Meringue cookies have a timeless charm that makes them a favorite for holidays, special occasions, and everyday indulgence. These light, airy treats are made from just a few simple ingredients but deliver a delightful combination of crisp texture and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.

Peppermint meringue cookies add a festive twist to this classic recipe, with a refreshing hint of mint and beautiful red swirls that make them as delightful to look at as they are to eat.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, baking gifts for loved ones, or just treating yourself, these peppermint meringue cookies are sure to impress. Read on to learn how to make them, along with tips, variations, and serving suggestions to help you achieve meringue perfection.

Why Peppermint Meringue Cookies Are So Popular

Meringue cookies have earned their spot as a highly popular treat for good reason. Their delicate crunch and light texture make them an excellent choice for those who enjoy a sweet treat without feeling overly indulgent.

Known as “kisses” in some circles, these cookies symbolize a touch of sweetness and love, often exchanged during special moments and holidays.

Adding peppermint to the mix elevates their flavor profile, creating a refreshing contrast to their sugary sweetness. This makes them especially popular during the holiday season, as the minty flavor pairs beautifully with festive desserts and beverages.

Tips for Perfect Peppermint Meringue Cookies

Making meringue cookies can seem intimidating, but with a few tips, you’ll have bakery-worthy results every time. Here’s what you need to know:

• Room Temperature Egg Whites: Cold egg whites take longer to whip. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting your recipe.
• Clean Equipment: Any grease or residue can prevent egg whites from forming stiff peaks. Ensure your bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry.
• Add Sugar Slowly: Gradually adding sugar allows it to dissolve fully, creating a smooth, glossy meringue. Adding it too quickly can lead to grainy results.
• Low and Slow Baking: Baking meringues at a low temperature ensures they dry out completely, giving them that signature crispness. Be patient—good things take time!

Serving Suggestions for Peppermint Meringue Cookies

Peppermint meringue cookies are as versatile as they are delicious. Here are some ideas for serving them:

• On a Dessert Tray: Pair them with other holiday treats like chocolate truffles, shortbread cookies, or fudge for a festive dessert spread.
• With Hot Beverages: Serve them alongside hot chocolate, coffee, or tea. Their light texture makes them the perfect companion to a warm drink.
• As Edible Decorations: Use these cookies to garnish cakes, cupcakes, or even a holiday trifle. Colored meringues add a pop of color and festive flair.

Recipe Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic peppermint meringue cookie recipe, you can experiment with these variations:

• Chocolate Peppermint Meringues: Fold in finely chopped dark chocolate or mini chocolate chips for a rich twist.
• Lemon Mint Meringues: Substitute half of the peppermint extract with lemon extract for a bright and zesty flavor.
• Holiday Sprinkles: Add a sprinkle of edible glitter or holiday-themed sprinkles before baking for extra festivity.

Storage Tips for Longevity

Proper storage is key to keeping your peppermint meringue cookies fresh and crisp. Here’s how to store them:

• Airtight Containers: Store meringues in an airtight container at room temperature. This protects them from humidity, which can cause them to soften.
• Layer with Care: If stacking the cookies, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
• Avoid Freezing: Meringues don’t freeze well, as they can absorb moisture during the thawing process. Stick to short-term storage in a dry environment.

Perfect Peppermint Meringue Cookies

Recipe by Jessie

Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy

Servings

48

cookies

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

These festive peppermint meringue cookies are light, crisp, and delicately sweet, with a refreshing hint of mint and beautiful red swirls. Perfect for any holiday event or gifting, they’re an easy-to-make treat that’s as stunning as it is delicious!

Ingredients

• 4 large egg whites (room temperature)

• 1 c fine granulated sugar*

• 1/4 tsp cream of tartar

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract

• 2-3 drops red or green gel food coloring (optional)**

• 1 candy cane, crushed*** (optional)

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 300°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or foil to ensure easy cleanup and perfect meringues (silicone baking mats are great too!).
• Place the egg whites and cream of tartar into a clean, dry mixing bowl. Beat on medium with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
• Increase the mixer speed to high. Slowly add the fine granulated sugar, about 1/4 cup at a time, allowing each addition to dissolve completely before adding the next. This process ensures a smooth and glossy meringue.
• Continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
• Gently fold in the salt, lemon extract, and gel food** coloring, if using. Mix just until evenly incorporated, being careful not to deflate the meringue.
• Transfer the meringue mixture to a piping bag fitted with a large star or round tip. Pipe small swirls or dollops onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
• Optional: Sprinkle the crushed pieces lightly over the cookies immediately after piping them onto the baking sheet. The candy cane bits will stick to the soft meringue and melt slightly during baking.
• Bake for about 20 minutes. Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and allow the meringues to dry out for an additional 30 minutes. Let them cool completely before removing from the parchment paper.
• Once cooled, your lemon meringue cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Serve immediately or store them as directed.

Notes

• *To make fine sugar, place granulated sugar in a blender or food processor and pulse it in short bursts until it reaches a finer texture, similar to caster sugar. Be careful not to over-process, as this can cause the sugar to become powdery like confectioners’ sugar.
• **To create striped or streaky colored meringues, use a small brush or toothpick to paint thin lines of gel food color inside the piping bag before adding the meringue mixture. As you pipe the meringues, the color will create beautiful streaks or stripes on the surface of the cookies for a festive effect. Remember, the peppermint extract has no color, so you can make these cookies any color at all!
• ***To crush candy canes, place them in a resealable plastic bag and seal it tightly, removing as much air as possible. Use a rolling pin or a heavy object to gently crush the candy canes into small pieces, adjusting the pressure to achieve your desired texture.

With their light texture, refreshing minty flavor, and festive appearance, peppermint meringue cookies are a must-try recipe. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or as a sweet treat to share, these cookies are sure to spread joy with every bite. Give them a try, and let their delicate charm brighten your day!