These White Christmas Peppermint Meringues are a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. With their sweet peppermint flavor and light, crispy texture, these meringues are a lovely addition to any festive table. They’re simple to make and can be enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or even a gift.

Why You Will Love This White Christmas Peppermint Meringues

This recipe is great if you’re looking for an easy yet impressive dessert. The ingredients are simple, and it doesn’t take much time to whip them up. Plus, they’re gluten-free and made with just a few everyday items you might already have in your pantry. It’s a fun way to get the kids involved in the kitchen during holiday baking!

How to Make White Christmas Peppermint Meringues

Making these meringues is uncomplicated, even for beginners. You’ll whip egg whites until they’re light and fluffy, then slowly add sugar to create a sweet, shiny mixture. A touch of peppermint extract gives them a refreshing flavor, while a bit of food coloring adds a festive flair.

What You Need

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

Step-by-Step

Prepare the Meringue Mixture: In a clean bowl, beat your egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar while continuing to beat until the mixture is glossy and stiff peaks form. Fold in peppermint extract and food coloring gently.
Pipe the Meringues: Transfer the meringue to a piping bag. Pipe small rounds onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake and Cool: Bake in a preheated oven until the meringues are crisp and dry. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.

How to Serve White Christmas Peppermint Meringues

These meringues are fantastic on their own but can also be paired with hot cocoa or coffee for a delightful treat. Consider using them as a topping for cakes or ice cream, or even serving them at a holiday party. They make a pretty centerpiece for your dessert table!

How to Store White Christmas Peppermint Meringues

To keep these meringues fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to two weeks. If you want to freeze them, make sure they are completely cool and store them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Recipe Tips

Use room temperature egg whites for better volume.
Make sure your mixing bowl and tools are completely clean and dry.
If you prefer, substitute the peppermint extract with vanilla for a different flavor.
Don’t open the oven while baking to prevent the meringues from collapsing.
Fold in the food coloring gently to maintain a nice marbled look.

Variations & Swaps

For a chocolate version, add cocoa powder to the meringue mixture.
You can substitute peppermint extract with almond or vanilla for different flavor profiles.
Add crushed candy canes to the top of the meringues before baking for a fun crunch.

FAQs

Can I make meringues ahead of time?
Yes! Meringues can be made a few days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh. This makes them perfect for holiday prep whenever you need to.

Can I freeze meringues?
Absolutely! Allow the meringues to cool completely, then place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can be frozen for about a month. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to use them.

How do I reheat meringues?
You don’t need to reheat meringues since they are best enjoyed at room temperature. If you notice they’re a bit soft, you can place them back in a low oven for about 10 minutes to crisp them up, but keep a close eye on them.

What should I serve with meringues?
These meringues pair beautifully with hot drinks like cocoa or coffee. They can also be served alongside a bowl of ice cream, or even layered in parfaits for a fun dessert.

What’s a common mistake to avoid when making meringues?
A common mistake is not beating the egg whites enough. Make sure they reach stiff peaks and the sugar is fully dissolved before piping. If they aren’t beaten enough, your meringues might not hold their shape while baking.