Christmas Baking In The House

I remember when I was little my mom would go to a cookie exchange in December and come home with a platter full of amazing Christmas cookies.  One year she came home with these peppermint meringue cookies and we started making the light and airy cookies ourselves every year after that.  The kids and I enjoy making batches of different Christmas cookies and this year I thought I would introduce these cookies to them as we begin this season of cookie baking!

Peppermint Meringue Cookies

2 egg whites, at room temperature    

    1/8 tsp. salt        

    1/8 tsp. cream of tartar

    3/4 c. sugar    

    1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

    1 c. chocolate semisweet chocolate chips

    3 T crushed peppermint candy canes

Heat oven to 250 degrees. Place egg whites in small bowl of your Kitchen Aid mixer and beat at high speed until foamy.  Add salt and cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form.  Add sugar one tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition.  When meringue is stiff and white, remove bowl. Fold in vanilla, chocolate chips, and candy canes. -You can also add walnuts or pecans if that's your thing.  Drop by tablespoonfuls, about 1 1/2 " apart on lightly greased cookie sheets.  

Bake 40 min. Remove to cool.  Store in airtight container.

Enjoy!  

I'd love you hear about your favorite Christmas cookies.