiday Party: Serve at holiday gatherings for an easy and elegant sweet option.
• Alongside Other Cookies: Combine with other cookies for a festive assortment.
• With Fresh Fruit: Serve with fresh berries for a light and refreshing dessert.
• In Holiday Goodie Bags: Perfect addition to holiday gift bags for friends and neighbors.
• As a Sweet Snack: Enjoy as a light, sweet treat throughout the holiday season.

Additional Tips

Make the most of your White Christmas Peppermint Meringues with these tips:

• Ensure No Grease: Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely grease-free for best results.
• Room Temperature Egg Whites: They whip up better when at room temperature.
• Use a Stand Mixer: A stand mixer makes it easier to achieve stiff peaks.
• Test for Doneness: Meringues should be dry to the touch when done.
• Avoid Humidity: Make meringues on a dry day for best results; humidity can affect their texture.
• Check the Stripes: Refresh the food coloring in the piping bag if needed halfway through piping.
• Cool Slowly: Let the meringues cool completely in the oven to prevent cracking.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with other extracts like vanilla or almond.
• Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
• Double the Recipe: Easily double the recipe for larger gatherings.

Recipe Variations

Switch up your White Christmas Peppermint Meringues with these variations:

• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the meringues for added indulgence.
• Vanilla Twist: Replace peppermint extract with vanilla extract for a different flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Add a touch of lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
• Almond Flavor: Swap out peppermint for almond extract for a nutty undertone.
• Colorful Swirls: Use different gel food coloring for a rainbow effect.
• Coconut Meringues: Fold in shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
• Sprinkled Meringues: Add festive sprinkles before baking for extra holiday cheer.
• Mint Chocolate Chip: Add mini chocolate chips for a fun texture.
• Layered Meringues: Stack with whipped cream for a meringue tower dessert.
• Marbled Effect: Create a marbled look by swirling in food coloring before piping.

Freezing and Storage

Store your White Christmas Peppermint Meringues properly:

• Refrigeration Not Needed: Keep at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: Freeze meringues in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: Let them come to room temperature before serving to maintain their crisp texture.

Special Equipment

Ensure you have these tools to make White Christmas Peppermint Meringues:

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: For beating egg whites.
• Piping Bag and Star Tip: For shaping the meringues.
• Mixing Bowls: Clean and grease-free for whipping the egg whites.
• Baking Sheets: Lined with parchment paper.
• Spatula: For folding in the extract and filling the piping bag.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: For precise measurements.

FAQ Section

1. Why didn’t my meringues form stiff peaks?
   Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of any grease. Egg whites whip up better at room temperature.
2. Can I make meringues without cream of tartar?
   Yes, but cream of tartar helps stabilize the egg whites. You can use a few drops of lemon juice or white vinegar as a substitute.
3. How do I get the red swirl effect?
   Apply red gel food coloring along the inside of the piping bag before adding the meringue mixture.
4. Can I make these meringues in advance?
   Yes, they store well in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, making them perfect for prepping ahead of holiday events.
5. Why did my meringues crack?
   Cracking can occur if they cool too quickly. Let them cool slowly in the oven after baking.
6. Are these meringues gluten-free?
   Yes, these meringues are naturally gluten-free.
7. Can I add chocolate chips to the meringue?
   Yes, mini chocolate chips can be folded into the meringue mixture for a fun twist.
8. Why are my meringues sticky?
   Humidity can make meringues sticky. Ensure they are stored in an airtight container and made on a dry day.
9. How do I know when meringues are done baking?
   Meringues should be dry to the touch and lift off the parchment paper easily.
10. Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
    Gel food coloring is preferred as it doesn’t affect the texture of the meringue, unlike liquid coloring which can make it too runny.

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Conclusion

White Christmas Peppermint Meringues are a delightful addition to any holiday table, offering a festive touch with their signature red and white swirls and refreshing peppermint flavor. These light, crispy, and melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect for spreading holiday cheer and adding a touch of sweetness to your gatherings. With their simple yet elegant appearance, they’re bound to catch the eye and make your dessert table truly memorable.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, looking for homemade gifts, or simply craving a seasonal treat, these meringues are sure to impress and satisfy everyone. Their versatility makes them a great option for sharing or enjoying at home with a warm drink by the fire. Plus, the meringue’s delicate, airy texture pairs beautifully with the peppermint’s cool, crisp flavor, making them a delightful contrast to richer holiday desserts.

I can’t wait to see how your White Christmas Peppermint Meringues turn out! Snap a photo and share your festive creations on social media, or tag me to let me know how they turned out. Wishing you happy baking and a season filled with joy and sweetness!