The Best Peppermint Meringue To Get Into The Festive Mood

When we think of the festive season and food, there’s a good chance that the same things come to mind. Gingerbread cookies, delicious roasted vegetables, and candy canes. While there are plenty of reasons that the favorites have stuck around all these years, there are plenty of excuses for trying something new every now and then.

Now, it could be time to whip up the best peppermint meringue to get into the festive mood. As well as adding a splash of flavor, it might not be long before we wonder why we’ve skipped the addition all these years. After all, who doesn’t love peppermint meringue?

1. Preheat the oven and prepare your meringue base 

• 4 egg whites
• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract

To get your peppermint meringue started, begin by lining two baking sheets with baking parchment. From there, preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit before working on your meringue. Mix your egg whites, salt, and cream of tartar with an electric whisk for around a minute until you’re left with a fluffy, white mixture. Turn your mixer down to a slow speed and add in the sugar one tablespoon at a time. Once all the sugar is added, turn the mixer to high speed and whisk for four to six minutes until the peppermint meringue resembles marshmallow that holds its peaks. Finally, stir in the peppermint extract.

2. Pipe your meringues onto baking sheets 

• Piping bag
• Red food gel

Open your disposable piping bag, cut a suitable-sized hole, and fit a large piping nozzle. Then, use a cocktail stick or thin paintbrush to paint thin vertical stripes of red food coloring on the inside of the bag. From there, place it in an empty glass to prop the bag up and open while you fill it with the peppermint meringue mixture. Carefully spoon in the mixture before piping two-inch meringues onto your baking sheets, making sure to leave at least one inch between each one. Your meringues will need between one hour 30 minutes and two hours to cook fully and should be hard to the touch when done. Allow them to cool for at least two hours.

3. Prepare your peppermints and chocolate chips

• 5 peppermint candy canes
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

There are multiple ways to create some peppermint crush to add to your meringues. One idea is to place the candy canes into a plastic bag and use something like a rolling pin to break them into fine pieces. Alternatively, you can put them in a food processor and pulse them until you get the same results. Once ready, transfer the crumbs into a bowl. At the same time, place your chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave them for 30 seconds at a time, making sure to stir them between batches until your chocolate chips are melted and smooth. 

4. Bring your peppermint meringue to life

Take each of your cooled peppermint meringues and start by dipping the bottom of each one into the melted chocolate, ensuring the extra has run off before sprinkling over some crushed peppermint candy canes. Return them to the baking sheet one by one and work your way through the batch until done. Add these to the refrigerator for at least 15 or 20 minutes until they’re set before transferring every peppermint meringue to an airtight container to keep fresh.

Making the best peppermint meringue to get in the festive mood might be easier than we ever imagined. The best bit? As well as being a delicious treat for all the family, they can also make for some great gifts for loved ones if you want to make something special for the holidays.