Dreamy Mini Peppermint Meringue Cookies Recipe for Holiday Joy

Sweet dreams dance with delicate peppermint meringue cookies that melt like sugary clouds on your tongue.

Crisp and airy, these delightful treats capture winter’s magical essence in each delicate bite.

Whispers of peppermint swirl through light-as-air confections that crunch gently between your teeth.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary and elegantly festive.

Delicate egg whites whipped into glossy peaks create a canvas for cool mint magic.

Baking these miniature miracles requires patience and a gentle touch that rewards you with ethereal confections.

You’ll fall in love with how effortlessly these cookies become the star of any dessert spread.

One taste will transport you to a winter wonderland of sweet, minty bliss.

What Makes Mini Peppermint Meringue Cookies a Holiday Favorite

• Perfect for festive gatherings and gift-giving, these mini peppermint meringue cookies are a delightful seasonal dessert.
• Requiring minimal ingredients and basic baking skills, this recipe offers an impressive treat that looks professionally crafted with just simple mixing and piping techniques.
• Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch, or experiment with different extracts like vanilla or almond to match your flavor preferences and make these meringues uniquely yours.
• Store these delicate cookies in an airtight container for up to two weeks, making them ideal for preparing in advance and enjoying throughout the holiday season or sharing as homemade gifts.

Ingredient Checklist for Peppermint Meringue Cookies

Main Ingredients:

Egg Whites: The base of meringue, provides structure and lightness to the cookies.

Sugar: Sweetens and helps create glossy, stable meringue peaks.

Peppermint Extract: Adds refreshing mint flavor to the cookies.

Stabilizing Ingredients:

Cream of Tartar: Helps stabilize egg whites and create smoother, more consistent meringue.

Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps control egg white protein structure.

Decorative Ingredients:

Crushed Peppermint Candy: Adds festive crunch and extra peppermint flavor to the surface of meringues.

Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: Non-stick surface for easy baking and cookie removal.

Instructions for Making Peppermint Meringue Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Set aside clean workspace with all tools ready.

Step 2: Whip Egg Whites

• Cream of tartar
• Salt

Continue beating until soft peaks develop and mixture looks light and fluffy.

Step 3: Build Meringue Structure

• Peaks become stiff and glossy
• Mixture maintains perfect shape when lifted
• Texture appears smooth and luxurious

Gently incorporate peppermint extract using folding technique.

Step 4: Create Delicate Shapes

Fill piping bag with star tip. Craft small swirled dollops onto prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle each meringue with crushed peppermint candy.

Step 5: Slow Bake Process

Place baking sheets in oven preheated to 200°F. Bake for one hour. Turn off oven, keeping door closed, and allow cookies to dry for additional hour.

Step 6: Store Delightful Treats

Transfer completely cooled meringues to airtight container. Cookies will remain fresh at room temperature for two weeks.

Expert Tips for Perfect Peppermint Meringues

• Optimize Egg White Whipping: Use room-temperature eggs to achieve maximum volume and smoother peaks when beating, ensuring your meringue reaches peak fluffiness.
• Prevent Moisture Mishaps: Ensure all utensils are completely dry and free from any oil or grease, which can prevent egg whites from forming proper peaks.
• Master Piping Technique: Hold the piping bag vertically and apply consistent pressure to create uniform, beautiful meringue dollops with clean edges.
• Control Sugar Addition: Add sugar gradually and slowly while beating to help the meringue stabilize and create a glossy, smooth texture that holds its shape perfectly.
• Store with Care: Keep meringues in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to maintain their delicate crispness and prevent them from becoming sticky or soft.

How to Store Mini Peppermint Meringue Cookies the Right Way

• Place cooled meringues in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Store in a sealed container away from humidity and direct sunlight for maximum crispness, keeping them fresh up to 2 weeks.
• Carefully pack meringues in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers, preserving texture for up to 1 month.
• Avoid microwaving. Let frozen meringues thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to maintain their delicate crunch.

