Introduction
Get ready to make your holidays a little sweeter with these delightful White Christmas Peppermint Meringues! These airy, light-as-a-cloud treats are perfect for any festive gathering. With their crisp exteriors and soft, melt-in-your-mouth interiors, each bite is a blissful moment of peppermint joy. Topped with crushed peppermint candies, they add a charming touch of color and flavor to your holiday dessert table. Let’s dive into the magic of making these whimsical meringues!
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Red and green food coloring (optional)
- Crushed peppermint candies for topping
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 meringues
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites using an electric mixer on medium speed until they become foamy and start to increase in volume.
- Add the cream of tartar and continue beating, gradually moving to high speed until soft peaks start to form.
- Carefully add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to whip the mixture on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form. This can take several minutes, so be patient!
- Gently mix in the vanilla extract and peppermint extract until they’re well incorporated into the glossy meringue.
- If you want to add a festive touch, divide the meringue mixture into two bowls. Add food coloring to one bowl and gently swirl it to create beautiful patterns.
- Using a piping bag fitted with a star tip, pipe small meringue kisses onto the lined baking sheet. Feel free to make them as big or small as you like!
- Sprinkle the tops of each meringue with crushed peppermint candies, adding a delightful crunch.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours. The meringues should be dry and easily lift off the parchment paper when done.
- Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the meringues to cool completely inside with the oven door slightly ajar. This step helps to prevent cracks and maintains their lovely texture.
Notes or Tips
- Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of grease for the best results when whipping egg whites.
- For an added touch, consider drizzling some melted chocolate over the cooled meringues for an extra flavor boost!
- To store any leftovers, keep the meringues in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for several days if you can resist eating them all at once!
Cooking Techniques
Whipping egg whites to the perfect consistency is key for achieving light and airy meringues. The process of incorporating air into the egg whites is what gives them their delightful texture. Remember, patience is your ally here! Also, baking low and slow is crucial to avoid browning and to ensure that your meringues dry out beautifully.
FAQ
- Can I use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar? While powdered sugar can be used, it may change the texture slightly. Granulated sugar helps to create the beloved crunchy exterior.
- What can I do if my meringue isn’t holding peaks? Make sure you didn’t introduce any yolks into your egg whites, as even a small amount of fat can prevent them from whipping correctly. Also, ensure your bowl is grease-free.
- How can I customize these meringues? Experiment with different flavorings like almond or lemon, or add festive spices such as cinnamon for a unique twist!
Conclusion
These White Christmas Peppermint Meringues are not just a treat; they are an experience! Their delicate structure and refreshing peppermint flavor make them the perfect addition to your holiday festivities. Whether enjoyed as a sweet snack, shared with friends, or gifted in charming packaging, they’re sure to bring joy to anyone who takes a bite. Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with sweet moments!