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Peppermint Meringues with Vegan Dark Chocolate and Crushed Peppermints Recipe


  • Author: Rafael
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: About 20 meringue kisses 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

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
  • 23 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

  1. Prepare Piping Bag: Fit a large piping bag with a star tip 4B to pipe the meringue kisses later.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Lower Oven Temperature: Reduce the oven temperature to 200°F (about 93°C), or 10 to 15 degrees lower if your oven runs hot.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Cool Fully: Allow the meringues to cool completely on the parchment.
  11. 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.
  12. Prepare Dipping Station: Pour the melted chocolate and crushed peppermints into separate small bowls for dipping.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. 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