What Goes Well with Peppermint Meringue Cookies

• Rich, velvety dark hot chocolate complements the light, crisp meringue with intense chocolate depth and warmth, creating a delightful winter-inspired flavor combination.
• Smooth, herbal peppermint tea echoes the cookie's minty notes, enhancing the delicate texture and providing a refreshing palate cleansing experience after each sweet bite.
• Creamy cappuccino with a sprinkle of cocoa powder offers a robust contrast to the airy meringue, balancing sweetness with a sophisticated coffee undertone that elevates the dessert's delicate profile.
• Smooth, silky vanilla liqueur introduces a luxurious adult twist, complementing the light meringue with its rich, smooth essence and adding an elegant touch to the holiday treat.

Creative Peppermint Meringue Cookie Variations

• Chocolate Peppermint Swirl: Add cocoa powder to the meringue mixture and create a marbled effect by gently swirling chocolate and white meringue together before piping.
• Gluten-Free Candy Cane: Use crushed gluten-free candy canes instead of regular peppermint candies for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Aquafaba Alternative: Replace egg whites with chickpea liquid (aquafaba) and use coconut sugar for a plant-based meringue version that maintains a similar light texture.
• Low-Sugar Stevia Option: Substitute regular sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly and lower-calorie version of the classic meringue cookie.

Mini Peppermint Meringue Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

These delightful mini peppermint meringue cookies melt in your mouth with festive holiday cheer. Crisp, light, and kissed with peppermint essence, they bring sweet magic to dessert tables and winter celebrations.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 egg whites, room temperature
• ⅔ cup (160 ml) granulated sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) peppermint extract

Stabilizing Ingredients:

• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) cream of tartar
• 1/8 teaspoon (0.6 ml) salt

Garnish:

• Crushed peppermint candies

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Instructions

1. Sanitize equipment by ensuring mixing bowl and beaters are immaculately clean and free from any grease residue, which could hinder egg white volume.
2. Separate egg whites into a pristine bowl, allowing them to reach room temperature for optimal volume and texture.
3. Initiate whisking egg whites at medium velocity until frothy and translucent, creating a soft, airy foundation.
4. Incorporate cream of tartar and salt to stabilize the meringue structure, continuing to whip until soft, pillowy peaks emerge.
5. Gradually introduce granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, elevating mixer speed to maximum intensity to develop glossy, rigid peaks that maintain their distinctive shape.
6. Delicately fold peppermint extract into the luminous meringue, ensuring even distribution without deflating the delicate foam.
7. Carefully transfer the ethereal mixture into a piping bag equipped with an elegant star-shaped nozzle.
8. Craft miniature, uniform meringue rosettes onto parchment-lined baking sheets, maintaining consistent size and spacing.
9. Artfully dust each meringue with crushed peppermint confectionery for a festive, crunchy embellishment.
10. Position trays in a low-temperature oven, allowing gentle dehydration for precisely one hour.
11. Switch off oven, leaving meringues undisturbed to complete their drying process, creating crisp, melt-in-your-mouth morsels.
12. Once thoroughly cooled, preserve these delicate treats in an hermetic container, maintaining their pristine texture for up to two weeks.

Notes

• Choose a grease-free bowl to prevent egg whites from deflating, ensuring perfect meringue texture and height.
• Use room temperature egg whites for better volume and stability when whipping.
• Add cream of tartar gradually to help stabilize the egg whites and create smoother, more consistent peaks.
• Avoid any moisture or oil contamination, which can prevent egg whites from forming stiff peaks.
• Pipe meringues uniformly for even baking and consistent size, using slow, steady pressure on the piping bag.
• Create gluten-free and dairy-free treats by ensuring all ingredients are pure and uncontaminated.
• Customize flavors by swapping peppermint extract with vanilla, almond, or other extracts for variety.
• Store in a cool, dry place to maintain crisp texture and prevent softening from humidity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 28
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 15 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg