Description
These Patriotic Meringue Kisses are light, airy, and perfect for celebrating with a festive red, white, and blue theme. Made with egg whites, sugar, and a touch of vanilla, these crisp, colorful treats are ideal for patriotic holidays like the 4th of July. Their delicate texture and vibrant stripes make them a charming dessert or party favor.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Red and blue gel food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 200°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Beat Egg Whites: In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until they become foamy and start to expand.
- Add Cream of Tartar: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar to the foamy whites and continue beating until soft peaks form, giving structure and stability to the meringue.
- Incorporate Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed. Continue until the mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks and the sugar is fully dissolved, resulting in a smooth, shiny meringue.
- Mix in Vanilla Extract: Beat in 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for flavor.
- Color the Piping Bag: Using a small paintbrush, paint red and blue gel food coloring stripes inside a piping bag fitted with a star or round tip. This will give each meringue a patriotic look when piped.
- Pipe Meringue Kisses: Carefully spoon the meringue mixture into the prepared piping bag. Pipe 1-inch kisses onto the lined baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart to prevent sticking during baking.
- Bake and Dry: Bake for 1 hour at 200°F. After baking, turn off the oven and let the meringues sit in the oven for another hour to dry completely and achieve the right crisp texture.
- Cool and Store: Once fully cooled, transfer the meringue kisses to an airtight container to keep them crisp until serving.
Notes
- Humidity can affect the texture of meringues, so try to bake them on a dry day to achieve the best crispness.
- You can use powdered food coloring for more intense shades without affecting the texture of the meringue.
- Ensure that your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry for proper egg white whipping.
- Room temperature egg whites whip better and yield more volume than cold ones.
- Store meringues in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming chewy due to moisture.
