Valentine’s Day Meringue Kisses
Valentine’s Day Meringue Kisses are light, sweet, and beautifully delicate, making them an ideal treat to celebrate love. Their airy texture and elegant appearance are sure to impress.

Making This Valentine’s Day Meringue Kisses Recipe
I love making this Valentine’s Day Meringue Kisses recipe. Every Valentine’s Day, I prepare these light, sweet, and beautifully delicate treats for my husband, which are always a hit. This is a dessert I like to whip up for romantic dinners or family gatherings because it’s simple, festive, and utterly charming.
And let me tell you, this recipe is my favorite when creating something sweet for special occasions. I’m not gonna lie — I love the crisp, airy texture and the subtle sweetness of these meringue kisses. It’s always my first choice when I want to create a dessert that feels elegant and heartfelt.
I make these meringue kisses with simple ingredients like egg whites, sugar, and vanilla extract. Sometimes, I like to add a swirl of pink or red food coloring for that Valentine’s Day vibe.
You can also sprinkle them with festive decorations or even dip them in melted chocolate for a decadent twist. The result? Just “Wow!” You’ll love it for sure. And for a perfect pairing, you can serve them with coffee, hot chocolate, or a glass of champagne. This recipe is super easy to make and brings a touch of elegance to any celebration.
Why This Valentine’s Day Meringue Kisses Recipe Is Great?
Valentine’s Day Meringue Kisses are the perfect treat for celebrating love. Their delicate texture and charming appearance make them an elegant addition to any dessert table. Plus, they’re simple to customize with colors, flavors, and decorations, ensuring they’re as unique as your celebration.
Perfect For:
- Romantic Dinners: These meringue kisses are an ideal dessert to cap off a romantic Valentine’s Day meal. Their light texture pairs perfectly with heavier main courses, leaving room for a sweet finish.
- Gifting: Package these kisses in a decorative box or clear bag tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful and homemade Valentine’s Day gift. They’re a sweet way to show your loved ones you care.
- Party Favors: These meringue kisses make excellent party favors for weddings, baby showers, or Valentine ’s-themed events. Arrange them in small boxes or jars for a festive takeaway treat.
- Family Fun: Get the kids involved in decorating these meringue kisses with sprinkles and food coloring. They’re a fun, interactive treat for the whole family to enjoy together.
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)
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Hand or stand mixer
- Piping bag with a star or round tip
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
- Silicone spatula
- Measuring spoons

How to make Valentine’s Day Meringue Kisses
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 200u00b0F (93u00b0C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and increase the speed to medium-high.
Step 3:
Slowly add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat. Once all the sugar is incorporated, increase the speed to high and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. This should take 5-7 minutes.
Step 4:
Gently fold in the vanilla extract. For a Valentine’s Day theme, add pink or red gel food coloring in streaks for a swirled effect, or mix it fully for a uniform color.
Step 5:
Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star or round tip. Pipe small kisses (about 1 inch wide) onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Step 6:
If desired, sprinkle the meringue kisses with Valentine-themed sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
Step 7:
Bake the meringue kisses for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until they are dry and can be easily lifted off the parchment paper. Turn off the oven and let the kisses cool completely inside the oven to avoid cracking.
Step 8:
Once cooled, transfer the kisses to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Helpful Tips
- Room-temperature egg whites whip up better, creating more volume for your meringue.
- Slowly adding sugar while beating helps it dissolve completely, ensuring a smooth and glossy meringue.
- Beat until the meringue holds stiff, glossy peaks. This ensures the kisses hold their shape when piped.
- Stop beating as soon as stiff peaks form to prevent the meringue from becoming grainy.
- Use a steady hand to pipe evenly sized kisses, which ensures consistent baking.
- Gel food coloring provides vibrant color without affecting the meringue’s consistency.
- Turn off the oven after baking and leave the kisses inside to cool completely. This helps prevent cracking.
Optional Ingredients
- Rose Water: Add a few drops for a floral undertone that pairs beautifully with Valentine’s Day.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cooled meringue kisses for added decadence.
- Edible Glitter: Sprinkle edible glitter on the meringue before baking for a festive, sparkling effect.
- Cinnamon: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the meringue for a warm and spicy note.
- Freeze-Dried Raspberries: Crush and sprinkle over the meringue for a tart, fruity flavor.
- Almond Extract: Swap vanilla for almond extract to create a nutty flavor variation.

