Introducing a delightful recipe that embodies the essence of festive joy and culinary creativity: Meringue Candy Canes! This delectable treat, originating from lovewithrecipes.com, is not only visually stunning but also remarkably simple to prepare. Perfect for Christmas celebrations, gatherings with loved ones, or simply to indulge your sweet tooth, these candy canes promise to be a delightful addition to any occasion.
Cooking Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Servings: 36 (Recipe yields 3 dozen cookies)
Ingredients:
- 3 egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Pink food coloring (optional)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 12.5
- Fat Content: 0g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 20.7mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 2.8g
- Fiber Content: 0g
- Sugar Content: 2.8g
- Protein Content: 0.3g
Instructions:
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Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring that your oven racks are positioned in the middle. Then, prepare your pastry bags by fitting one with a 1/2 round tip and the other with a 1/4 round tip.
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Line Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly trace 36 candy canes, each measuring 2-2 1/2 inches in length. Make sure to trace them backward on the parchment paper, then flip the paper over to prevent the pencil or pen marks from transferring onto your meringues.
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Prepare Meringue: In a medium-sized bowl, beat the egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt until they become foamy.
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Gradually Add Sugar: Gradually add the sugar to the egg white mixture, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat. Beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
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Add Extract: Once the meringue reaches the desired consistency, beat in the peppermint extract until well incorporated.
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Tint Pink (Optional): Take about 1/2 cup of the meringue mixture and tint it pink using food coloring. This step adds a delightful touch of color to your candy canes.
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Fill Pastry Bags: Transfer the white meringue mixture into the pastry bag fitted with the 1/2 round tip, and the pink meringue mixture into the pastry bag fitted with the 1/4 round tip.
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Pipe Candy Canes: Fill in the traced outlines of the candy canes with the white meringue mixture. Then, using the pink meringue mixture, pipe thin stripes across the white meringue to create the classic candy cane pattern.
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Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the meringue candy canes for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
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Cool: After the baking time is complete, turn off the oven and allow the candy canes to sit in the oven for an additional hour. This gradual cooling process helps prevent the meringues from cracking.
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Transfer and Serve: Once cooled, carefully transfer the candy canes to a wire rack and let them cool completely before serving. These delightful treats are ready to be enjoyed!
With their light, airy texture and delightful peppermint flavor, these Meringue Candy Canes are sure to captivate the taste buds and spread holiday cheer. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply to indulge in a sweet treat, these festive delights are bound to become a favorite among family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary adventure that promises to delight both young and old alike. Enjoy the magic of the holidays with every sweet, crispy bite of these delightful candy canes!
