Peppermint Stars

Total Time: 45 mins Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 15
• 2 egg whites
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• red food coloring (optional)

Recipe

• 1 place egg whites in a medium mixing bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• 2 line two large cookie sheets with brown paper or foil, set aside.
• 3 add vanilla and cream of tartar to egg whites.
• 4 beat with an electric mixer on medium to high speed until soft peaks form (tips curl).
• 5 gradually add sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form (tips stand straight) and sugar dissolves. quickly beat in peppermint extract. tint pink with several drops of red food coloring, if desired.
• 6 using a pastry tube with a large star decorating tip, pipe cookies onto prepared cookie sheets (form cookies about 1-1/2 inches in diameter).
• 7 bake in a 300 degree f oven for 15 minutes. turn off oven and let cookies dry in oven with door closed about 30 minutes.
• 8 remove from cookie sheets.
• 9 cover and store in a dry place. makes 45 cookies.