Every year, when the holiday season hits, my wallet starts to feel a bit light. Between the gifts for the kids and the endless supply of wrapping paper, I always look for ways to keep our festive traditions affordable. That is how I fell in love with White Christmas Peppermint Meringues.
I remember the first time I made them; the kitchen smelled like a candy shop, and the kids were mesmerized by the snowy white peaks. These White Christmas Peppermint Meringues look like professional bakery treats, but they actually cost pennies to make. If you want a dessert that screams holiday magic without breaking your budget, these White Christmas Peppermint Meringues are the perfect answer.
They are light, airy, and perfectly minty. Plus, making White Christmas Peppermint Meringues provides a great way to use up those extra egg whites you might have from other holiday baking projects. We call them “snow clouds” at our house because they melt away the moment they hit your tongue.
You do not need expensive chocolate or fancy imported ingredients for this recipe. All you need are a few pantry staples and a little bit of patience. These White Christmas Peppermint Meringues have become my secret weapon for office parties and school bake sales.
Everyone assumes I spent hours at a boutique bakery, but I actually spent less than five dollars on the whole batch. Let me show you how to master these White Christmas Peppermint Meringues so you can dazzle your family this year.
Why You’ll Love These White Christmas Peppermint Meringues
There are so many reasons to fall in love with White Christmas Peppermint Meringues. First, they are incredibly budget-friendly. Most of us already have eggs and sugar in the kitchen.
Consequently, you avoid that stressful last-minute trip to the grocery store during the December rush. Second, White Christmas Peppermint Meringues are naturally gluten-free and fat-free. This makes them a safe and inclusive option for guests with dietary restrictions. You can serve White Christmas Peppermint Meringues at any party knowing most people can enjoy them without worry.
Third, the visual appeal is unmatched. The stark white color of the White Christmas Peppermint Meringues contrasts beautifully with the bright red peppermint bits. They look elegant on a platter.
Furthermore, these cookies are surprisingly easy to make if you follow a few simple rules. You do not need to be a master pastry chef to produce stunning White Christmas Peppermint Meringues. Finally, the texture provides a delightful crunch that dissolves into a creamy finish.
It is the ultimate lightweight dessert after a heavy holiday meal. Once you try these White Christmas Peppermint Meringues, they will become a permanent part of your holiday rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the best White Christmas Peppermint Meringues, you only need five basic ingredients. I love how simple this list is. We focus on quality over quantity here. Below is the list of everything you need to gather before you start whisking.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Egg Whites | 4 Large | Provides the structure and volume. |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 Cup | Sweetens and stabilizes the meringue. |
| Cream of Tartar | 1/4 Teaspoon | Helps the egg whites hold their peak. |
| Peppermint Extract | 1/2 Teaspoon | Gives that signature holiday flavor. |
| Crushed Candy Canes | 2 Tablespoons | Adds festive color and crunch. |
Substitutions & Variations
While the classic White Christmas Peppermint Meringues are perfect as they are, you can always switch things up. If you do not have candy canes, you can use crushed peppermint hard candies instead. This is a great way to use up leftover candy from the bottom of the stocking.
If you prefer a different flavor, substitute the peppermint extract with vanilla or almond extract. However, keep in mind that peppermint is what makes them true White Christmas Peppermint Meringues.
For a more colorful look, you can paint stripes of red food coloring inside your piping bag. This creates a beautiful candy-cane swirl on your White Christmas Peppermint Meringues. Another fun variation involves dipping the bottoms of the baked White Christmas Peppermint Meringues into melted dark chocolate.
This adds a rich layer of flavor but might slightly increase the cost. If you are out of cream of tartar, a few drops of lemon juice or white vinegar can serve as a stabilizer in a pinch. However, cream of tartar yields the most consistent results for White Christmas Peppermint Meringues.
While the classic White Christmas Peppermint Meringues are perfect as they are, you can always switch things up. If you’re looking for a different type of bread to pair with your treats, check out this article on Is artisan Italian bread the same as white bread?.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps carefully to ensure your White Christmas Peppermint Meringues turn out light and crisp. Do not rush the process. Meringue requires a gentle hand and a bit of time.
Visual Guide: We’ve included this video to help you see the techniques in action, but please stick to the written instructions below for the exact recipe.
- Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 225°F (107°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This prevents the White Christmas Peppermint Meringues from sticking.
- Separate the Eggs: Carefully separate your egg whites from the yolks. Ensure no yolk gets into the whites, or they will not whip properly. Place the whites in a very clean, grease-free glass or metal bowl.
- Whip the Whites: Add the cream of tartar to the egg whites. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Beat until soft peaks form. This means the foam should hold its shape but the tip should fold over when you lift the whisk.
- Add Sugar Slowly: Increase the mixer speed to high. Add the sugar one tablespoon at a time. This step is crucial for smooth White Christmas Peppermint Meringues. Continue beating until the mixture is glossy and holds stiff peaks.
- Flavor the Batch: Gently fold in the peppermint extract. Do not overmix, as you do not want to deflate the air you just worked so hard to incorporate into your White Christmas Peppermint Meringues.
- Pipe the Shapes: Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe small mounds onto the prepared baking sheets. Sprinkle the tops with crushed candy canes.
- Bake and Dry: Bake the White Christmas Peppermint Meringues for 1 hour. Then, turn off the oven and leave the door closed. Let the White Christmas Peppermint Meringues sit in the cooling oven for another hour to dry out completely.
