Peppermint Meringue Hearts Cookies Recipe

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If you’re eager to impress friends and family with a delightful treat, you’re in for a sweet surprise.

Peppermint Meringue Heart Cookies are the perfect mix of crispy and chewy goodness. ❤️

These cute, heart-shaped cookies are not just beautiful to look at but also melt in your mouth with every bite.

Baking these cookies is a fun way to spend time in the kitchen. The recipe only needs a few simple ingredients, and watching the meringue whip into fluffy peaks is so satisfying.

Imagine the joy on everyone’s faces when they taste the fresh peppermint flavor!

There’s nothing quite like the holiday spirit that fills the kitchen when these cookies are baking. The peppermint aroma is heavenly, and the result is a batch of lovely treats that are sure to be a hit.

Let’s get started and make some magic! 🎉

Peppermint Meringue Hearts Cookies Recipe

Jennifer Watson
I can’t wait to share this amazing recipe with you! 🥰 These Peppermint Meringue Hearts are perfect for any celebration or just to enjoy as a sweet treat. We’ll go through the tools you’ll need, all the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and a few helpful notes.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 25 Pieces
Calories 20 kcal

Equipment

  • To make these cute cookies, you’ll need the following equipment:
  • Electric Mixer: Whipping those egg whites to perfection!
  • Piping Bag: For shaping the meringue into heart shapes.
  • Baking Sheet: You’ll need this to bake your cookies.
  • Parchment paper: Keeps cookies from sticking.
  • Using these tools makes the process much easier and more fun! 😊

Ingredients
  

Here’s what you’ll need for the cookies:

  • 3 Large Egg Whites: Make sure they are at room temperature.
  • 3/4 Cup Sugar: This is for sweetening them right.
  • 1/8 teaspoon Cream of Tartar: Helps to stabilize the meringue.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Peppermint Extract: Adds that minty flavor.
  • Red Food Coloring: Just a few drops for a pretty swirl.

These ingredients are simple but come together to make something special!

Instructions
 

Follow these steps to create your heart-shaped cookies:

  • Preheat Oven: Set it to 200°F (93°C) to start.
  • Beat Egg Whites: Mix them in a bowl until frothy.
  • Add Sugar Slowly: Pour sugar in gradually while still mixing.
  • Mix Until Stiff: Continue until stiff peaks form.
  • Add Flavor and Color: Gently mix in peppermint and coloring.
  • Pipe onto Sheet: Use the piping bag to form heart shapes.
  • Bake: Place on middle rack and bake for about 1.5 hours.
  • Cool Completely: Turn off oven and let them sit inside.

Make sure to have fun while baking! 🎂

    Notes

    Here are some helpful tips for making the best cookies:
    Room Temperature Matters: Egg whites whip better when they’re warm.
    Be Gentle: Don’t over-mix the meringue when adding color.
    Storage: Keep them in an airtight container to stay crispy.
    Trial and Error: If the first batch isn’t perfect, try again!
    These little extras make all the difference for beautiful, tasty cookies. 😋
    Keyword Easy holiday desserts, Festive baking, Gluten-Free Treats, Heart-shaped cookies, Meringue Cookies, Mint Desserts, Peppermint cookies, Valentine’s Day Treats

    Presentation & Serving

    I love making Peppermint Meringue Heart Cookies because they look so pretty on the plate! ❤️

    These cookies make any table look festive and bright.

    Arranging the Cookies:

    • Place the hearts on a large, white serving platter.
    • Scatter a few mint leaves around for a fresh touch. 🌿
    • Add a sprinkle of edible glitter for sparkle. ✨

    Pairing Suggestions:

    Enjoy these with a warm cup of hot chocolate or peppermint tea. It’s a perfect match! ☕

    Serving Tips:

    • Keep them crispy! Store in an airtight container.
    • Decorative tins also make a lovely gift box. 🎁

    The colors and shape of these cookies make them pop out at any event! My guests always reach for these first. Let me know how you liked them! 🍪

    Storage Tips

    After baking the Peppermint Meringue Hearts, keeping them crisp is important!

    Here’s what I do:

    • 🗃️ Store airtight: I keep them in an airtight container. This helps them stay crunchy and fresh.
    • 🍬 Layer with parchment: I place parchment paper between layers of cookies. This prevents them from sticking together.

    I always choose a cool, dry spot away from sunlight.

    Avoid the fridge because it can make the meringues sticky. If I want extra freshness, adding a slice of bread in the container helps absorb moisture.

