This post may contain affiliate links, please see the privacy policy for details.
With a crisp texture, festive flavor and a dip of rich chocolate, these chocolate dipped peppermint meringues are a holiday treat that looks as good as it tastes. Light and airy with a touch of peppermint, they’re piped into perfect little kisses, then finished with a swirl of melted chocolate and crushed candy canes. These cookies are easy to make, impressive to serve and perfect for gifting, cookie exchanges or adding something special to your holiday dessert tray.
Chocolate dipped peppermint meringues are light, airy and festive with a crisp texture, a peppermint twist and a dip of rich chocolate and crushed candy cane.
Got a sweet tooth? You might also like air fryer pavlova, strawberry kiss cookies, Nutella cookies or Christmas pinwheel cookies.
Why You’ll Love It
Festive flavor: Peppermint and chocolate make a classic holiday combo.
Impressive look: These cookies are as pretty as they are tasty.
Naturally gluten free: Made without flour, perfect for those avoiding gluten.
Crisp and airy: Light texture with a satisfying crunch.
Ideal for gifting: Package them up for a homemade holiday present.
Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Meringue Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melted for dipping the base of each meringue.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the meringue.
Egg whites: Whipped to stiff peaks, forming the structure of the cookies.
Candy canes: Crushed and used for coating the chocolate-dipped base.
Vanilla or peppermint extract: Adds festive flavor to the meringue mixture.
Cream of tartar: Helps stabilize the egg whites for a firm, glossy meringue.
How to Make Chocolate Dipped Meringues
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Prep the baking sheets: Line trays with parchment paper and preheat the oven.
Beat the egg whites: Whip with cream of tartar until frothy.
Add the sugar: Slowly incorporate until stiff peaks form.
Mix in extract: Add vanilla or peppermint for flavor.
Pipe the meringues: Form small swirls onto the baking sheets.
Bake and rest: Bake until firm, then let sit in the oven as it cools.
Dip and decorate: Dip cooled meringues in melted chocolate and crushed peppermint.
Let set and serve: Place on trays until chocolate firms, then enjoy.
Substitutions and Variations
Use white chocolate: For a sweeter, creamier finish.
Change the extract: Try almond or orange extract for a different twist.
Add color: Swirl in red food coloring for a candy cane effect.
Skip the dip: Serve them plain for a lighter, simpler cookie.
Serving Suggestions
With other Christmas treats: You might also like fig X-shape cookies, Christmas tree cupcakes and Christmas tree cake dip.
With festive drinks: White Christmas punch or one of these red Christmas drinks.
How to Store Peppermint Meringues
Store: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature and eat within a week.
Freeze: You can freeze them for up to a month.
Thaw: Defrost at room temperature.
Top Tips
Use room temperature egg whites: They whip better and more evenly.
Don’t rush the cooling: Letting them sit in the oven helps prevent cracking.
Use a piping bag: This gives the meringues their classic swirl shape.
Avoid moisture: Humidity can affect how the meringues set and store.
Peppermint Meringue Kiss Cookie FAQs
Yes, peppermint adds a festive touch and works perfectly here.
It helps stabilize the egg whites, but lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
Peppermint Meringue Kiss Christmas Cookie Recipe
Chocolate Dipped Peppermint Meringues
Equipment
- Pastry Bag with Star Piping Tip
Ingredients
- 1 Cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 Cup granulated sugar
- 4 egg whites, at room temperature
- 1/2 Cup candy canes, crushed
- 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract, clear vanilla extract if you can find or try or peppermint extract
- 1/2 Teaspoon cream of tartar
Instructions
- Prepare 2 baking sheets by lining with parchment paper.
- Preheat your oven to 225 degrees F.
- In the bowl of a mixer, combine the cream of tartar with the room temperature egg whites. Beat on medium high until the eggs become nice and frothy.
- Slowly stream in the sugar a little bit at a time.
- Whip and sugar and eggs until the mixture holds stiff peaks.
- Add the vanilla or peppermint extract and give one last good mix until combined.
- Place the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star piping tip.
- Pipe 1.5-inch swirls onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving 1.5 to 2 inches between each one
- Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until firm to the touch. Leave the tray in the oven with the door closed, turn the oven off and let rest for 60 to 90 additional minutes.
- Once the cookies have cooled completely, remove from the oven.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl.
- Dip the bottom of each meringue into the chocolate then dip into the crushed peppermint candy.
- Place the meringue back onto the cookie sheet to set.
- Once the chocolate has hardened, serve or store in an airtight container.
Notes
Don’t rush the cooling: Letting them sit in the oven helps prevent cracking.
Use a piping bag: This gives the meringues their classic swirl shape.
Avoid moisture: Humidity can affect how the meringues set and store.
Nutrition
Chocolate dipped peppermint meringues are a simple yet stunning cookie to brighten up your holiday table. With their airy texture, chocolatey base and a cool peppermint crunch, they strike the perfect balance of sweet and seasonal. Whether you’re serving them at a party or boxing them up for friends and family, these holiday meringue cookies are sure to add a festive touch to any celebration.
Other Recipes to Try
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Not with this recipe. The meringues need that ratio of sugar to egg white in order to become stiff peaks.
These look so good! I have always wanted to try them. This is the year!