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Valentine’s Day Meringue Kisses Recipe

4.6 from 660 reviews

Valentine’s Day Meringue Kisses are light, sweet, and beautifully delicate dessert treats perfect for celebrating love. They feature an airy texture with a crisp exterior and a melt-in-your-mouth center, colored vibrantly with pink or red gel food coloring, making them an elegant and charming addition to any Valentine’s Day spread.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 4 large egg whites, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pink or red gel food coloring
  • Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to ensure even baking of the meringue kisses.
  2. Beat Egg Whites: In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy, which helps to begin building structure in the meringue. Add the cream of tartar to stabilize the egg whites and increase the speed to medium-high.
  3. Add Sugar Gradually: Slowly add the granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time while continuously beating. After all the sugar is incorporated, increase the mixer speed to high and beat for 5-7 minutes until stiff, glossy peaks form, ensuring the meringue holds its shape well.
  4. Incorporate Flavor and Color: Gently fold in the vanilla extract for flavor. Add pink or red gel food coloring either in streaks for a swirled look or mixed fully for uniform coloring, enhancing the Valentine’s Day theme.
  5. Pipe Meringue Kisses: Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star or round tip. Pipe small, about 1-inch-wide kisses onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch space between each for even baking.
  6. Add Decorations: If desired, sprinkle Valentine-themed sprinkles over the piped meringue kisses for a festive and decorative touch.
  7. Bake and Cool: Bake the meringue kisses for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until dry and easily lifted from the parchment paper. Then turn off the oven and let the kisses cool completely inside the oven to avoid cracking.
  8. Store Properly: Once cooled, transfer the meringue kisses to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to two weeks, layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve their shape.

Notes

  • Stop beating as soon as stiff peaks form to prevent the meringue from becoming grainy.
  • Room-temperature egg whites whip better, creating more volume and stability.
  • Slowly adding sugar helps it dissolve completely, ensuring a smooth, glossy meringue.
  • Use gel food coloring as it does not alter meringue consistency unlike liquid coloring.
  • Cooling the meringues inside the turned-off oven prevents cracking by allowing them to dry slowly.
  • Store meringue kisses in an airtight container away from humidity to avoid stickiness.
  • Optional flavor variations include rose water, almond extract, peppermint extract, and lemon zest.
  • Optional decorations include edible glitter, chocolate drizzle, and freeze-dried raspberry toppings.

Keywords: Valentine’s Day, Meringue, Dessert, Holiday Treat, Egg Whites, Sweet, Baking, French Dessert, Valentine’s Kiss, Sugar Cookie Alternative