PEPPERMINT MERINGUE CLOUDS

Peppermint Meringue Clouds image

I love to bake so my kitchen gets a real workout every Christmas. This unique recipe combines both sugar and meringue cookies. -June Rolf, Norwood, Minnesota

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h5m

Yield 4 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

2/3 cup shortening
3/4 cup sugar
2 egg yolks
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
MERINGUE:
2 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
1/2 cup crushed spearmint candies

Steps:

In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg yolks, milk and vanilla. Combine the flour, salt and baking powder; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes., Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat the egg whites, salt, vinegar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar; beat until stiff peaks form. Fold in chocolate chips. Transfer half of the meringue to another bowl. Fold peppermint candies into one portion and spearmint candies into the remaining portion., Shape cookie dough into 1-in. balls. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Flatten with a glass dipped in sugar. Drop meringue by teaspoonfuls into the center of each cookie. Bake at 325° for 18-20 minutes or until lightly browned.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 97 calories, Fat 4g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 9mg cholesterol, Sodium 70mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.