    Meringue hearts can last up to two weeks if stored properly! 😊🍪

    Recipe Variation

    I love experimenting with my Peppermint Meringue Hearts, and here are some fun twists to try! 🎉

    Ingredients:

    • Chocolate Drizzle: Melted chocolate adds a sweet touch.
    • Crushed Nuts: Adds a bit of crunch.
    • Colored Sugar: Make them extra pretty!

    Equipment:

    • Bowl
    • Hand mixer
    • Piping bag

    Instructions:

    • Chocolate Drizzle: After baking, cool the meringues and then drizzle them with melted chocolate. Let them cool to set. 🍫
    • Add Crushed Nuts: Before baking, sprinkle crushed nuts on top for extra flavor.
    • Use Colored Sugar: Swap out some of the mint sprinkles with your choice of colored sugar before baking. It adds color and sparkle! 🌈

    Using these variations, you can create your own signature meringue cookies! Each adds a new twist to the classic recipe. I’ve had fun trying these in my kitchen, and I hope you will too! 🎨

    Pairing

    When I make Peppermint Meringue Hearts, I love to pair them with a warm drink. Hot chocolate with a touch of mint is perfect!

    The creamy cocoa and crisp cookies are a match made in heaven. ☕

    Peppermint tea is another favorite of mine. The minty tea enhances the fresh peppermint flavor in the cookies. 🍵

    For a fun twist, I sometimes add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

    The cold ice cream and crispy meringue create a sweet contrast. 🍨

    If you’re hosting a party, consider setting up a drink station. Include things like:

    • Mint-infused coffee ☕
    • Sparkling water with lime 🍋
    • Fresh lemonade with mint leaves 🍋

    I find that these drinks really bring out the best in my cookies, inviting everyone to enjoy the minty freshness.

    Tips & Tricks

    I love making these Peppermint Meringue Hearts during the holidays! 🎄 Here are some tips to get them just right:

    • Equipment:
      • Electric mixer
      • Piping bag
      • Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
    • Ingredients:
      • Egg whites: Make sure they’re at room temperature. It helps them whip up better.
      • Peppermint extract: A little goes a long way!

    Instructions:

    1. Separate eggs carefully to avoid yolk in the whites.
    2. Whip until stiff peaks form. This is key for perfect meringues.
    3. Gently fold in the sugar and peppermint extract for that refreshing flavor.

    Before piping, add a drop of food coloring to create a pretty swirl effect in the meringue. 😍

    Pro TipHumidity can be a meringue’s worst enemy. Pick a dry day to make these cookies to ensure crispness.

    While baking, keep the oven door slightly ajar. This helps them dry out and stay crispy.

    If they get sticky overnight, don’t worry! Just pop them back in the oven for a few minutes.

    Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for days.

    They make such a cute gift when packed in a decorative box with a bow. 🎁

    Experiment with different flavors like vanilla or a touch of almond for a tasty twist.

    Happy baking! 🍪❤️

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When making peppermint meringue hearts, getting the right texture is key.

    Stiff peaks, stable meringue, and adding ingredients just right can make all the difference. Here’s how I manage it! 🎉

    What’s the secret to getting stiff peaks in meringue cookies?

    I always make sure my mixing bowl is super clean. Grease can ruin the peaks. Starting with room-temperature eggs helps too!

    Whipping them until they are glossy and form firm (yet not dry) peaks is the goal.

    How can I ensure my peppermint meringue hearts hold their shape?

    I reduce moisture in the mix. Using a piping bag lets me control the shape perfectly.

    The oven temperature needs to be low to bake them slowly, so they keep their shape.

    Can you share tips for the perfect meringue texture for cookies?

    I’ve found the magic lies in the slow addition of sugar. Adding it too quickly can result in gritty meringue.

    Whipping until glossy and smooth ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

    Why is my meringue for Christmas peppermint cookies not stable?

    Lack of stability often comes from humidity or under-whipping.

    I try making them on dry days, and I make sure the bowl is spotless before starting. If it’s raining, I bake them longer at a lower temp!

    What are the essential steps to a successful easy meringue recipe?

    A successful meringue needs patience. Beat the egg whites until soft peaks, then gradually add sugar.

    Peppermint extract goes in after stiff peaks form. It’s simple if done patiently.

    How can I add chocolate chips to my peppermint meringue cookies without them sinking?

    I incorporate the chocolate chips carefully by folding them in with a spatula.

    I use mini chocolate chips which are lighter and less likely to sink! 🍫

    I hope these tips help you make the best peppermint meringue hearts ever! 😄

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    Jennifer

    Jennifer Watson is a part-time chef with a passion for creating delicious meals for her family and work. She believes in the magic of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

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