Pro Tips for Success
Success with White Christmas Peppermint Meringues starts with a clean bowl. Any trace of oil or fat will prevent the egg whites from reaching their full volume. I always wipe my bowl and whisk with a little bit of vinegar before I start.
This ensures a pristine surface for the White Christmas Peppermint Meringues. Also, use room-temperature eggs. They whip up much faster and more reliably than cold eggs from the fridge.
Humidity is the enemy of the White Christmas Peppermint Meringues. If it is a rainy or very humid day, the sugar in the meringues will absorb moisture from the air. This results in sticky or chewy cookies.
Try to make your White Christmas Peppermint Meringues on a dry day if possible. Lastly, do not open the oven door while they are baking. Sudden temperature changes can cause the White Christmas Peppermint Meringues to crack. Patience is the most important ingredient in this recipe!
Success with White Christmas Peppermint Meringues starts with a clean bowl. To ensure your egg whites whip up perfectly, consider making a batch of Healthy Edible Brownie Batter to use up any leftover ingredients.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Storing your White Christmas Peppermint Meringues correctly is vital. These cookies do not like moisture. Once they have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container immediately.
If you leave White Christmas Peppermint Meringues out on the counter for too long, they will lose their crunch. They can last for up to two weeks if kept in a cool, dry place.
You should never refrigerate White Christmas Peppermint Meringues. The humidity in the fridge will turn them into a sticky mess. If they do happen to get a bit soft, you can refresh them.
Place the White Christmas Peppermint Meringues back in a 200°F oven for about 10 minutes. This will crisp them up again. However, it is best to avoid this by using a high-quality sealed container from the start.
What to Serve With This Recipe
These White Christmas Peppermint Meringues are the perfect companion for a hot beverage. I love serving them alongside a steaming mug of homemade hot cocoa. The peppermint flavor complements the chocolate beautifully.
You can even drop a small White Christmas Peppermint Meringue directly into the cocoa as a floating garnish. It looks adorable and adds a hint of mint to the drink.
They also look wonderful on a larger holiday cookie platter. Pair your White Christmas Peppermint Meringues with heavier items like gingerbread men or shortbread cookies. The lightness of the meringue balances out the richer, buttery treats.
For an adult gathering, serve White Christmas Peppermint Meringues with a strong cup of coffee or a peppermint mocha. They provide just enough sweetness to satisfy a dessert craving without feeling overly indulgent.
These White Christmas Peppermint Meringues are the perfect companion for a hot beverage. Pair them with some warm cocoa or try them alongside these Ingredient No Bake Brownie Bites for a festive treat.
FAQs
Can I use egg whites from a carton for White Christmas Peppermint Meringues?
I generally recommend using fresh egg whites for White Christmas Peppermint Meringues. Carton egg whites are often pasteurized, which can prevent them from reaching the necessary volume. If you must use them, check the label to ensure they are suitable for whipping.
How do I know when the meringues are done?
The White Christmas Peppermint Meringues should feel light and hollow. They should easily lift off the parchment paper without sticking. If they are still soft or tacky, they need more time in the drying phase.
Why did my White Christmas Peppermint Meringues turn brown?
If your White Christmas Peppermint Meringues are browning, your oven temperature is too high. Meringues should be baked “low and slow” to maintain their snowy white color. Check your oven calibration or lower the temperature by 10 degrees next time.
Can I freeze White Christmas Peppermint Meringues?
Yes, you can freeze White Christmas Peppermint Meringues in a very tight airtight container for up to a month. However, you must be careful when thawing them. Any condensation that forms during the thawing process can make them sticky. It is usually easier to just keep them in a pantry.
Is it okay to add food coloring to the mixture?
Yes, you can add food coloring to your White Christmas Peppermint Meringues. I recommend using gel food coloring rather than liquid. Liquid coloring can change the consistency of the egg whites and cause the White Christmas Peppermint Meringues to deflate.
White Christmas Peppermint Meringues are a delightful holiday dessert that combines the lightness of meringues with the refreshing flavor of peppermint. These treats are often enjoyed during festive celebrations, making them a popular choice for holiday events and gatherings, as described in this article about desserts.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
This information is based on a serving size of two small White Christmas Peppermint Meringues. These are a fantastic low-calorie option for those watching their intake during the holidays.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 45 kcal |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 10mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 11g |
| Sugars | 11g |
| Protein | 1g |
I hope your family enjoys these White Christmas Peppermint Meringues as much as mine does! They are a budget-friendly way to bring a little extra sparkle to your holiday table. Happy baking!
Print
White Christmas Peppermint Meringues
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These White Christmas Peppermint Meringues are light, airy, and perfectly minty treats that look elegant and taste delightful, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
4 Large Egg Whites
1 cup Granulated Sugar
1/4 teaspoon Cream of Tartar
1/2 teaspoon Peppermint Extract
2 tablespoons Crushed Candy Canes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 225°F (107°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper
- Separate your egg whites from the yolks and place them in a very clean, grease-free bowl
- Add cream of tartar to the egg whites and beat with a mixer until soft peaks form
- Increase the mixer speed to high and add the sugar one tablespoon at a time, beating until the mixture is glossy and holds stiff peaks
- Gently fold in the peppermint extract
- Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe small mounds onto the baking sheets. Sprinkle tops with crushed candy canes
- Bake for 1 hour, then turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside for another hour to dry out completely
Notes
For best results, ensure that your mixing bowl is clean and free of grease.
Use room temperature eggs for a better whip.
Store meringues in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American