White Christmas Peppermint Meringues

These festive and light White Christmas Peppermint Meringues have been a delightful holiday tradition in my family. Their crisp texture with a hint of peppermint flavor captures the essence of the holiday season, making them a perfect treat for sharing. The vibrant red and white swirls add a festive touch to cookie trays.

I created these during a snowy Christmas many years ago, and they instantly became a staple for our family holiday desserts.

Ingredients

• 4 large egg whites: Room temperature is key to achieving the best volume when whipping.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: This creates the sweetness and structure of the meringue.
• 1/4 tsp cream of tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites for better consistency.
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract: Adds a refreshing holiday-inspired flavor.
• Red gel food coloring: Provides beautiful festive color without altering the texture.

How to Make White Christmas Peppermint Meringues

Prepare the Meringue Mixture:

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 225°F or 110°C. Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.

Beat the Egg Whites: Add egg whites to a mixing bowl and beat on medium speed until foamy. Slowly incorporate cream of tartar while whipping to achieve soft peaks.

Add Sugar Gradually: Sprinkle in sugar one tablespoon at a time while beating on high speed. Continue for 5-7 minutes until stiff glossy peaks form.

Add Peppermint Extract: Gently fold in the peppermint extract to evenly disperse the flavor without deflating the mixture.

Pipe the Meringues:

Prepare the Piping Bag: Use a star piping tip for decorative swirls. Add a few drops of red gel food coloring along the inside of the piping bag for striped patterns.

Fill the Bag: Spoon the meringue mixture carefully into the piping bag, ensuring no air bubbles.

Pipe Meringues: Pipe small 1-inch circles onto the baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart for even baking.

Bake and Cool:

Bake: Place the trays in the oven and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Check that the meringues are dry and lift easily from the parchment.

Cool in the Oven: Let the meringues cool in the oven for an additional 30-40 minutes with the heat off. This prevents cracking from sudden temperature changes.

Store: Keep the meringues in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crisp texture.

One of my favorite memories is baking these with my kids as we carefully added the red food coloring—it turned into an art project as much as a baking adventure.

Storage Tips

Store your meringues in a completely airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Avoid placing them in humid environments, as meringues can absorb moisture and lose their crunch.

Recipe FAQs

→ What creates the fluffy texture in meringues?

Egg whites whipped to stiff peaks create the light and airy texture of meringues.

→ How do I achieve the red swirl effect?

Add drops of red gel food coloring along the inside of a piping bag before filling it with meringue mixture to create striking red swirls.

→ How do I know when the meringues are done baking?

Meringues are ready when they are dry to the touch, easily lift from the parchment paper, and maintain their structure.

→ Can I use a different extract for flavoring?

Yes! While peppermint adds a festive touch, you can use vanilla, almond, or citrus extracts to customize the flavor.

→ How should I store meringues to keep them fresh?

Store meringues in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve their crisp texture.