Calling all holiday bakers! Get ready to add some festive flair to your dessert table with this delightful peppermint meringue kisses recipe. These airy and sweet treats are sure to be a hit with both young and old alike. Made with just a handful of ingredients, they are not only easy to make but also visually stunning.
Imagine biting into a light and crispy meringue shell, and as it melts in your mouth, you are greeted with a burst of refreshing peppermint flavor. The combination of the sweet meringue and the cool peppermint is simply irresistible. You can serve these charming meringue kisses as-is or use them as a whimsical topping for your favorite holiday desserts.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, looking for a homemade gift idea, or simply in the mood to indulge your sweet tooth, these peppermint meringue kisses are the answer. So, grab your baking utensils, dust off your mixing bowls, and let’s dive into this delicious holiday recipe.
Ingredients
To make these delightful peppermint meringue kisses, you will need the following ingredients:
1. 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
2. 1 cup granulated sugar
3. 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
4. 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
5. Red food coloring (optional)
6. Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies, for garnish (optional)
Steps
1. Start by preheating your oven to 225°F (110°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a clean and dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until frothy. Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat the mixture. Increase the speed to high and beat until stiff peaks form. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
3. Once the meringue is stiff and glossy, add the cream of tartar and peppermint extract. Beat for an additional 1-2 minutes until well combined.
4. If desired, add a few drops of red or green food coloring to create a festive swirl effect. Gently fold the food coloring into the meringue, being careful not to overmix and deflate the mixture.
5. Transfer the meringue mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe small kisses onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about an inch apart.
6. Sprinkle the tops of the meringue kisses with crushed candy canes or peppermint candies for a festive touch.
7. Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1.5-2 hours, or until the meringue kisses are dry and easily lift off the parchment paper. The baking time may vary, so keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
8. Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the meringue kisses inside for another hour to cool and dry completely.
9. Carefully remove the meringue kisses from the parchment paper and store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Tips for achieving the perfect meringue texture
Achieving the perfect meringue texture for your peppermint meringue kisses is crucial to their success. Here are a few tips to help you achieve that light and airy consistency:
1. Use room temperature egg whites: Make sure your egg whites are at room temperature before beating them. This will allow them to whip up to their fullest volume.
2. Use a clean mixing bowl: Any traces of grease or fat in your mixing bowl can hinder the meringue from reaching its full potential. Clean your bowl thoroughly before starting.
3. Gradually add the sugar: Adding the sugar gradually while beating the egg whites helps stabilize the meringue and creates a smoother texture.
4. Beat until stiff peaks form: The meringue should hold its shape and form stiff peaks when the beaters are lifted. Be patient and continue beating until you reach this stage.
5. Be gentle when folding in ingredients: When adding the cream of tartar, peppermint extract, and food coloring (if using), gently fold them into the meringue to avoid deflating the mixture.
Remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t be discouraged if your first batch doesn’t turn out exactly as you imagined. With a little patience and practice, you’ll become a meringue-making pro in no time!
Adding peppermint flavor to the meringue mixture
To infuse your peppermint meringue kisses with a burst of flavor, we’ll be using peppermint extract. Peppermint extract is readily available in most grocery stores or baking supply shops. Make sure to use a high-quality extract for the best results.
Add the peppermint extract to the meringue mixture just after the cream of tartar. The extract should be added gradually, starting with 1/4 teaspoon, and then adjusted according to your preference. Remember that a little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and taste the mixture before adding more.
If you prefer a more subtle peppermint flavor, you can reduce the amount of extract used or omit it altogether. The meringue kisses will still have a delightful sweetness, making them an enjoyable treat for everyone.
Decorating and shaping the meringue kisses
One of the joys of making peppermint meringue kisses is that they can be decorated and shaped in various ways. Here are a few ideas to inspire your creativity:
1. Classic Kisses: Pipe small, individual kisses onto the baking sheets using a star tip. These classic shapes are timeless and perfect for any occasion.
2. Swirls and Peaks: Pipe the meringue mixture into larger swirls or peaks for a more dramatic presentation. These shapes are great for decorating cakes or serving as standalone treats.
