Delicate French Meringue Kisses
Indulge in the ethereal delight of Delicate French Meringue Kisses, a classic dessert characterized by its crisp exterior and marshmallow-like interior. These light-as-air treats are perfect for pairing with a cup of tea or as an elegant addition to any dessert table. For chocolate lovers, simply fold in finely chopped bittersweet chocolate for an extra layer of flavor. While the meringues may seem soft right out of the oven, they will firm up beautifully as they cool, developing a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Keep in mind that humidity can affect their consistency; for optimal results, cool them in a turned-off oven for additional time if the weather is damp. Enjoy these sweet morsels for up to 2 weeks when stored properly in an airtight container.
N/A
Servings
35
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
3/4 cup (Granulated)
Cornstarch
2 teaspoons (None)
Egg Whites
4 large (Room temperature)
Vanilla Extract
3/4 teaspoon (None)
Table Salt
1/8 teaspoon (None)
Bittersweet Chocolate (optional)
2 ounces (Finely chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 225°F and adjust the oven racks to the upper-middle and lower-middle positions. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2
In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cornstarch until well combined.
3
Using a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites on high speed until very soft peaks form, about 30-45 seconds. The foam should begin to gain volume but still be delicate.
4
Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the sugar-cornstarch mixture in a steady stream down the side of the bowl for about 30 seconds.
5
Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure even mixing.
6
Return the mixer to high speed and beat until the meringue becomes glossy and stiff peaks form, approximately 30-45 seconds.
7
If desired, gently fold in 2 ounces of finely chopped bittersweet chocolate at this stage for a decadent twist.
8
Quickly transfer the meringue mixture to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2" tip. Pipe the meringues into 1 1/4"-wide mounds, approximately 1" high, spacing them evenly to fit six rows of four on each baking sheet.
9
Bake the meringues for 30 minutes, then rotate the pans from front to back and top to bottom. Continue baking for an additional 30 minutes.
10
Once baking is complete, turn off the oven and let the meringues cool inside for at least 1 hour (up to 2 hours in humid conditions), without opening the oven door. This will help maintain their crispness.
11
Finally, remove the meringues from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature, about 10 minutes, before serving.
Nutrition Information
0.08g
Fat
7.85g
Carbs
0.30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the texture of Delicate French Meringue Kisses?
These meringues are characterized by a crisp exterior and a marshmallow-like interior.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
How should I prepare my baking sheets?
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and adjust the oven racks to the upper-middle and lower-middle positions.
What is the first step in preparing the ingredients?
In a small bowl, mix together 3/4 cup of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of cornstarch until well combined.
What attachment should I use on my stand mixer?
Use the whisk attachment to beat the egg whites.
How long does it take to reach soft peaks?
Beat the egg whites on high speed for about 30-45 seconds until very soft peaks form.
How should the sugar-cornstarch mixture be added?
Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the mixture in a steady stream down the side of the bowl over about 30 seconds.
Why is it important to scrape the bowl?
Scraping the sides and bottom with a rubber spatula ensures even mixing of all ingredients.
How do I know when the meringue is finished mixing?
The meringue should be glossy and form stiff peaks after being beaten on high speed for 30-45 seconds.
Can I add chocolate to this recipe?
Yes, you can gently fold in 2 ounces of finely chopped bittersweet chocolate after stiff peaks have formed.
What size piping tip should I use?
A pastry bag fitted with a 1/2 inch tip is recommended.
What are the dimensions for piping the meringues?
Pipe them into 1 1/4 inch-wide mounds that are approximately 1 inch high.
How should the meringues be arranged on the baking sheet?
Space them evenly to fit six rows of four on each baking sheet.
How long is the total baking time?
The meringues bake for a total of 60 minutes.
When should I rotate the baking sheets?
Rotate the pans from front to back and top to bottom after the first 30 minutes of baking.
What should I do once the baking time is over?
Turn off the oven and let the meringues cool inside for at least 1 hour without opening the door.
How does humidity affect the cooling process?
In humid conditions, let the meringues cool in the turned-off oven for up to 2 hours to maintain crispness.
How long do the meringues need to cool at room temperature?
After removing them from the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
How many calories are in one meringue kiss?
Each meringue contains approximately 35 calories.
What is the fat content of these meringues?
The fat content is very low at 0.08 grams per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 7.85 grams of carbohydrates per meringue.
What is the protein content per meringue?
Each meringue provides 0.30 grams of protein.
How long can I store Delicate French Meringue Kisses?
They can be stored for up to 2 weeks.
What is the best way to store the meringues?
Store them in an airtight container to maintain their texture.
What temperature should the egg whites be?
The egg whites should be at room temperature for the best results.
How many egg whites are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 large egg whites.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/8 teaspoon of table salt.
What type of vanilla extract is used?
The recipe requires 3/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Does the recipe use cornstarch?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of cornstarch are mixed with the sugar.
Are these meringues soft when they first come out of the oven?
They may seem soft immediately after baking but will firm up as they cool in the oven.