Description
These Peppermint Meringues are light, airy, and perfectly sweet with a refreshing hint of peppermint extract. Crispy on the outside with a slightly soft center, they are dipped in rich dairy-free dark chocolate and finished with crushed peppermint for a festive and delicious treat perfect for the holidays or anytime you crave a sweet minty snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Meringue
- 80 grams egg whites (about 2.5 egg whites)
- 130 grams granulated sugar (1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons)
- Pinch of cream of tartar
- 2–3 drops peppermint extract or flavoring
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Coating
- 4 oz dairy-free/vegan dark chocolate
- Crushed peppermints
Equipment
- 1 large piping bag fitted with a star tip 4B
- Parchment paper
Instructions
- Prepare Piping Bag: Fit a large piping bag with a star tip 4B to pipe the meringue kisses later.
- Preheat Oven and Heat Sugar: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the sugar evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place it in the oven to heat for 5 minutes to help dissolve the sugar better in the meringue.
- Start Whipping Egg Whites: While the sugar heats, pour the egg whites into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment and start beating on low speed until foamy.
- Add Cream of Tartar and Increase Speed: Add a pinch of cream of tartar to stabilize the egg whites, then gradually increase the speed to medium-high and continue whisking until the sugar is ready.
- Incorporate Heated Sugar: Remove the sugar from the oven. With the mixer running at medium-high, slowly pour the warm sugar down the side of the mixing bowl to incorporate into the egg whites.
- Whip to Peppermint Peak: Increase the speed to high. Add the peppermint extract and continue whisking just until firm glossy peaks form—be careful not to overwhip. The peaks should hold and gently curl over.
- Lower Oven Temperature: Reduce the oven temperature to 200°F (about 93°C), or 10 to 15 degrees lower if your oven runs hot.
- Pipe Meringues: Transfer the meringue mixture to the prepared piping bag. Pipe 2-inch kisses onto parchment paper, spacing them evenly and releasing the piping bag slowly to create a pretty curl on top.
- Bake Meringues: Bake the meringues for 2 full hours. They should come out crispy on the outside with a slightly soft center and easily peel off the parchment paper.
- Cool Fully: Allow the meringues to cool completely on the parchment.
- Melt Dark Chocolate: Melt the dairy-free dark chocolate in a double boiler and heat it to about 115°F (46°C) if using a thermometer to ensure smooth melting.
- Prepare Dipping Station: Pour the melted chocolate and crushed peppermints into separate small bowls for dipping.
- Dip Meringues: Dip the bottom of each cooled meringue kiss into the melted dark chocolate, then immediately coat the chocolate-dipped base with crushed peppermint pieces.
- Set Chocolate: Place the dipped meringues back on parchment paper. Let the chocolate set for about 20 minutes at room temperature, or speed up the process by refrigerating them for 5 minutes.
- Storage and Serving: Enjoy immediately or store the peppermint meringues in an airtight container for up to two weeks to maintain their freshness.
Notes
- Heating the sugar before adding it to the egg whites ensures it dissolves better, resulting in a smoother, more stable meringue.
- Be careful not to overwhip the egg whites; they should hold firm peaks but remain glossy for best texture.
- Adjust oven temperature according to your oven’s calibration; lower it if your oven runs hot to avoid browning.
- Use dairy-free/vegan chocolate to keep the recipe suitable for dairy-free diets.
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, you may add an extra drop of peppermint extract, but be careful as it can quickly overpower.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
Keywords: peppermint meringues, vegan meringue recipe, dairy free dessert, holiday treats, peppermint chocolate desserts, meringue kisses
