Light as Air Peppermint Meringue Cookies Recipe – Sweet Treats!

Delicate and light, these peppermint meringue cookies dance on the palate with a whimsical blend of sweetness and cool mint.

The crisp, airy texture of these delightful meringue cookies creates a festive treat that melts effortlessly in your mouth.

Each delicate morsel carries a subtle peppermint essence that whispers of winter celebrations and cozy gatherings.

Crafted with simple ingredients, this recipe transforms egg whites into a magical confection that looks as stunning as it tastes.

The gentle crunch and melt-in-your-mouth experience make these cookies a standout dessert for any occasion.

With just a few easy steps, you can create these elegant sweets that are sure to impress and delight.

Grab a whisk and let the baking magic begin – these peppermint meringue cookies are waiting to become your new favorite holiday treat.

Ingredients for Mini Peppermint Meringue Cookies

• Egg Whites: Crucial for creating light, airy texture and providing structure for meringue cookies, select fresh eggs at room temperature for best volume.
• Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes egg whites and helps create smooth, glossy peaks, ensuring meringue remains consistent and voluminous.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps strengthen egg white protein structure.

• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create crisp, melt-in-your-mouth texture, choose fine-grain sugar for smoother incorporation.
• Peppermint Extract: Adds refreshing, cool flavor profile, use pure extract for most intense mint sensation.

• Crushed Peppermint Candy: Creates festive visual appeal and adds extra crunch, select hard peppermint candies for best crushing results.

Tools to Whip Up Mini Peppermint Meringue Cookies with Ease

• Stand Mixer or Electric Mixer: Essential for whipping egg whites to perfect peaks and incorporating sugar smoothly.
• Mixing Bowl: Clean, dry bowl needed for meringue preparation, preferably metal or glass.
• Piping Bag: Crucial for creating beautiful star-shaped meringue cookies with precision.
• Star Tip: Attaches to piping bag to create elegant, textured meringue shapes.
• Baking Sheets: Used for baking and holding meringue dollops during the process.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats: Prevents meringues from sticking and ensures easy removal.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add sugar, cream of tartar, and peppermint extract.
• Spatula: Useful for gently folding peppermint extract into the meringue mixture.

How to Make Light and Airy Mini Peppermint Meringue Cookies

• Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a low 200F and grab two baking sheets. Line them with parchment paper or silicone mats for perfect cookie placement.

• Whip Into Egg Whites

Grab a sparkling clean bowl and beat egg whites until they transform into a fluffy cloud. Sprinkle in cream of tartar and salt, continuing until soft peaks emerge like little white mountains.

• Create Sweet Perfection

Slowly shower sugar into the mixture, one tablespoon at a time. Blast the mixer on high until the meringue becomes glossy and forms stiff, elegant peaks. Gently swirl in peppermint extract for a cool, refreshing twist.

• Craft Delicate Swirls

Load your piping bag with the dreamy mixture. Squeeze out adorable 1-inch dollops onto the prepared sheets. Dust each meringue with crushed peppermint candy for a festive crunch.

• Slow Bake and Rest

Slide the sheets into the oven for one hour. After baking, switch off the oven and let the meringues rest inside with the door closed for another hour. This allows them to dry completely and develop their signature crisp texture.

• Preserve Your Treats

Once cooled, tuck these delicate cookies into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and delightful for up to two weeks at room temperature.

Tricks to Nail the Crunch and Peppermint Kick in Meringue Cookies

• Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for maximum volume and stability.
• Avoid any moisture or grease in the mixing bowl, as it can prevent proper meringue formation.
• These meringues are naturally gluten-free, making them perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
• Swap egg whites with aquafaba (chickpea liquid) for a plant-based version of these light, crispy treats.
• Experiment with different extracts like almond or vanilla for unique taste variations that complement the peppermint.

