Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Meringues: A Light, Festive & Easy Holiday Cookie Recipe

As the holiday season draws near, the air fills with the delightful scents of baking – cinnamon, gingerbread, and, of course, chocolate. For many home bakers, this time of year often brings a familiar challenge: what to do with those leftover egg whites? After making custards, glazes, or maybe a batch of eggnog, you might find a bowl or container of pristine egg whites patiently waiting in your refrigerator. While a healthy egg white omelet might seem like a practical choice, let’s be honest, during the festive period, our minds often wander to something a little more indulgent, a little more magical.

And that’s where the humble yet magnificent meringue steps in. Specifically, these delightful Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Meringues. Imagine the ethereal lightness of a cloud, infused with a hint of invigorating peppermint, and then elegantly dipped in rich, melting chocolate. They are a symphony of textures and flavors, a truly guilt-free indulgence that perfectly captures the spirit of the season without weighing you down. This recipe transforms those forgotten egg whites into something truly extraordinary, becoming a star on any holiday dessert platter.

For me, the decision is almost always clear. While a beautifully decorated white cake might be tempting, and I might get to that with the *next* batch of egg whites, meringues hold a special place. They are my go-to “guilt-free” cookie. Fat-free, wonderfully light, incredibly airy, and surprisingly satisfying, meringues offer a delightful crunch that melts in your mouth. Some people even venture to call them “healthy.” While I won’t go quite that far, I can confidently say that these peppermint meringues are probably as “healthy” a cookie as you’ll ever find coming from my kitchen!

Why Peppermint Meringues Are Your Go-To Holiday Treat

The beauty of meringues lies in their simplicity and versatility. Made from just a few basic ingredients – egg whites, sugar, and a touch of flavor – they transform into delicate, crisp morsels. The addition of peppermint extract elevates them to a festive delight, making them perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa by the fireplace. The cool, refreshing burst of peppermint perfectly complements the sweet, melt-in-your-mouth meringue, creating an invigorating contrast that wakes up your taste buds.

But what truly takes these peppermint meringues to the next level is the luxurious chocolate dip. A thin layer of melted chocolate adds a delightful richness and a satisfying snap that contrasts beautifully with the meringue’s delicate crunch. It’s the classic combination of mint and chocolate that everyone loves, presented in a uniquely elegant and incredibly addictive package. These cookies are not just a treat; they’re an experience, a little moment of holiday bliss in every bite. They’re also wonderfully elegant, looking far more complicated to make than they actually are, making them perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort.

Tips for Perfect Meringues Every Time

Meringue making might seem intimidating, but with a few simple tips, you’ll achieve perfect, cloud-like cookies every time. The key is in the technique and patience. First, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature. This helps them whip up to their maximum volume, creating that signature airy texture. Secondly, your mixing bowl and beaters must be absolutely grease-free. Even a tiny speck of fat can prevent your egg whites from whipping properly, so wash everything thoroughly and consider wiping with a bit of lemon juice or vinegar for extra assurance.

When whipping, start slowly, then gradually increase the speed. Add the sugar slowly, a tablespoon at a time, allowing it to dissolve completely into the egg whites. This slow incorporation ensures a stable meringue that won’t weep. Look for “stiff peaks” – when you lift the beaters, the meringue should hold its shape firmly without collapsing. This is crucial for maintaining the meringue’s structure during baking.

The baking process for meringues is more akin to drying. A low oven temperature is vital to slowly dry them out, making them crisp all the way through without browning them too much. The instruction to turn off the oven and leave them inside for an additional two hours (or even overnight!) is a game-changer. This allows them to cool down gradually, preventing cracks and ensuring they remain perfectly crisp. Don’t peek! Resist the urge to open the oven door during this crucial drying phase.

Finally, for the chocolate dip, choose a good quality chocolate bark or candy melts for easy melting and a smooth finish. Tempering chocolate can be tricky, so melts are a simple alternative. Ensure your meringues are completely cool before dipping; otherwise, the chocolate might seize or not adhere properly. Once dipped, place them on parchment paper to set, and for an extra festive touch, you can sprinkle with crushed candy canes before the chocolate fully hardens.

 Connect with Chocolate Chocolate and More!

