Katie'S Christmas Kisses
Delicate, melt-in-your-mouth Christmas kisses with chocolate chips and vibrant food coloring, perfect for festive gatherings and cookie exchanges, appealing to all ages with sweet simplicity.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Beat 2 egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Add a pinch of cream of tartar and a pinch of salt to the egg whites and continue beating.
- Gradually add 2/3 cup of sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add food coloring to the egg white mixture for desired color.
- Fold in 6 oz. of chocolate chips gently into the mixture.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a foil-lined cookie sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for a few minutes, then turn off the oven and let cookies set and cool inside.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your mixing bowl is completely clean and dry before beating the egg whites; any grease can prevent them from whipping properly. If you don't have cream of tartar, lemon juice or white vinegar can be used as a substitute. Experiment with different food coloring to create festive variations. Make sure to fold in the chocolate chips gently to maintain the airy texture of the meringue.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful meringue cookies can be served as a festive treat on a dessert platter alongside other sweets. They pair beautifully with hot cocoa or a warm spiced cider, making them perfect for holiday gatherings. Consider serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a slice of Melt In Your Mouth Pound Cake for a delightful dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. To refresh the cookies after freezing, let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving. Avoid refrigerating, as this can make them chewy instead of light and crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Katie'S Christmas Kisses contains roughly 332 calories, with 7g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (106% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 573mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of chocolate in this recipe?
Yes, you can use white chocolate or dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. Just keep in mind that different types of chocolate will affect the overall flavor and sweetness of the cookies. If you use dark chocolate, consider reducing the sugar slightly to balance the flavors.
What should I do if my egg whites aren't whipping to stiff peaks?
If your egg whites aren't reaching stiff peaks, ensure there is no yolk in the whites and that your bowl and beaters are completely clean. Adding a pinch of salt or a little cream of tartar can help stabilize the egg whites. Be patient and continue beating until they reach the right consistency.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These meringue cookies can be made a day or two in advance. Just ensure they are stored in an airtight container to maintain their crispness. They are perfect for holiday cookie trays, and making them ahead of time will save you time on the day of your event.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).