Peppermint Swirl Meringues

I made these Peppermint Swirl Meringues the other day, and oh wow, they looked so fun and festive. The minty smell filled my kitchen. I just had to tell you about them.

I love how simple they are to make. A few ingredients, and you get light, airy meringues. The peppermint swirl makes them feel special and sweet.

I couldn’t stop nibbling on them. Each bite felt crisp, sweet, and minty. You’ll probably feel the same excitement when you try them.

So, let’s make them together. They’re easy and fun. Perfect for treats or gifting to someone special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Beautiful and Festive: The peppermint red swirls add a striking visual appeal perfect for the holiday season.
• Easy Yet Elegant: While they look fancy, they require only a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience.
• Light and Airy: Each bite is crisp yet dissolves into sweet, minty bliss.
• Customizable: You can switch up the flavors, colors, or even add a drizzle of chocolate.
• Perfect for Gifting: Pack these in a decorative box for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: To whip the egg whites to stiff peaks.
• Mixing Bowl: A clean, grease-free bowl is essential for achieving the right texture.
• Pastry Bag: For piping meringue.
• Piping Tips: Use a star or round tip for beautiful shapes.
• Baking Sheets: Line with parchment paper or silicone mats.
• Toothpick: To add red gel food coloring swirls.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these gorgeous treats (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Egg Whites (3 large): Room-temperature egg whites whip up better for maximum volume.
• Granulated Sugar (¾ cup): Ensures structure and sweetness for the meringues.
• Cream of Tartar (¼ teaspoon): Helps stabilize the egg whites.
• Diamond Crystal® Baking Salt (⅛ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness.
• Peppermint Extract (¼ teaspoon): Adds a refreshing, festive flavor.
• Red Gel Food Coloring: Creates the beautiful peppermint swirl effect.
• Dark Chocolate (6 ounces): Optional but perfect for dipping or drizzling.

Variations for Peppermint Swirl Meringues

• Color Play: Switch up the red for green, gold, or any other festive color.
• Flavor Twist: Try vanilla extract, almond extract, or even a citrus zest in place of peppermint.
• Chocolate Lovers: Dip the bottoms in dark, milk, or white chocolate for added indulgence.
• Crunchy Additions: Sprinkle crushed candy canes or sprinkles on top before baking for added texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients

• Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
• Ensure your mixing bowl and whisk are clean and grease-free. Even a small amount of oil or grease can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.

2. Whip the Egg Whites

1. Add the egg whites to the mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed until foamy, about 1-2 minutes.
2. Sprinkle in the cream of tartar and salt, and continue beating. Gradually increase the speed to medium-high.
3. Slowly add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, ensuring each addition is dissolved before adding more. This step prevents a gritty texture.
4. Beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. This means the meringue should hold its shape when the whisk is lifted.

3. Add Peppermint Flavor

Gently fold in the peppermint extract using a spatula. Avoid overmixing, which could deflate the meringue.

4. Create the Peppermint Swirl

1. Take a pastry bag fitted with your desired piping tip. Using a toothpick, draw vertical stripes of red gel food coloring along the inside of the bag.
2. Carefully spoon the meringue into the bag, ensuring the stripes stay intact.

5. Pipe the Meringues

Pipe the meringue onto the prepared baking sheets in small swirls or kisses, about 1 inch apart.

6. Bake the Meringues

1. Bake the meringues for 1 hour, then turn off the oven.
2. Leave the meringues inside the oven with the door closed for another hour to dry completely. This prevents cracking and ensures a crisp texture.

7. Optional Chocolate Dip

1. Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth.
2. Dip the bottoms of the cooled meringues into the melted chocolate or drizzle it over the tops for an extra touch of decadence.

How to Serve Peppermint Swirl Meringues

These versatile meringues can be served in many ways:

• Holiday Dessert Table: Pair them with other festive treats for a stunning display.
• Hot Chocolate Garnish: Float one on top of a steaming mug of hot cocoa.
• Party Favors: Wrap them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for delightful take-home gifts.
• Edible Décor: Use them to top cakes or cupcakes for an extra touch of elegance.

Storing Peppermint Swirl Meringues

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Ensure they are kept away from moisture to maintain their crispness.
• Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size	1 Meringue (approx.)
Calories	15
Total Fat	0g
Carbohydrates	4g
Sugar	4g
Protein	0g

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Meringues store well for up to two weeks, making them a great make-ahead option.

Why did my meringues crack?

Cracking can occur if they cool too quickly. Be sure to leave them in the oven after baking to cool gradually.

Can I use liquid food coloring?

Gel food coloring works best as it won’t alter the meringue consistency.