How to Enjoy Valentine’s Day Meringue Kisses?
For serving, always present these meringue kisses beautifully. My favorite way is to arrange them in a heart shape on a decorative platter for a romantic Valentine’s Day centerpiece. Their vibrant colors and delicate shapes add instant charm to any table setting.
Pair these kisses with a warm drink like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. The light, crisp texture complements the richness of the beverage, creating a balanced and satisfying treat. For a luxurious pairing, serve them with champagne or sparkling wine to elevate the experience.
You can also use these meringue kisses as decorations for cakes and cupcakes. Their elegant shapes and colors make them a versatile garnish for other desserts, adding flair and flavor to your creations. Whether served solo or as part of a dessert spread, they’re always a hit.
Recipe Variations
Chocolate Meringue Kisses: Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the meringue for a rich chocolate flavor.
Mint Swirls: Add a few drops of peppermint extract and green food coloring for a refreshing twist.
Rainbow Kisses: Divide the meringue into portions and color each one differently for a vibrant, rainbow effect.
Lemon Meringue Kisses: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest and a drop of yellow food coloring for a zesty flavor.
Strawberry Kisses: Use freeze-dried strawberry powder to flavor and color the meringue naturally.
Vanilla Bean Kisses: Add scraped vanilla bean seeds for an aromatic and classic vanilla flavor.
How to Store
Store these meringue kisses in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Keep them away from moisture, as humidity can make them sticky. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their shape.
For longer storage, freeze the meringue kisses in an airtight container. Thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Freezing doesn’t affect their texture, so you can make them ahead for special occasions.

FAQ
Why do my meringue kisses crack during baking?
- Cracks usually happen if the oven temperature is too high or the meringue isn’t rested long enough before baking. Keep the temperature low and let them cool in the oven after baking.
Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
- Gel food coloring is better because it doesn’t alter the consistency of the meringue. Liquid coloring can make the meringue too runny.
How do I know when the meringue is whipped enough?
- The meringue should form stiff, glossy peaks that hold their shape when you lift the whisk. If it’s over-whipped, it can become grainy.
Can I add flavors other than vanilla?
- Yes, you can use extracts like almond, lemon, or peppermint. Use a small amount to avoid overpowering the delicate flavor of the meringue.
Why are my meringue kisses sticky?
- Humidity can make meringues sticky. Store them in an airtight container and avoid making them on very humid days.
How do I pipe perfect meringue kisses?
- Use a piping bag fitted with a star or round tip and apply even pressure to pipe uniform sizes. Practice on parchment paper beforehand if needed.
Can I make meringue kisses ahead of time?
- Yes, meringue kisses store well in an airtight container for up to two weeks, making them perfect for preparation.
What’s the best way to decorate meringue kisses?
- Use sprinkles, edible glitter, or a light dusting of powdered sugar. You can also drizzle melted chocolate after baking.
Can I make meringue kisses without cream of tartar?
- Yes, but cream of tartar helps stabilize the egg whites. You can substitute it with a few drops of lemon juice or white vinegar.
What should I do if my meringue won’t stiffen?
- Ensure your mixing bowl and whisk are completely clean and free of grease. Even a small amount of fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.
Valentine’s Day Meringue Kisses
Course: DessertCuisine: FrenchDifficulty: Easy40
kisses20
minutes1
hour30
minutes1
hour50
minutesValentine’s Day Meringue Kisses are light, sweet, and beautifully delicate, making them an ideal treat to celebrate love. Their airy texture and elegant appearance are sure to impress.
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)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 200u00b0F (93u00b0C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and increase the speed to medium-high.
- Slowly add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat. Once all the sugar is incorporated, increase the speed to high and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. This should take 5-7 minutes.
- Gently fold in the vanilla extract. For a Valentine’s Day theme, add pink or red gel food coloring in streaks for a swirled effect or mix it fully for a uniform color.
- Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star or round tip. Pipe small kisses (about 1 inch wide) onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- If desired, sprinkle the meringue kisses with Valentine’s-themed sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
- Bake the meringue kisses for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until they are dry and can be easily lifted off the parchment paper. Turn off the oven and let the kisses cool completely inside the oven to avoid cracking.
- Once cooled, transfer the kisses to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks.
Notes
- Stop beating as soon as stiff peaks form to prevent the meringue from becoming grainy.
- Room-temperature egg whites whip up better, creating more volume for your meringue.