Peppermint Meringues – Light, Crisp, and Perfect for the Holidays!

I am so thrilled to share these Peppermint Meringues with you! Whether you’re looking for a festive addition to your holiday cookie tray or a sweet, budget-friendly treat to gift, these little beauties check all the boxes. They’re crisp, melt-in-your-mouth light, and require only a few simple ingredients.

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Why You’ll Love These Peppermint Meringues

These peppermint meringues are:

• Budget-Friendly – Made with pantry staples like egg whites, sugar, and candy canes.
• Super Simple – With just a few steps, they’re practically foolproof.
• Perfect for Gifting – Add them to gift boxes or holiday platters for a personal, sweet touch.
• Light as Air – Crisp outside with a delicate melt-in-your-mouth texture.

What Do Peppermint Meringues Taste Like?

Imagine the lightest, crunchiest bite with the subtle sweetness of meringue, paired with a refreshing peppermint twist. The crushed candy canes add a touch of color and festive flair, while their flavor beautifully complements the sweet meringue. These little cookies are simple yet unforgettable—perfect for the holidays!

Ingredients for Peppermint Meringues

To make these delightful peppermint meringues, you’ll need:

• 2 large egg whites
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon cream of tartar
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 peppermint candy canes, crushed

Optional Tools for Preparation

While you can absolutely make these meringues with basic kitchen tools, these will make the process smoother:

• Hand Mixer – Great for beating egg whites to the perfect stiff peaks.
• Stand Mixer – Ideal if you prefer hands-free whisking.

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Flavor Enhancements: Add ¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract or a drop of peppermint extract for an extra flavor boost.
• Decorative Touch: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled meringues for a beautiful (and tasty!) finish.
• Sprinkles: Replace the candy canes with red and green holiday sprinkles for a fun twist.

How to Make Peppermint Meringues

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect peppermint meringues:

1. Preheat & Prep
   Preheat your oven to 225°F (107°C). Line baking sheets with foil—this keeps the meringues from sticking without greasing.
2. Beat the Egg Whites
   In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until they’re foamy. Add the salt and cream of tartar, then beat until soft peaks form.
3. Gradually Add Sugar
   Slowly add the sugar, one spoonful at a time, while continuing to beat. This step is key for achieving stiff, glossy peaks. It should take about 7-8 minutes of beating.
4. Form the Meringues
   Using a teaspoon, drop dollops of the meringue mixture onto your prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle each with crushed peppermint candy.
5. Bake to Perfection
   Bake for 90 minutes. The meringues should look crisp and dry.
6. Cool in the Oven
   Turn off the oven, leaving the door slightly ajar, and let the cookies cool inside for at least 1 hour. This ensures the perfect light and airy texture.

What to Serve with Peppermint Meringues

These meringues are delightful on their own, but you can serve them with:

• A warm mug of hot chocolate – Try my Hot Chocolate Cookies for an extra cozy pairing.
• A platter of holiday cookies, like these Chocolate Crinkle Cookies.
• A festive dessert spread, including a rich Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake.

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Tips for Perfect Peppermint Meringues

1. Use Clean Tools: Ensure your bowl and beaters are completely grease-free for the egg whites to whip properly.
2. Don’t Rush the Sugar: Gradually adding the sugar ensures a smooth, stable meringue.
3. Low and Slow Baking: Meringues bake best at a low temperature over a longer period to stay crisp without browning.
4. Store Properly: Keep meringues in an airtight container to maintain their crisp texture.

How to Store Peppermint Meringues

Store the meringues in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Avoid humidity, as it can soften them. If you live in a humid climate, adding a small desiccant packet to the container can help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make peppermint meringues ahead of time?
Yes! These cookies are perfect for making in advance. Just store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve or gift them.

Why did my meringues turn sticky?
Meringues can become sticky if they’re exposed to moisture or humidity. Make sure they are stored in an airtight container in a dry environment.

How do I know when my meringues are done?
They should look crisp and dry on the outside. If you’re unsure, let them sit in the oven with the door slightly ajar for a little longer to ensure they’re fully dried.

Conclusion

These peppermint meringues are the perfect holiday treat—simple, elegant, and full of festive charm. Whether you’re making them for a cookie swap, gifting them to friends, or enjoying them with a cup of hot cocoa, they’re guaranteed to impress.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a review and share your photos with me on Pinterest. I always love seeing your beautiful creations.

For more holiday baking inspiration, check out:

• Hot Chocolate Cookies – A Cozy Winter Treat
• Chocolate Crinkle Cookies – Soft, Fudgy, and Beautifully Crinkled
• Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake

Happy baking! I can’t wait to see these little peppermint delights brighten up your holiday season.

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