Christmas Meringue Kisses are light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth holiday treats that add a festive touch to any dessert spread. These delicate cookies are made with whipped egg whites, sugar, and a hint of vanilla, then beautifully piped into bite-sized swirls. Decorated with festive colors, sprinkles, or a drizzle of chocolate, these meringue kisses are perfect for holiday parties, edible gifts, or simply enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light and airy – Crisp on the outside, soft in the center, and perfectly sweet.
- Festive and fun – Easily customize with colors, flavors, and decorations.
- Great for gifting – Package them in holiday tins for a homemade Christmas treat.
- Easy to make – Just a few simple ingredients and a little patience for baking.
- Naturally gluten-free – A great dessert option for those with dietary restrictions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Egg whites (room temperature)
- Granulated sugar
- Cream of tartar (helps stabilize the meringue)
- Vanilla extract (or peppermint extract for a festive twist)
- Red and green gel food coloring (optional)
- Holiday sprinkles or edible glitter (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven – Set to 225°F (110°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat the egg whites – In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Add the sugar – Gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat. Increase speed to high and whip until stiff, glossy peaks form (about 5-7 minutes).
- Flavor and color – Mix in vanilla extract. If using food coloring, divide the meringue into separate bowls and fold in color gently.
- Pipe the meringue – Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe small “kisses” onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake – Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meringues are firm and dry. Turn off the oven and let them cool inside for an additional hour to prevent cracking.
- Decorate (optional) – Drizzle with melted chocolate or add sprinkles before they fully set.
- Serve and enjoy – Store in an airtight container to keep them crisp.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 40-50 meringue kisses
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: ~3.5 hours
Variations
- Peppermint Swirl – Add peppermint extract and red swirls for a classic holiday flavor.
- Chocolate-Dipped – Dip the bottoms in melted dark or white chocolate.
- Nutty Delight – Sprinkle finely chopped pistachios or almonds on top before baking.
- Spiced Holiday – Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor.
- Candy Cane Crunch – Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for extra crunch.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing – Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Avoid Moisture – Keep away from humidity to prevent them from becoming sticky.
- No Reheating Needed – Enjoy them as-is!
FAQs
Why are my meringues chewy instead of crispy?
They may have absorbed moisture from the air. Bake them a little longer or store them in an airtight container with a silica gel packet.
Can I use liquid food coloring?
Gel food coloring is best because liquid can add too much moisture, affecting the texture.
How do I know when my meringues are done baking?
They should be dry to the touch and easily lift off the parchment paper.
Can I make meringue kisses without cream of tartar?
Yes, but cream of tartar helps stabilize the egg whites for better texture. You can substitute with lemon juice or white vinegar.
Why did my meringues crack?
Rapid temperature changes can cause cracking. Let them cool gradually in the oven after baking.
Can I pipe different shapes?
Yes! Use different piping tips to create stars, swirls, or hearts.
What if my meringue mixture isn’t stiff enough?
Make sure there’s no grease or moisture in your mixing bowl, and whip longer if needed.
Can I flavor these with other extracts?
Absolutely! Try almond, lemon, coconut, or even hazelnut extract for variety.
How can I make my meringue kisses extra glossy?
Ensure sugar is completely dissolved by rubbing a little mixture between your fingers—if it feels gritty, keep whipping.
Can I use leftover egg yolks for another recipe?
Yes! Use them for custards, curds, or homemade mayonnaise.
Conclusion
Christmas Meringue Kisses are a delightful, festive treat that’s light, crispy, and full of holiday cheer. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or edible gift, their melt-in-your-mouth texture and customizable flavors make them a holiday favorite. Try this recipe for a sweet, elegant addition to your Christmas celebrations!
Print
Christmas Meringue Kisses
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 ½ hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 40–50 meringue kisses
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
These Christmas Meringue Kisses are light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth treats with a crisp exterior and a delicate sweetness. Decorated with festive colors and sprinkles, they make the perfect holiday dessert or edible gift for Christmas gatherings!
Ingredients
These Christmas Meringue Kisses are light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth treats with a crisp exterior and a delicate sweetness. Decorated with festive colors and sprinkles, they make the perfect holiday dessert or edible gift for Christmas gatherings!
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare:
- Preheat oven to 225°F (110°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Meringue:
- In a clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed until foamy.
- Add cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Mix in vanilla extract.
- Color & Pipe:
- Divide the meringue into separate bowls if using different colors.
- Add gel food coloring and gently fold until fully mixed.
- Transfer meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe small kisses onto the baking sheet.
- Sprinkle with holiday sprinkles if desired.
- Bake & Dry:
- Bake for 1 ½ hours, then turn off the oven and let the meringues cool inside for another hour.
- This ensures they dry out completely and stay crisp.
- Serve & Store:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Enjoy as a light treat or give them as holiday gifts!
Notes
- Make sure the mixing bowl is grease-free for the best meringue texture.
- Avoid using liquid food coloring, as it may deflate the meringue.
- For extra flavor, add a few drops of peppermint or almond extract.
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