Coffee Meringue Kisses

Coffee Meringue Kisses Recipe - Delicious and Easy-to-Make

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 4 hours | Servings: 24

Introduction

History

Meringue cookies have been enjoyed for centuries, with the first recorded recipe dating back to the 17th century in France. The addition of coffee to meringue adds a modern twist to this classic recipe, creating a unique and flavorful treat.

Ingredients

0.75 cup of sugar
3 tsp of powdered instant coffee
4 egg whites, at room temperature
1 tsp of vanilla extract
0.25 tsp of cream of tartar

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 250°F (121°C).
Use nonstick cookie sheets or line regular cookie sheets with parchment paper.
In a food processor with a metal blade, process the sugar and coffee powder until the sugar becomes very fine.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and vanilla extract with an electric mixer at medium speed until frothy.
Add cream of tartar and continue beating at medium speed until soft peaks form.
Increase the beater speed to high and gradually beat in the sugar-coffee mixture.
Continue beating until soft peaks form and the mixture has a glossy sheen.
To pipe cookies from a pastry bag:
Fill a pastry bag (or a 1-gallon freezer bag) fitted with a number 6 plain round pastry tube with the meringue.
Hold the bag upright over the prepared cookie sheets and squeeze out the meringue.
Leave the pastry tip buried in the meringue until you have piped out a round about 1.5" in diameter.
Lift up the tip and stop squeezing.
Leave 1" between cookies or drop by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheet, leaving 2" between cookies.
Bake for 1 hour without opening the oven door.
Turn off the oven and let the meringues dry in the oven for 2 – 3 hours more without opening the oven door.
After the first hour, it's okay to peek just once.
At this point, you can leave them in the oven overnight.
Remove the meringues from the cookie sheet with a spatula.
Store in an airtight container.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cocoa powder to the meringue mixture for a mocha flavor.
Top the meringues with a chocolate drizzle for an extra touch of sweetness.
Fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure your egg whites are at room temperature before beating them, as this will help them reach their full volume.

- Be careful not to overbeat the meringue mixture, as this can cause the cookies to become too stiff.

- Use a pastry bag fitted with a plain round pastry tube to pipe out the meringue for uniform cookies.

- Allow the meringues to cool completely in the oven after baking to ensure they are crisp and dry.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Coffee Meringue Kisses with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter or cookie tray.

Cooking Techniques

Beating the egg whites to the right consistency is key to achieving light and airy meringue cookies.

- Piping the meringue onto the cookie sheet helps create uniform cookies that bake evenly.

- Allowing the meringues to cool in the oven after baking helps them dry out and become crisp.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use regular granulated sugar instead of powdered instant coffee for a traditional meringue recipe.

- If you don't have cream of tartar, you can substitute with a small amount of lemon juice or white vinegar.

Make Ahead Tips

Coffee Meringue Kisses can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange Coffee Meringue Kisses on a decorative platter or in a glass jar for a beautiful presentation. Dust with cocoa powder or powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Coffee Meringue Kisses with a cup of espresso or cappuccino for a delicious coffee-flavored treat. They also pair well with fruit sorbets or ice creams for a refreshing dessert option.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Coffee Meringue Kisses in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 250°F for a few minutes until crisp.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Coffee Meringue Kisses contains approximately 25 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Coffee Meringue Kisses contains approximately 6 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Coffee Meringue Kisses contains approximately 0 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Coffee Meringue Kisses contains approximately 1 gram of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Coffee Meringue Kisses are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Coffee Meringue Kisses contain eggs.

Summary

Coffee Meringue Kisses are a low-calorie treat that is low in fats and carbohydrates. They are a light and airy dessert option for those looking for a sweet treat without the guilt.

Summary

Coffee Meringue Kisses are a delightful and light treat that combines the sweetness of meringue with the rich flavor of coffee. These bite-sized cookies are perfect for serving at parties, as a snack, or as a sweet ending to a meal. With their low calorie and fat content, they are a guilt-free indulgence that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through my old recipe box, looking for something new to try. As I sorted through the various index cards and scraps of paper, I stumbled upon a yellowed piece of paper tucked away in the back.

Curious, I pulled it out and read the faded handwriting. It was a recipe for Coffee Meringue Kisses, a delicate and sweet treat that I had never heard of before. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try.

The next day, I gathered the ingredients and began to follow the instructions. I whipped the egg whites until they formed stiff peaks, then slowly added in the sugar and coffee extract. The mixture transformed into a glossy, thick batter that smelled heavenly.

I carefully spooned the batter onto a baking sheet, shaping each mound into a small, kiss-shaped dollop. As I popped them into the oven, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation.

After a short while, the kisses emerged from the oven, perfectly golden and crisp on the outside, with a soft and chewy center. I took a bite and was instantly transported to coffee heaven. The flavors melded together in a perfect harmony, the sweetness of the meringue balanced by the rich, bold taste of the coffee.

I knew right then and there that this recipe was something special. It became a staple in my baking repertoire, a go-to treat for family gatherings and special occasions.

Over the years, I perfected the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my taste. I experimented with different types of coffee extracts, adding in a dash of cinnamon or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra flavor. Each batch was a labor of love, a tribute to the joy that baking brought me.

I shared the recipe with friends and family, who raved about the Coffee Meringue Kisses and asked for the recipe themselves. It became a beloved tradition, a way to bring people together and create lasting memories.

As the years went by, I continued to make the Coffee Meringue Kisses, each batch as delicious as the last. They became a symbol of my passion for cooking, a testament to the joy and fulfillment that came from creating something beautiful and delicious with my own two hands.

And now, as I look back on that fateful day when I found the recipe hidden away in my old recipe box, I can't help but feel grateful. Grateful for the simple pleasures of baking, for the joy of sharing something delicious with the ones I love, and for the memories that will last a lifetime. The recipe for Coffee Meringue Kisses may have come to me by chance, but it has since become a cherished part of my culinary journey.