Name: Polar Bear Meringue Kisses
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: Holiday
Ingredients: 3 large egg whites, at room temperature; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 tsp cream of tartar or 1/2 tsp lemon juice; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; Mini chocolate chips (for eyes); Mini marshmallows or white chocolate chips (for ears); Pink or red edible gel or sprinkles (for nose or cheeks); Optional: melted chocolate or edible black marker for details

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Polar bear meringue kisses are sweet, airy little treats with a playful winter twist. Each one looks like a tiny polar bear face, made from crisp, melt-in-your-mouth vanilla meringue. They’re light, whimsical, and perfect for holiday cookie trays, winter parties, or just when I want to bake something fun and festive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these meringue kisses because they’re as cute as they are delicious. They take just a few ingredients and a bit of patience, and the result is a tray full of snowy white treats that always get a reaction. The meringues are crunchy on the outside, soft in the center, and decorated with simple candy accents to create their adorable bear faces. They’re great for gifting or decorating desserts. Polar Bear Meringue Kisses

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 or lemon juice
Vanilla extract
Mini chocolate chips (for eyes)
Mini marshmallows or white chocolate chips (for ears)
Pink or red edible gel or sprinkle (for nose or cheeks)
Optional: Melted chocolate or edible black marker for details

Directions

I preheat the oven to a low temperature and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
I beat the egg whites and cream of tartar (or lemon juice) until soft peaks form.
While mixing, I gradually add sugar until the meringue is glossy and stiff peaks hold.
I gently fold in vanilla extract and transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
I pipe small mounds onto the baking sheet for each bear face, keeping them slightly domed.
Before baking, I press in mini chocolate chips for eyes and add marshmallow halves or white chocolate chips for ears.
I bake the meringues low and slow until they’re dry and crisp, then turn off the oven and let them cool inside to prevent cracks.
Once cool, I use edible gel or melted chocolate to add the nose and any extra face details.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 30 small meringue kisses.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 1 hour
Cool time: 1 hour (in oven)
Total time: About 2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

I sometimes tint the meringue with a tiny bit of food coloring for pastel-colored polar bears.
For a peppermint version, I add a drop of peppermint extract instead of vanilla.
I’ve swapped chocolate chip eyes for tiny candy pearls or black sesame seeds.
If I want extra shine, I dust them with edible shimmer powder before baking.

storage/reheating

I store these in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
They must stay dry—humidity can cause them to become sticky or soft.
I never refrigerate or freeze them, as moisture ruins the texture. Polar Bear Meringue Kisses

FAQs

Why did my meringue crack or collapse?

That usually happens if I baked them too fast or cooled them too quickly. I always let them cool in the oven after baking to avoid sudden temperature changes.

Can I make these without cream of tartar?

Yes, I’ve used lemon juice or white vinegar instead. Just a small amount helps stabilize the egg whites.

Can I use store-bought meringue and decorate them?

I prefer homemade for the best texture and shape, but if I’m in a pinch, plain meringue cookies can be decorated to look like polar bears.

How do I pipe them perfectly?

I keep my piping bag straight up and apply even pressure. If they’re not perfect, that’s okay—each one ends up with its own personality.

Can kids help make these?

Absolutely. I love letting kids add the faces and ears. It’s a fun holiday activity and they’re always proud of their little creations.

Conclusion

Polar bear meringue kisses are a delightful way to bring charm and sweetness to any winter celebration. Light, crisp, and irresistibly cute, they make baking feel playful and festive. I love how simple they are, yet they always leave a lasting impression. Whether I’m gifting them or keeping a batch for myself, these little bears never fail to brighten the season.