The holidays are a time for sharing sweet treats, and these Christmas Meringue Kisses are the perfect addition to your dessert table. With their light, airy texture and festive red, green, and white colors, they’re not just delicious but also stunningly beautiful. Whether you’re serving them at a party or gifting them to friends and family, these delicate cookies are sure to impress.
Made with just four simple ingredients, these meringue kisses are quick to prepare and require minimal effort. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle sweetness make them a favorite among kids and adults alike. Best of all, they can be customized with different colors and flavors to suit any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few pantry staples and a little patience, you’ll have a batch of these impressive cookies ready to go.
- Naturally Gluten-Free: Perfect for guests with dietary restrictions.
- Customizable: Change the colors, shapes, or even flavors to match any holiday or celebration.
- Perfect for Gifting: These meringues make adorable edible gifts when packaged in festive boxes or jars.
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red and green food coloring
How to Make Christmas Meringue Kisses
1. Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whip the Egg Whites: In a clean, grease-free bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Gradually add sugar, a tablespoon at a time, whisking until the mixture is glossy and smooth.
3. Add Flavor and Color: Gently fold in the vanilla extract. Divide the meringue into two bowls, adding red food coloring to one and green to the other. Mix until evenly colored.
4. Pipe the Kisses: Spoon the meringue into piping bags fitted with star or round tips. Pipe small kiss shapes onto the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake: Bake for 1 hour or until the meringues are dry and crisp. Turn off the oven and let the cookies cool inside with the door slightly ajar.
6. Cool and Serve: Once cooled, transfer the meringues to an airtight container or serve immediately.
Variations
- Flavored Meringues: Add peppermint, almond, or lemon extract instead of vanilla for a fun twist.
- Decorations: Sprinkle the tops with edible glitter, crushed candy canes, or holiday sprinkles before baking for added flair.
- Swirled Colors: Add two or three colors to the piping bag for a marbled effect.
Pairing Ideas
These meringue kisses pair wonderfully with a warm cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or tea. You can also serve them alongside other festive treats like sugar cookies or gingerbread for a full dessert spread.
Substitutes
- Egg Whites: Use pasteurized liquid egg whites for convenience.
- Sugar: Superfine or caster sugar will dissolve more quickly than granulated sugar, giving you a smoother meringue.
- Food Coloring: Gel food coloring works best as it doesn’t alter the consistency of the meringue.
Storage
Store these meringue kisses in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Avoid storing them in humid areas, as they can absorb moisture and lose their crisp texture. For longer storage, freeze the meringues in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Enjoy these delightful Christmas Meringue Kisses and spread the holiday cheer with every bite!
Christmas Meringue Kisses
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red and green food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 225°F (110°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whip the Egg Whites: In a clean, dry bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition until the mixture becomes glossy and smooth.
- Add Flavor and Color: Gently fold in the vanilla extract. Divide the meringue into separate bowls and mix in red and green food coloring as desired.
- Pipe the Kisses: Transfer the colored meringues into piping bags fitted with a star or round tip. Pipe small kiss shapes onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the meringues for 1 hour, or until they are dry and crisp to the touch. Turn off the oven and let the meringues cool inside with the door slightly ajar.
- Serve: Once cooled, enjoy these festive treats or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
