Christmas Meringue Kisses are light, airy, and perfectly sweet treats that make a festive addition to your holiday dessert table. With their colorful swirls and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these meringues are as delightful to look at as they are to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive and Fun: A colorful addition to your holiday celebrations.
• Light and Airy: Perfectly sweet without being heavy.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples.
• Make-Ahead Dessert: Long shelf life makes them ideal for preparing in advance.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 large egg whites
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Red and green food coloring

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whip the Egg Whites:
   • In a clean, dry mixing bowl, whip egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form.
3. Add Sugar Gradually:
   • Slowly add granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to whip. Increase the speed to high and whip until stiff peaks form and the meringue is glossy.
4. Incorporate Vanilla:
   • Gently fold in vanilla extract.
5. Add Color:
   • Divide the meringue into two bowls. Add a few drops of red food coloring to one and green to the other. Gently fold to incorporate.
6. Pipe the Meringues:
   • Transfer each color of meringue into separate piping bags fitted with a star tip. Pipe small, kiss-shaped mounds onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
7. Bake:
   • Bake for 1 hour, or until the meringues are dry and crisp to the touch. Turn off the oven and let the meringues cool completely inside to prevent cracking.
8. Store:
   • Once cooled, store the meringues in an airtight container at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
• Servings: 24 pieces

Variations

• Flavor Twist: Add a few drops of peppermint, almond, or orange extract for a unique flavor.
• Swirl Effect: Use a toothpick to swirl the red and green meringues together for a marbled effect.
• Chocolate-Dipped: Dip the bottoms of the meringues in melted chocolate and let them set.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: Freeze meringues for up to 1 month in a sealed container. Thaw at room temperature.
• Reheating: Avoid reheating, as meringues are meant to be eaten crisp and cool.

FAQs

1. Why didn’t my meringues stiffen?

Ensure your bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of grease. Even a small amount of yolk can prevent stiff peaks.

2. How do I know when the meringues are done?

They should feel dry and easily lift off the parchment paper.

3. Can I make these without a piping bag?

Yes, use a spoon to dollop the meringue onto the baking sheet for a rustic look.

4. What happens if my meringues crack?

Cracks are often caused by rapid temperature changes. Allow the meringues to cool in the oven for best results.

5. Can I use liquid food coloring?

Yes, but gel food coloring gives more vibrant colors without altering the texture.

6. How do I prevent the meringues from becoming sticky?

Store them in a dry, airtight container. Humidity can make them sticky.

7. What’s the best way to separate egg whites?

Separate the whites from the yolks while the eggs are cold, then let the whites come to room temperature for better whipping.

8. Can I make smaller or larger meringues?

Yes, adjust the baking time slightly depending on the size.

9. Are these suitable for gifting?

Absolutely! Package them in decorative tins or jars for a festive gift.

10. What can I do with leftover yolks?

Use them to make custards, curds, or rich sauces like hollandaise.

Conclusion

Christmas Meringue Kisses are a light and delightful holiday treat that’s sure to impress. Their sweet, airy texture and festive colors make them a favorite for holiday parties, dessert trays, or as edible gifts. Whip up a batch and enjoy the holiday cheer!

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• Author: Mariem
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 24 pieces 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Light, airy, and festive meringue cookies that melt in your mouth. These colorful treats are perfect for holiday parties or as a fun edible gift!

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 large egg whites
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Red and green food coloring

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

• Preheat the Oven:
  • Preheat oven to 225°F (110°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Whip the Egg Whites:
  • In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form.
• Add Sugar Gradually:
  • Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat. Whip until stiff, glossy peaks form.
• Incorporate Vanilla:
  • Gently fold in the vanilla extract.
• Color the Meringue:
  • Divide the meringue evenly into two bowls. Add a few drops of red food coloring to one bowl and green to the other. Gently fold to mix the colors.
• Pipe the Meringues:
  • Transfer each color of meringue into separate piping bags fitted with star tips. Pipe small, kiss-shaped mounds onto the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake:
  • Bake for 1 hour or until the meringues are dry and crisp. Turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside to cool completely.
• Serve or Store:
  • Once cooled, store in an airtight container to maintain crispness.

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Notes

• Color Variations: Experiment with additional holiday colors or swirl the colors together for a marbled effect.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
• Pro Tip: Ensure your mixing bowl and whisk are completely grease-free to achieve stiff peaks.