Name: Polar Bear Meringue Kisses
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 egg whites, room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 12 mini marshmallows, halved (for ears); 48 mini chocolate chips or black edible pearls (for eyes and noses); Optional: melted white chocolate (for attaching decorations)

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Polar Bear Meringue Kisses are sweet, crisp, and impossibly cute little treats that I love to make during the winter season. These airy, melt-in-your-mouth meringues are piped into charming bear faces and decorated with simple touches to bring them to life. Light, crunchy, and subtly sweet, they make the perfect holiday gift or dessert table centerpiece.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these meringue kisses are as fun to make as they are to eat. The recipe uses just a few ingredients, but the result is eye-catching and festive. They’re naturally gluten-free, super low in fat, and have a satisfying crisp texture that dissolves in the mouth. Plus, decorating the little polar bear faces makes this a creative and joyful winter baking project.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Egg whites, room temperature
Granulated sugar
Cream of tartar
Vanilla extract
Mini marshmallows (for ears)
Mini chocolate chips or black edible pearls (for eyes and nose)
Optional: white chocolate (for attaching decorations)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 200°F (95°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a clean mixing bowl, I beat the egg whites until foamy, then add cream of tartar.
I gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating until the mixture becomes glossy with stiff peaks.
I mix in the vanilla extract, being careful not to deflate the meringue.
I spoon the meringue into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip.
I pipe round mounds onto the baking sheet to form the polar bear heads.
I gently press mini marshmallow halves on top for ears, and place mini chocolate chips for the eyes and nose. If needed, I use a bit of melted white chocolate to help the decorations stick.
I bake the meringues for 1½ hours, then turn off the oven and let them cool inside for another hour to dry out completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 meringue kisses and takes roughly 20 minutes of prep time, 90 minutes of baking, and 60 minutes of resting in the oven—for a total of about 2 hours and 50 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

Sometimes I add a tiny bit of peppermint or almond extract for a different flavor. I’ve also used food coloring to tint the meringue light blue or pink for a playful twist. For a shimmer effect, I dust the finished bears with edible glitter or powdered sugar. And if I want smaller bites, I simply pipe mini versions and reduce the bake time slightly.

storage/reheating

I store the meringues in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Moisture is their enemy, so I keep them away from humidity to maintain that perfect crunch. I never refrigerate them—they’ll go soft. These don’t require reheating, but if they lose a bit of crispness, I place them in a warm oven for 10 minutes to refresh them.

FAQs

Can I make meringue kisses on a humid day?

I try to avoid it. Meringue doesn’t hold up well in humidity—it can get sticky or fail to crisp properly. Dry weather is best.

How do I know when the meringue is ready to pipe?

I check for stiff peaks—it should hold its shape firmly when I lift the beater, and the mixture should look glossy.

What if I don’t have cream of tartar?

I sometimes use a small splash of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute to stabilize the egg whites.

Can kids help decorate them?

Definitely. I let them add the chocolate eyes and marshmallow ears—it’s a fun, hands-on activity that makes baking even more joyful.

Do they travel well for gifting?

Yes, I layer them carefully in a tin or box with parchment paper in between. As long as they stay dry, they’re great for gifting.

Conclusion

Polar Bear Meringue Kisses are a delightful way to bring some winter charm to my baking. With just a few ingredients and a little creativity, I get a treat that’s as adorable as it is delicious. Whether I’m making them for a holiday party, cookie exchange, or just to enjoy with hot cocoa, these little polar bears always bring smiles and sweet moments.