Peppermint Meringue Cookies

Name: Peppermint Meringue Cookies
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Yield: 6 dozen.
Ingredients: 4 large egg whites; 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar; 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup sugar; Red and green paste food coloring, optional; 6 ounces dark chocolate candy coating, chopped

Green and red swirls set these whimsical delights apart from any other meringue recipe. They look like they came straight from Candy Land. Each melt-in-your-mouth bite packs just the right amount of refreshing peppermint flavor that's perfectly complemented by the bottom layer of chocolate.

Ingredients

4 large egg whites
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
Red and green paste food coloring, optional
6 ounces dark chocolate candy coating, chopped

Directions

Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Add the cream of tartar, peppermint extract and salt; beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved.
If desired, using a new small paintbrush, paint four alternating red and green stripes inside a pastry bag fitted with a #2D star tip. Fill bag with meringue. Pipe 1-1/2-in.-diameter cookies onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets, repainting stripes if necessary.
Bake at 250° for 40-45 minutes or until set and dry. Turn oven off; leave meringues in oven for 1-1/2 hours. Carefully remove meringues from parchment paper.
In a microwave, melt candy coating; stir until smooth. Dip bottoms of meringues into melted coating, allowing excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper; let stand until set. Store in an airtight container.