Chocolate Peppermint Meringue Kisses

Chocolate Peppermint Meringue Kisses

Look at those purty looking cookies!

A friend of mine introduced me to these delectable goodies when I was searching for a cookie to bring to a cookie exchange party.  Now I HAVE to make them every year!  They are light and have this wonderful texture that you can only get from meringue.  A touch of peppermint and chocolate....yum!  Quite the delight!

Here's how you make them...

2 egg whites

1/4 tsp salt

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

2 Tbsp crushed peppermint candies or candy canes

red food coloring

Preheat your oven to 250 degrees.

In a bowl, beat egg whites and salt until frothy.

Add the sugar gradually, beating after each addition.  Beat until stiff peaks form (4-5 minutes).

Blend in the vanilla and a couple of drops of red food coloring until the mixture turns pink.

Fold in the chocolate chips and crushed peppermint.

Drop rounded teaspoonfuls onto parchment paper lined cookie sheets.

Bake at 250 degrees for 45 minutes. 

Cool on pan for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.  Makes about 3 dozen.

Chocolate Peppermint Meringue Kisses

Check out the insides of these cookies!  Slightly crunchy exterior with a slightly gooey interior.  Oh my goodness are these good!  They would be great to bring to a cookie exchange...although I don't know if they will last in your house!  The Christmas Cookie Elves may eat them!

It IS cookie baking time and I love to make cookies with the girls!!!  We are plotting out our cookie baking plan as we speak!  When they were little we loved to bake and then sit by the fire eating our goodies while reading a Christmas favorite!  One of our favorites was Max Lucado's The Crippled Lamb.

It's a touching story about a disabled lamb who finds he has a special purpose and place in this world.  Brings tears to our eyes every time!

During the season, try not to get swooped up in the craziness!  Stop, bake some cookies with your kiddos and eat them in front of a fire while reading your Christmas favorites!  Those will be memories that last a lifetime!

Take time to celebrate the little things that make life sweet!

Christine