Facebook | Twitter | Google+Pinterest | instagram

Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Meringues

Ingredients

• 2 large egg whites (at room temperature)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 4 oz (approx. 1/2 cup) candy melts or chocolate bark for dipping

Instructions

1. Before you begin, ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are impeccably clean and grease-free. Beat the room-temperature egg whites with a mixer on medium speed until soft peaks begin to form. This means when you lift the beaters, the peaks will gently flop over. Gradually, and very slowly, add in the powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, allowing it to fully incorporate after each addition. Once all the sugar is added, mix in the cream of tartar and peppermint extract. Continue beating on medium-high speed until firm, glossy peaks form. When you lift the beater away from the egg whites, the “peak” will stand straight up and not fall over. This process might take 7-10 minutes.
2. Preheat your oven to a low 225°F (107°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon the beaten egg whites into a pastry bag fitted with a large round or star tip. Pipe about 2-3 tablespoons of meringue per cookie onto the prepared baking tray. Leave a little space between each meringue. If you don’t have a pastry bag, you can simply use two spoons to create dollops of meringue on the tray.
3. Bake in the preheated 225°F (107°C) oven for 25-30 minutes. After this initial baking time, turn off the oven completely but leave the meringues inside the oven for an additional 2 hours (or even overnight for extra crispness). This slow drying process is crucial for achieving their signature airy, crisp texture. Do not open the oven door during this time.
4. Once the meringues are completely cool and dry, it’s time for the chocolate dip. Melt the candy melts or chocolate bark according to the package directions (microwave or double boiler method). Dip the bottoms of the cooled meringue cookies into the melted chocolate. You can dip them halfway or just the very bottom edge. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off, then place the dipped meringues on a sheet of parchment paper for the chocolate to set. For a festive touch, sprinkle with crushed candy canes or holiday sprinkles before the chocolate hardens.
5. Store the Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Meringues in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain crisp and delicious for up to a week. Avoid refrigeration, as humidity can make them sticky.

Notes

Recipe adapted from ChocolateChocolateandmore.com. For best results, use fresh egg whites and ensure all equipment is meticulously clean.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

A Festive Delight for Everyone

My family absolutely adores these minty chocolate delights. The combination is a winner every time, and I often find my youngest trying to hoard them all for herself! Their light texture means you can enjoy a few without feeling overly full, a welcome change amidst the heavier desserts typical of the holiday season. They make wonderful edible gifts, beautifully packaged in small boxes or cellophane bags, or can be a show-stopping addition to your holiday cookie platter. Imagine these delicate, crisp cookies shimmering under twinkling lights, offering a refreshing burst of peppermint and a satisfying chocolatey finish.

Beyond being a personal favorite, these meringues are incredibly versatile. While the peppermint and chocolate combination is undeniably festive, you could also experiment with other extracts like almond, vanilla bean, or even a touch of orange zest for different occasions. The chocolate dip can also be varied – white chocolate for a snowy effect, or dark chocolate for an intense cocoa experience. Whatever your preference, the core appeal of the light, airy meringue remains constant, offering a delightful contrast to the richer holiday fare.

Easy Storage and Make-Ahead Magic

One of the many advantages of meringue cookies is their excellent shelf life, provided they are stored correctly. Once completely cooled and the chocolate has set, transfer them to an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature, away from humidity, and they will stay crisp and fresh for up to a week. This makes them a fantastic make-ahead option for busy holiday schedules. You can prepare them days in advance, freeing up your time closer to your event for other preparations. Just be sure they are stored away from any strong odors, as meringues can absorb flavors.

So, the next time you find yourself with extra egg whites, don’t default to the usual. Embrace the opportunity to create these stunning Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Meringues. They are simple to make, a joy to eat, and sure to become a beloved tradition in your household during the festive season. Their delicate crunch, refreshing mint, and luxurious chocolate coating offer a truly unique and memorable holiday treat.

Looking for More Festive Holiday Treats?

If you’re in the mood for even more delicious creations to sweeten your holiday season, we have plenty of other recipes that are sure to delight. From rich and decadent to perfectly crisp, our collection of holiday treats will inspire your baking adventures.

Buckeye Bark: The amazing flavor combination of chocolate and peanut butter without all the fuss!

Homemade Caramels: Rich, buttery, and incredibly chewy, these caramels are a timeless favorite.

 Peanut Brittle: The perfect candy for the peanut lover in your life, offering an irresistible crunch!

Eggnog Fudge: Smooth and creamy with a subtle, yet unmistakable, eggnog flavor – the perfect Christmas fudge.