| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 1 hr 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 50 | 0g | 0g | 12g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 12g | 0g | 1g | 0.01g |
At first glance, you might wonder why I chose to write about Peppermint Meringues. Truth be told, this simple yet elegant dessert brings back cherished memories of holiday gatherings with my family, where my grandparents’ kitchen was always filled with laughter, warmth, and the delightful scent of freshly prepared treats. There’s something inherently festive about these meringues, their crisp texture, and the delicate balance of sweetness and peppermint that made them a staple in our family’s holiday traditions.
Nostalgia Through Flavor
When I bite into one of these Peppermint Meringues, I’m instantly transported back to my childhood in New Jersey. The creamy texture reminds me of the first time I helped my nonna whip egg whites to stiff peaks, standing on a stool to reach the mixing bowl. Making these meringues is a beautiful way to share a piece of my past with my grandchildren, and keep our family traditions alive.
Benefits Beyond the Taste
What’s more, Peppermint Meringues aren’t just a delight for your taste buds; they also come with a few health perks. Egg whites are a fantastic source of high-quality protein, and they are low in calories. With no added fats other than the small amount from the cream of tartar and sugar, they are a lighter alternative to many other holiday treats. Plus, peppermint has been known to aid digestion and relieve headaches, making these meringues a guilt-free indulgence.
These meringues can also be a lovely companion to a hot cup of peppermint tea or served alongside a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing end to a meal. They remind me a lot of the lemon meringue treats you might enjoy in the summer—light, airy, and absolutely satisfying.
Whether you’re steeped in Italian-American tradition like my family or simply seeking a delightful and health-conscious sweet, Peppermint Meringues are a recipe you’ll want to keep in your repertoire. I hope you enjoy making and indulging in these as much as we do.
What You’ll Need
- 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Red food coloring (gel or liquid)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step Two
In a large, clean bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until they become frothy. Add in the cream of tartar and continue to beat until soft peaks form.
Step Three
Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat the mixture. Increase the speed to high and beat until the egg whites are glossy and stiff peaks form. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step Four
Gently fold in the peppermint extract until it is well incorporated.
Step Five
If you are using red food coloring, dip a toothpick into the gel coloring and lightly streak the inside of a piping bag fitted with a star or round tip. If using liquid food coloring, add a few drops to the meringue mixture and gently swirl it without fully mixing.
Step Six
Carefully spoon the meringue mixture into the prepared piping bag and pipe small, bite-sized meringues onto the lined baking sheets.
Step Seven
Bake in the preheated oven for about 1.5 hours, or until the meringues are dry to the touch and easily peel off the parchment paper. Turn off the oven and let the meringues cool completely inside the oven to prevent cracking.
Step Eight
Once cooled, store the peppermint meringues in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy!
