Polar Bear Meringue Kisses

These Polar Bear Meringue Kisses are a charming and delicious winter treat that I love making for holiday parties, cookie swaps, or just to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa. With crisp exteriors and soft, marshmallowy centers, these meringue kisses are light, sweet, and totally adorable—shaped like tiny polar bear faces that bring smiles to everyone who sees them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how whimsical and fun these treats are to make. Not only do they taste amazing, but they’re also a creative way to bring some winter magic into the kitchen. They’re naturally gluten-free, require just a few basic ingredients, and can be made ahead of time. Plus, decorating the polar bear faces is a relaxing and rewarding activity—I get to combine baking and crafting in one sweet project.

Ingredients

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

• Egg whites

• Granulated sugar

• Cream of tartar (optional, for stability)

• Vanilla extract

• White chocolate (for the ears and snout)

• Mini chocolate chips or black decorating gel (for eyes and nose)

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a clean, dry bowl, I beat the egg whites until foamy using a hand or stand mixer.

3. I add cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form.

4. Gradually, I add the sugar a little at a time, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.

5. I mix in a bit of vanilla extract for flavor.

6. Using a piping bag fitted with a round tip, I pipe small mounds onto the baking sheet to form the bear heads.

7. For the ears, I melt white chocolate and pipe small circles above each head.

8. I bake the meringues for 1.5 to 2 hours until they’re dry and crisp, then let them cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar.

9. Once cooled, I decorate each bear with mini chocolate chips or gel for the eyes and nose, and use melted white chocolate to attach snouts if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 30-40 meringue kisses, depending on size. I usually allow about 2 hours total—15 minutes for prep, 1.5 to 2 hours for baking and drying time, plus additional time to decorate. They’re perfect for serving a crowd or gifting in cute treat bags.

Variations

Sometimes I add a touch of peppermint extract or almond extract to the meringue for a fun twist on the flavor. I’ve also tinted a batch with natural food coloring to create pastel polar bears. For different occasions, I turn the bears into other animals just by changing the decorations—a simple way to make this recipe work all year round.

storage/reheating

I store these meringue kisses in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Moisture is their enemy, so I make sure they’re kept somewhere dry. I don’t recommend refrigerating or freezing them, as that can ruin their texture.

FAQs

Why did my meringue kisses crack?

Cracks usually happen if the oven is too hot or if they cool too quickly. I make sure to bake them low and slow, and let them cool in the oven to prevent sudden temperature changes.

Can I make these without cream of tartar?

Yes, I can skip the cream of tartar if needed, but it helps stabilize the egg whites and gives a better texture. A small amount of lemon juice or vinegar can work as a substitute.

How do I get stiff peaks in my meringue?

I always make sure the bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry. I add sugar gradually and beat until the meringue holds stiff, glossy peaks that don’t droop.

Can I use pasteurized egg whites from a carton?

It’s possible, but I’ve found they don’t whip up as well as fresh egg whites. For best results, I use fresh eggs.

How do I keep the meringues white?

I bake them at a low temperature and avoid over-baking. If they start to brown, I check the oven temperature with a thermometer to make sure it’s accurate.

Conclusion

Making Polar Bear Meringue Kisses is one of my favorite holiday traditions. They’re light, sweet, and irresistibly cute—perfect for impressing guests or giving as edible gifts. Whether I’m baking with kids or just getting into the festive spirit, these little polar bears always bring joy to the kitchen

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