Serve Mini Peppermint Meringue Cookies with Winter Charm

• Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange these delicate meringues on a white ceramic plate with sprigs of fresh mint and a dusting of crushed candy canes for a stunning winter dessert presentation.
• Sweet Party Nibbles: Serve these mini meringues as bite-sized treats at holiday gatherings, Christmas cocktail parties, or winter wedding receptions alongside hot cocoa or champagne.
• Gifting Delights: Package the cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red and white ribbons, creating charming homemade edible gifts for neighbors, teachers, or Christmas party hosts.
• Dessert Companion: Pair these light, crispy peppermint meringues with rich vanilla ice cream, chocolate mousse, or as a delicate topping for holiday puddings and trifles.

How to Store Mini Peppermint Meringue Cookies Without Losing Snap

• Keep mini meringue cookies in a completely sealed container to prevent moisture absorption and maintain crisp texture.
• Separate cookie layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve delicate shapes during storage.
• Store at room temperature in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight or humid areas to maintain optimal crunchiness.
• Freeze these delicate treats in a rigid container with tight-fitting lid for up to one month, placing wax paper between layers to prevent breaking.

FAQs

• Why use cream of tartar in meringue?

Cream of tartar stabilizes egg whites, helps create a smoother texture, and prevents sugar from crystallizing, resulting in more consistent and fluffy meringue peaks.

• How do I know when my egg whites are properly whipped?

Look for stiff, glossy peaks that stand up straight without falling over when you lift the beater. The mixture should feel smooth and not grainy when you rub it between your fingers.

• Can I make meringues without a piping bag?

Yes, you can use a spoon to drop small dollops onto the baking sheet. However, a piping bag with a star tip creates more attractive and uniform cookies with beautiful texture and shape.

• Why are my meringues cracking?

Cracking usually happens when the sugar is added too quickly or the oven temperature is too high. Always add sugar gradually and bake at a low temperature to prevent cracks and maintain a smooth surface.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 18 kcal

Servings: 25

Fluffy Peppermint Meringue Cookies

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 25 1x

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Description

Delightful mini peppermint meringue cookies offer a festive winter treat with crisp edges and melt-in-mouth centers. Peppermint lovers will savor these light, airy confections that balance sweet and refreshing flavors perfectly.

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Ingredients

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• 3 egg whites (room temperature)
• ⅔ cup (160 ml) granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) peppermint extract
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) cream of tartar
• 1/8 teaspoon (0.6 ml) salt
• Crushed peppermint candies (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Workspace: Thoroughly clean mixing bowl and beaters, eliminating any grease that might compromise egg white volume.
2. Egg White Preparation: Separate whites at room temperature, enabling optimal volume and silky texture.
3. Initial Whisking: Whip egg whites at medium speed until frothy, creating a light, airy base with soft peaks.
4. Stabilize Meringue: Add cream of tartar and salt, continuing to whip until glossy, sturdy peaks form.
5. Sugar Integration: Incrementally blend granulated sugar while increasing mixer speed, developing a luminous, structured meringue with rigid peaks.
6. Flavor Infusion: Gently incorporate peppermint extract, ensuring even distribution without deflating the delicate foam.
7. Piping Technique: Transfer meringue to a star-tipped piping bag, creating uniform rosettes on parchment-lined baking sheets with consistent spacing.
8. Decorative Finish: Sprinkle crushed peppermint candy over meringues for a festive, crunchy embellishment.
9. Drying Process: Bake in a low-temperature oven for one hour, then turn off heat, allowing meringues to dry completely and develop a crisp texture.
10. Storage: Once fully cooled, store in an airtight container, preserving their delicate crunch for up to two weeks.

Notes

Maintain Pristine Equipment: Ensure absolute grease-free surfaces for egg whites to achieve maximum volume and stability.

Temperature Matters: Allow egg whites to reach room temperature before whipping, guaranteeing optimal meringue structure and smooth texture.

Precision in Technique: Gradually add sugar while whipping at high speed to create glossy, stiff peaks that hold their shape perfectly.

Storage Strategy: Keep meringues in airtight container away from humidity to preserve their delicate crispness and prevent sogginess.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 25
• Calories: 18
• Sugar: 3.6 g
• Sodium: 0.3 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4.5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 0.5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg