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Here’s what you need for the perfect chocolate dipped peppermint meringues: - 4 large egg whites - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar - 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract - 1 cup dark chocolate chips - 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional) - Crushed peppermint candies (for garnish) Gather these ingredients before you start. Fresh egg whites will whip better. Make sure your bowl is clean and dry for the best results. The peppermint extract will give a nice minty flavor, while the dark chocolate adds a rich touch. If you want smoother chocolate, use the coconut oil. The crushed peppermint candies offer a festive look and a sweet crunch. Enjoy shopping for these items, and let's get cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 225°F (110°C). - Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. First, let's get that oven ready. A low heat helps our meringues dry out without browning. Lining the baking sheets is key to prevent sticking. - Beat egg whites until frothy. - Add cream of tartar and beat until soft peaks form. - Gradually add sugar; beat until stiff peaks form. Next, we whip the egg whites. Start with clean, dry equipment for the best results. Beat them on medium speed until they are frothy, like clouds. Then, add the cream of tartar. This helps stabilize the egg whites. Keep beating until you see soft peaks. This means they hold their shape but still droop a little. Slowly add the sugar, one spoon at a time. Beat at high speed until the mixture is shiny and forms stiff peaks. This means the meringue stands tall and proud. - Fold in peppermint extract. - Pipe small meringue kisses onto the baking sheets. - Bake and cool process. Now, gently fold in peppermint extract. This adds that fresh flavor we love. Use a piping bag or a ziplock bag to pipe small meringue kisses. Leave space between each one. This allows them to puff up nicely. Bake them for about 1.5 hours. Check that they are dry and lift off easily from the parchment. Turn off the oven and let them cool inside. This step helps them stay crisp and light. To make great meringues, start with clean tools. Any grease can ruin your egg whites. Use a glass or metal bowl, and make sure it’s dry. Next, watch the temperature and humidity. Meringues love dry air. If it’s humid, it may take longer to bake. Melting chocolate is easy if you do it right. You can use a microwave or a double boiler. For the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir every 20 seconds until smooth. If you want a silkier texture, add one tablespoon of coconut oil. It helps the chocolate dip look glossy. When your chocolate is ready, dip the meringues. Right after dipping, sprinkle crushed peppermint on top. This adds color and flavor. If you want a twist, try using colored sugar or sprinkles. You can also drizzle extra melted chocolate for a fun design. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Egg Whites: Make sure your egg whites are at room temperature for better volume and stability when whipping. Don’t Rush the Baking: Allow the meringues to dry completely in the oven with the door slightly ajar after baking to prevent cracking. Customize the Flavors: Experiment with different extracts like vanilla or almond in addition to peppermint for a unique twist on the classic meringue. Storage Tips: Store the meringues in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp and fresh for a longer time. {{image_2}} You can change the flavors of your meringues easily. Try using different extracts like vanilla or almond. These will give your meringues a unique taste. You can also add food coloring. A few drops can make your treats more festive. Use red or green for the holidays. This small change brightens up your treat table. Choosing the right chocolate can change your meringue experience. You can use milk chocolate for a sweeter taste. Dark chocolate gives a richer flavor that pairs well with peppermint. If you want to switch it up, try white chocolate. It adds a creamy touch. You can also top your meringues with toppings like sprinkles or more crushed peppermint. This adds texture and makes them look even better. If you have dietary needs, you can still enjoy these meringues. They are naturally gluten-free, so that's easy. For a dairy-free option, pick dairy-free chocolate. You can also make them low-sugar. Use sugar substitutes that fit your taste. This way, everyone can enjoy these festive treats! To keep your chocolate dipped peppermint meringues fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture from ruining their crisp texture. Place parchment paper between layers if you stack them. This keeps them from sticking together. Store the container in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight and humidity, as these can make meringues soft and chewy. If you live in a humid area, a fridge might seem like a good idea, but it can ruin the texture. Meringues can last for about two weeks at room temperature. Just ensure they stay in that airtight container. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze, place meringues on a baking sheet first. Freeze them for about an hour until they are firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature. Yes, you can use egg substitutes! Common options for egg-free meringue include aquafaba, which is the liquid from canned chickpeas. Use 3 tablespoons of aquafaba for each egg white. Another option is commercial egg replacers, which you can find in stores. Just follow the package instructions to get the right amount. To tell if meringues are done, look for a few signs. They should be dry on the outside and lift easily off the parchment paper. The meringues should feel light and airy. If they are still soft or sticky, they need more time in the oven. Remember to let them cool in the oven to finish the drying process. If your meringues run flat, it may be due to a few reasons. First, check if your mixing bowl and whisk are clean. Any grease can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly. Make sure you beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. If they still run flat, try adding a bit more sugar to stabilize the mixture. This article outlined how to make perfect meringues. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. I shared variations to spark your creativity and ideas for storage. Whether you choose chocolate or flavored meringues, the process is fun and rewarding. Remember, clean tools and practice make a big difference. Now, you can impress others with these sweet treats. Enjoy making your delicious meringues!

Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Meringues

Delicate meringues infused with peppermint and dipped in rich dark chocolate, perfect for festive occasions.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 50 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large egg whites
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother chocolate)
  • to taste crushed peppermint candies (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • In a clean, dry mixing bowl, add the egg whites. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until frothy.
  • Add the cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
  • Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while beating at high speed until the mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks.
  • Gently fold in the peppermint extract until fully incorporated.
  • Using a piping bag fitted with a star tip or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped, pipe small meringue kisses onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each.
  • Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 1.5 hours, or until the meringues are dry and can easily lift off the parchment. Turn off the oven and let them cool completely inside.
  • Once cooled, melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil together in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 20 seconds until smooth.
  • Dip the base of each meringue into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off.
  • Immediately sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies on top of the chocolate before it sets.
  • Place the dipped meringues on a clean sheet of parchment paper to allow the chocolate to harden.

Notes

Arrange the meringues on a decorative platter, and consider placing them in clear favor bags tied with a festive ribbon for a delightful gift or party favor!
Keyword chocolate, dessert, meringues, peppermint