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Gluten-Free Peppermint Meringues: A Festive Treat
Add a touch of elegance and holiday cheer to your gluten-free baking with these delightful Peppermint Meringues! With just a handful of ingredients, you can create these light-as-air cookies that are perfect for sharing (or enjoying all by yourself!). If you are looking for more festive treats, you might want to check out our Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles.
Meringues are naturally gluten-free, making them a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions. The addition of crushed peppermint candy canes not only adds a burst of flavor but also a festive visual appeal. These meringues are a great alternative if you enjoyed our Easy Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies and are looking for something different. For another candy cane treat, check out our Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Scones!
Baking meringues requires a little patience, but the results are well worth the effort. Achieving the perfect meringue consistency is key, so make sure to follow the tips in the recipe carefully. For another light and airy dessert, consider trying our Delicate Gluten-Free Cream Puffs.
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How to Make Gluten-Free Peppermint Meringues
- Get Started: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). This low temperature is crucial for drying out the meringues properly. To ensure a stable meringue, thoroughly degrease the bowl and beaters of your stand mixer by rubbing them with ½ a lemon. This removes any traces of fat that can prevent the egg whites from whipping up correctly. Separate the eggs, carefully reserving the whites in the mixer bowl. You won’t need the yolks for this recipe.
- Whip the Meringue: Begin beating the egg whites until they double in volume and become frothy. Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, ensuring each spoonful is fully dissolved before adding the next. This slow incorporation of sugar is key to a smooth, glossy meringue. Once all the sugar is added, beat in the cornstarch. Cornstarch helps to stabilize the meringue and gives it a slightly chewy texture. Continue beating until the egg whites are stiff, shiny, and form firm peaks when the beater is lifted. This indicates that the meringue is ready for piping.
- Pipe and Decorate: Transfer the meringue into a piping bag fitted with your desired tip. If you don’t have a piping bag, a Ziploc bag with a corner snipped off will work just as well. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the meringues from sticking. Hold the piping bag perpendicular to the baking sheet and pipe small dollops of meringue, aiming for about 2 inches in height and 1 ½ inches in diameter. These don’t have to be perfect. Immediately sprinkle each meringue with crushed peppermint candy cane pieces.
- Bake and Cool: Place the baking sheet with the piped meringues in the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 2 hours. After the baking time is complete, turn off the oven but do NOT open the door. Allow the meringues to cool completely inside the oven for at least one hour. This slow cooling process prevents the meringues from cracking or collapsing due to sudden temperature changes. Patience is key!
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Ingredients
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- â…› tsp salt
- 2 peppermint candy canes, crushed
Gluten-Free Peppermint Meringues: Nutritional Insights
Meringues are naturally light and airy, making them a delightful gluten-free treat, especially during the holidays. Let’s explore the nutritional benefits and how these peppermint meringues fit into a gluten-free lifestyle.
Key Nutritional Highlights:
- Naturally Gluten-Free: This recipe relies on egg whites, sugar, and cornstarch, all of which are naturally gluten-free. This makes it a safe and delicious option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
- Low Fat: Since meringues are primarily made of egg whites and sugar, they are very low in fat compared to other cookies.
- Customizable Sugar Content: While this recipe calls for 1 cup of sugar, you can experiment with reducing the amount slightly or using alternative sweeteners to lower the overall sugar content.
- Protein Boost: Egg whites provide a good source of protein, which can help balance the sweetness of the meringue.
A Note on Ingredients:
- Eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps to achieve maximum volume when whipping the egg whites, resulting in a light and stable meringue.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch acts as a stabilizer, helping the meringues hold their shape during baking and preventing them from collapsing.
- Peppermint Candy Canes: Besides adding a festive touch, crushed peppermint candy canes provide a burst of refreshing flavor. Be sure to check the label to ensure your candy canes are gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten-based additives.
Tips and Variations for Perfect Peppermint Meringues
Here are some helpful tips and creative variations to ensure your gluten-free peppermint meringues turn out perfectly every time:
Essential Tips for Meringue Success:
- Clean Equipment: Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and grease-free. Residue can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly. Wiping the bowl with lemon juice or vinegar can help.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Using room temperature egg whites allows them to whip to a greater volume, creating a lighter meringue.
- Gradual Sugar Addition: Adding sugar gradually, one tablespoon at a time, ensures it dissolves properly into the egg whites, creating a smooth and stable meringue.
- Low and Slow Baking: Baking the meringues at a low temperature for a long time allows them to dry out completely without browning.
- Cooling in the Oven: Allowing the meringues to cool completely in the oven prevents them from cracking due to sudden temperature changes.
Dietary Variations:
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
- Sugar-Free Option: Experiment with sugar substitutes like erythritol or stevia.
- Vegan Meringues: For a vegan option, try using aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) instead of egg whites. The results are surprisingly similar!
- Flavor Variations:
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle the cooled meringues with melted dark chocolate for an extra touch of decadence. Ensure the chocolate is gluten-free.
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon, orange, or lime zest to the meringue mixture for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Extracts: Incorporate a few drops of vanilla, almond, or peppermint extract for added flavor complexity.
Storage Tips:
Store your gluten-free peppermint meringues in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep for several days, but their texture is best when enjoyed soon after baking.
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Essential Equipment for This Recipe
To prepare this delicious recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- Mixing Bowls – A set of various sizes is essential for prepping different ingredients.
Find Mixing Bowls on Amazon - Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements, ensuring baking success.
Find Measuring Cups and Spoons on Amazon - Baking Sheets – Perfect for even baking and crisp results.
Find Baking Sheets on Amazon - Whisks – Essential for beating eggs, cream and creating smooth batters and sauces.
Find Whisks on Amazon - Spatulas – Ideal for folding and mixing ingredients and scraping bowls clean.
Find Spatulas on Amazon - Food Processors – To chop and blend efficiently.
Find Food Processors on Amazon - Saucepans – Needed for simmering sauces and melting chocolate.
Find Saucepans on Amazon - Chef’s Knives – A good knife makes all the difference in prep time.
Find Chef’s Knives on Amazon - Cutting Boards – Protect your counters while chopping.
Find Cutting Boards on Amazon
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[…] Looking for a fun and elegant gluten-free dessert? These Sunny Side Up Meringues are a delightful treat, perfect for Easter or any special occasion. These aren’t quite cookies and not exactly pavlovas, but a wonderful hybrid that will impress your guests. If you love light and airy desserts, you might also enjoy our recipe for Light Crispy Peppermint Meringues. […]
[…] you charmed, you’ll be thrilled to explore other gluten-free meringue-based treats. Consider our Light & Crispy Peppermint Meringues for a festive, airy confection, or the whimsical Sunny Side Up Meringues that are as fun to make as […]