Pastel Kisses

Pastel Kisses

Pastel Kisses are light, delicate, and colorful meringue cookies that are perfect for spring or any celebration! These bite-sized treats are crispy on the outside and melt in your mouth, offering a sweet, airy texture with a burst of pastel color. They’re simple to make and are a hit at parties or as a fun homemade gift.

Ingredients:

• 3 large egg whites, at room temperature

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• A pinch of salt

• Food coloring (pastel shades of your choice)

• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar (to help stabilize the meringue)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Prepare the Meringue:

   • In a clean, dry bowl, whisk the egg whites and a pinch of salt (and cream of tartar, if using) on medium speed until soft peaks form. This means the egg whites will begin to hold their shape but will still be soft at the tips.

   • Gradually add the granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat on high speed. Keep whisking until stiff, glossy peaks form. The meringue should be smooth and hold its shape when you lift the whisk.

3. Add Vanilla:

   • Mix in the vanilla extract, and continue to whisk for a few more seconds until fully incorporated.

4. Color the Meringue:

   • Divide the meringue mixture into separate bowls (if using multiple colors).

   • Add a small drop of food coloring to each bowl and gently fold in the color using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the meringue too much—just a few folds should give you a nice pastel swirl effect.

5. Pipe the Kisses:

   • Using a piping bag fitted with a round or star tip (or even a plastic sandwich bag with the tip cut off), pipe small mounds of the meringue onto the prepared baking sheet. You can make them as big or small as you prefer, but traditional “kisses” are usually about 1 inch in diameter.

   • If you prefer, you can create two-tone or multi-color swirls by adding different colors to the piping bag and then gently squeezing it.

6. Bake:

   • Bake the meringues in the preheated oven for about 1 to 1.5 hours. They should be dry to the touch and can easily lift off the parchment paper.

   • Turn off the oven and let the meringues sit in the oven with the door slightly ajar for an additional hour or two to finish drying out completely.

7. Cool and Serve:

   • Once fully cool, remove the meringues from the baking sheet and enjoy! They can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Tips:

• Perfecting the Meringue: Make sure your mixing bowl and whisk are completely clean and free of any grease. Even a tiny amount of fat can prevent the meringue from whipping properly.

• Flavored Kisses: You can also add a few drops of almond, lemon, or peppermint extract to the meringue for a fun twist on flavor.

• Color Variations: For a more vibrant pastel look, you can layer different colors of meringue in the piping bag for a marbled effect.

These Pastel Kisses are a sweet, simple, and colorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion!