Description
These Peppermint Meringue Cookies are light, airy, and melt in your mouth. They feature a delightful peppermint flavor and a festive look, making them perfect for holiday baking. This recipe provides a straightforward guide to creating these sweet treats.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a clean, dry bowl, whip the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until foamy.
- Add the cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar, about a tablespoon at a time, while beating on high speed. Continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form and the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Beat in the peppermint extract. If using, add a drop or two of red food coloring and swirl gently for a marbled effect.
- Spoon or pipe the meringue mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. You can make small mounds for individual Peppermint Meringue Cookies or larger ones for a more dramatic presentation.
- Bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the meringues are dry to the touch and lift easily off the parchment paper.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door open slightly, and let the Peppermint Meringue Cookies cool completely in the oven. This helps prevent cracking.
- Store cooled Peppermint Meringue Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure your bowl and beaters are completely free of grease for the best meringue volume.
- Room temperature egg whites whip up better than cold ones.
- You can test if the sugar is dissolved by rubbing a little meringue between your fingers; it should feel smooth, not gritty.
- Do not overmix after adding food coloring, or you will lose the marbled effect.
- The baking time can vary depending on the size of your Peppermint Meringue Cookies and your oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5 hours
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: Approximately 30-40
- Sugar: Approximately 7-10g
- Sodium: Negligible
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 7-10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: Less than 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg