Perfect + Easy Peppermint Meringue Cookies

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peppermint meringue cookies on a platter

When winter arrives with its frosty air and the promise of festivities, it’s time to embrace the flavors of the season. And what better way to infuse a touch of whimsy into your baking repertoire than with Peppermint Meringue Cookies? These delicate treats are like little snowflakes of sweetness that melt in your mouth, leaving behind a burst of cool peppermint that captures the essence of the season.

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Images, recipe card and text updated 8/17/23

Airy Perfection: The Art of Meringue

At the heart of Peppermint Meringue Cookies lies the magic of meringue – a mixture of egg whites and sugar that’s whipped to ethereal heights. The result is a cloud-like confection that’s simultaneously light and indulgent. The texture of meringue is a delightful contrast to the crisp coolness of peppermint, creating a symphony of sensations in every bite.

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

My goodness, things are looking a bit more like Christmas around here. We actually bought our tree and it’s even IN the house. Currently it has one strand of lights pathetically dangling from the top branches–plugged in, even! And there are the requisite boxes of decorations piled around it. But that’s all part of the holiday “fun” that we grownups just love so much, isn’t it?

Frankly, I’d rather be making holiday magic in the kitchen. I love the way it makes my house smell. I love the way my daughter’s eyes sparkle when I invite her to join me. And I love the happy sighs when our friends and neighbors taste our efforts.

Peppermint Meringue Cookies are a Must-Make for the Holidays

Among my favorite treats to make are things with chocolate and peppermint, and these candy-striped meringues were a spectacular addition to my holiday lineup. Adapted from a recipe in this month’s Sunset Magazine, they are crisp on the outside and moist and tender on the inside…almost like a Pavlova. White chocolate chips (I called and confirmed that Nestle Classic White Chips are naturally gluten free and made on equipment that is NOT shared with things made with wheat, rye, oats or barley) add richness, while chunks of candy cane make them the loveliest shade of pink. I dipped some of them in melted dark chocolate chips and all I have to say about that is–oh yes.

peppermint meringue cookies
peppermint meringue cookies

Even More Gluten Free Cookies that are Perfect for the Holidays

Did you make this Roasted Vegetable Salad recipe? Be sure to leave a comment and star rating below (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) and post a picture and tag us on Instagram using the hashtags #agirldefloured #deflouredrecipes! Thank you!

peppermint meringue cookies on a platter

Perfect + Easy Peppermint Meringue Cookies

Alison Needham
I am completely in love with these peppermint meringue cookies. Their crisp exterior buckles under the tooth to reveal a tender, pillowy center. They remind me of the dish of soft mints my mom would set out during Christmas parties.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 36 cookies
Calories 79 kcal

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 250°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  • Beat egg whites and cream of tartar in a large bowl with a mixer (using a whisk attachment if you have one) until soft peaks form. Add vanilla and salt and with the motor running on high speed, pour in 1 tablespoon of sugar and beat 10 to 15 seconds, repeat until all the sugar has been added. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat for another 15 seconds. The meringue should form stiff peaks when the whisk is lifted.
  • Carefully fold in the white chocolate chips and ⅓ cup of peppermint candies.
  • Spoon mixture into a gallon-sized freezer bag and snip off ½ an inch from one of the bottom corners. Twist the top shut. Pipe one-inch rounds onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 1′ apart. Sprinkle meringues with the remaining peppermint candies. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until they feel dry to the touch, rotating the baking pans halfway through baking. Turn oven off, and open the door and let cookies stand for 10 minutes. Cool on pans.
  • Place bittersweet chocolate chips in a small microwave proof bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute and stir. If necessary, microwave them for an additional 30 seconds. Stir until all the chips are melted. Dip the bottoms of the meringues in the chocolate and place on waxed paper. Allow at least 1 hour to set. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 2cookiesCalories: 79kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.004gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 16mgPotassium: 47mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 4IUVitamin C: 0.03mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 0.3mg
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4 Comments

  1. Nicole Hartman says:

    Enjoying your ideas. just made some gluten free options myself, but am looking for some more. I might have to make that cake for Christmas. Made pepermint bark, White chocolate covered gluten free pretzels with peanutes. Instead of peanut butter cookies ( I couldn’t figure out how to do it without flour) I made peanut butter balls rolled in cocunut or chocolate chips.
    I wish I could figure out how to make those hazelnut cookies that you roll in powdered sugar. Not sure how the texture would come out using alternative flour.

  2. Jacquelinek says:

    What do you mean by switching pans half way through?
    Thanks
    Jk

    1. Hi Jacqueline! That wording IS confusing…what I mean is to rotate the pans in the oven so that the meringues bake evenly. I changed the way I said it in the recipe, so hopefully it’s more clear. 🙂

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