3. Sandwiches: Pipe two meringue kisses together with a dollop of whipped cream or chocolate ganache in between for a delightful sandwich treat.
4. Mini Trees: Pipe the meringue mixture in the shape of mini Christmas trees and sprinkle them with green sanding sugar for a festive touch.
5. Candy Cane Shapes: Pipe the meringue mixture into candy cane shapes and sprinkle them with crushed candy canes for a whimsical twist.
Feel free to experiment with different shapes and decorations to make your peppermint meringue kisses uniquely yours. The possibilities are endless!
Baking and cooling the meringue kisses
Once you’ve piped the meringue kisses onto the baking sheets and added any desired decorations, it’s time to bake them to perfection. Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C) and place the baking sheets in the center rack. The low temperature allows the meringue to dry out slowly, resulting in a crisp exterior and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior.
The baking time for meringue kisses can vary depending on your oven and the size of the kisses. Generally, it takes between 1.5 to 2 hours for the meringue kisses to dry completely. Keep a close eye on them and check for a dry, easily lift-off texture before removing them from the oven.
Once the meringue kisses are baked, turn off the oven and leave them inside for an additional hour to cool and dry completely. This step is essential for achieving that perfect texture. Removing them too soon can cause them to become sticky or collapse.
Serving and storing the Peppermint Meringue Kisses
Peppermint meringue kisses are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for a short period of time if needed. Here are some tips for serving and storing your delightful treats:
1. Serving: Peppermint meringue kisses are a delightful treat on their own. Serve them on a platter as a sweet finale to your holiday meal or as a whimsical addition to your dessert table. They pair well with hot cocoa, coffee, or tea.
2. Toppings: Use the meringue kisses as a whimsical topping for your favorite holiday desserts. They add a touch of elegance and a burst of peppermint flavor to cakes, pies, or even ice cream sundaes.
3. Gift Idea: Package a handful of peppermint meringue kisses in a festive box or jar, tie it with a ribbon, and give them as a homemade gift. They make a delightful surprise for friends, family, or neighbors.
4. Storage: Peppermint meringue kisses are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They can be kept for up to 3-4 days, but note that they may lose some of their crispness over time. Avoid storing them in humid environments as this can cause them to become sticky.
Remember to handle the meringue kisses with care as they are delicate and can break easily. With their light and airy texture, they are a delightful treat that will surely impress your guests or loved ones.
Variations and optional additions to the recipe
While this peppermint meringue kisses recipe is delightful on its own, you can also experiment with different flavors and additions to customize your treats. Here are a few variations to consider:
1. Chocolate Peppermint: Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the meringue mixture along with the cream of tartar for a chocolatey twist. The combination of chocolate and peppermint is a match made in dessert heaven.
2. Almond Peppermint: Swap out the peppermint extract for almond extract for a nutty twist. Top the meringue kisses with slivered almonds for added crunch and flavor.
3. Dipped in Chocolate: Once the meringue kisses have cooled and dried, dip the bottoms in melted chocolate and let them set on a parchment-lined tray. This adds a decadent touch to the treats and provides a delightful contrast of textures.
4. Peppermint Sprinkles: Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or peppermint sprinkles on top of the meringue kisses before baking for an extra burst of peppermint flavor and a festive look.
5. Flavored Fillings: Sandwich two meringue kisses together with a flavored filling such as chocolate ganache, raspberry jam, or lemon curd for a delightful surprise in every bite.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors and additions. The beauty of this recipe is that it can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences and the occasion.
Enjoy!
Peppermint meringue kisses are a delightful holiday treat that is both visually stunning and irresistibly tasty. The combination of the light and crispy meringue shell with the refreshing burst of peppermint flavor is sure to please any sweet tooth.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, looking for a homemade gift idea, or simply want to indulge in some festive baking, these peppermint meringue kisses are the answer. With just a handful of ingredients and a little patience, you can create a batch of charming and delicious treats that will impress your family and friends.
So, gather your baking utensils, dust off your mixing bowls, and let the holiday baking begin. With this delightful peppermint meringue kisses recipe, you’ll be well on your way to creating a memorable dessert that will delight both young and old alike. Happy baking!
