Picture this: the air is thick with the sweet scent of toasted walnuts mingling with the gentle aroma of meringue, tempting anyone who passes by. My love for homemade treats truly shines when I whip up a batch of Walnut Meringues, affectionately known as Soldier’s Kisses. The delightful combination of light, airy meringue and crunchy, nutty goodness is the perfect remedy for that tired, fast-food routine.
I discovered this charming recipe during a quiet afternoon spent exploring my baking books, desperately seeking something unique yet simple to make. These bite-sized wonders are not just easy to prepare; they also bring a sense of nostalgia to my kitchen, reminding me of simpler times. Whether for an afternoon tea or as a sweet surprise for friends, these meringues have never failed to charm. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that promises to elevate your dessert game and fill your home with warmth and sweetness!
Why are Soldiers Kisses so irresistible?
Crispy, Chewy Delight: The unique texture of these meringues combines a crispy exterior with a soft, chewy center—making each bite a textural delight.
Nutty Goodness: The generous amount of walnuts adds a wonderful crunch and a rich flavor that takes these treats to the next level.
Simple Ingredients: With just three pantry staples, you’ll have everything you need to whip up these delicious bites, saving you time on grocery runs.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for sharing at gatherings, these meringues are sure to impress friends and family alike with their homemade charm.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual coffee break or an elegant dessert, Soldiers Kisses are versatile enough to suit any setting.
Soldiers Kisses Ingredients
• Discover the perfect blend for these delightful Walnut Meringues!
For the Meringue
- 2 egg whites – Essential for creating the airy texture of these Soldiers Kisses.
- 1 cup brown sugar – Adds a rich sweetness and helps achieve that perfect glossy finish.
For the Nuts
- 2 cups finely chopped walnuts – Infuses each bite with nutty goodness and a satisfying crunch.
Unleash your culinary creativity with these simple ingredients and let your kitchen fill with the sweet aroma of Soldiers Kisses!
How to Make Soldiers Kisses
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Preheat oven: Begin by setting your oven to 250°F (120°C). Don’t forget to line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this will help prevent sticking, making clean-up a breeze!
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Beat egg whites: Grab your electric mixer and beat the egg whites in a large bowl until they start to get light and frothy. Gradually add the brown sugar, about 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until well combined.
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Whip to perfection: Continue beating the egg white mixture until it becomes thick and shiny, about 1 to 2 more minutes. This glossy texture is crucial for those perfect Soldiers Kisses!
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Fold in walnuts: Gently fold the finely chopped walnuts into the meringue with a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the mixture; you want to maintain that lovely airy texture.
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Drop meringues: Using a heaping teaspoon, drop portions of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced apart as they’ll puff up slightly during baking.
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Bake meringues: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake until the meringues are dry to the touch, which should take about 40 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent browning!
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Cool thoroughly: Once baked, allow the Soldiers Kisses to cool completely on the baking sheet. This step is essential for achieving that delightful crunch!
Optional: Dust with a little powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Soldiers Kisses
Room Temperature: Store Soldiers Kisses in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their crispy texture and deliciousness.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days, but be aware that this may soften their texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze Soldiers Kisses in a sealed bag or container for up to 2 months. Make sure they are completely cool before freezing to maintain their quality.
Reheating: If you’ve stored them in the fridge or freezer, simply let them come to room temperature before enjoying—frozen ones can be placed directly in the oven for a brief warm-up if desired.
Make Ahead Options
These Soldiers Kisses are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can whip up the meringue mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. To do this, simply follow all the initial steps until the mixture is ready to drop onto the baking sheet, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to finish the recipe, drop the meringues onto your prepared sheet and bake as directed. This prep-ahead method ensures your freshly baked Soldiers Kisses are just as delightful, with that crispy exterior and soft texture—the perfect sweet treat waiting for you!
What to Serve with Soldiers Kisses?
Elevate your dessert spread with delightful pairings that bring out the best in these whimsical meringues.
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Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or raspberries contrasts beautifully with the sweet meringue, adding a burst of freshness. A colorful medley can create a striking presentation on your dessert table.
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Whipped Cream: Fluffy and lightly sweetened, whipped cream offers a creamy texture that balances the crispiness of the meringues while making each bite even more indulgent.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling a warm chocolate sauce adds a decadent twist, transforming the Soldiers Kisses into a luxurious treat that will leave everyone craving more.
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Coffee or Tea: A steaming cup of coffee or fragrant herbal tea perfectly complements the nutty flavor, making for an invigorating afternoon break. The warmth enhances the sweetness of the meringues, too.
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Ice Cream: The cool, creamy texture of vanilla or caramel ice cream serves as an enticing contrast, creating a dreamy combination that’s perfect for warm days. The nutty flavors will harmonize beautifully.
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Fruit Tart: A bright, zesty fruit tart provides a fruity counterpart that balances the richness of the meringues, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors that tantalize the taste buds.
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Chocolate-Covered Nuts: For an extra nutty crunch, serve these alongside some chocolate-covered walnuts or almonds. They add a rich flavor profile that complements the Soldiers Kisses while enhancing their appealing presentation.
Expert Tips for Soldiers Kisses
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Use Fresh Eggs: Fresh egg whites whip up better, creating more volume and a fluffier texture in your Soldiers Kisses.
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Gradual Sugar Addition: Adding sugar one tablespoon at a time ensures it fully dissolves, leading to shiny and stable meringue without any graininess.
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Gentle Folding: When incorporating walnuts, use gentle folding techniques to preserve the airy structure of the meringue—this is key to that perfect texture!
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Avoid Humidity: Bake on a dry day if possible; humidity can affect how well your Soldiers Kisses rise and dry out.
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Perfect Baking: Keep an eye on your meringues as they bake. If they start to color, lower the temperature slightly to maintain their beautiful, pale hue.
Soldiers Kisses Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists that can elevate your Soldiers Kisses experience!
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Nut-Free: Substitute chopped walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version that retains a lovely crunch.
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Choco-Dipped: Dip cooled meringues in melted dark or milk chocolate for a sweet, indulgent treat that adds a rich layer of flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the walnut mixture for a surprising hint of warmth with each bite.
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Citrus Zest: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the meringue for a bright, refreshing twist that lifts the overall flavor profile.
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Fruit-Flavored: Incorporate a few drops of almond extract or vanilla extract into the meringue for an aromatic touch that makes these meringues even more special.
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Mini Meringues: Use a piping bag to create mini meringue kisses that are perfect for popping in your mouth—just adjust the baking time slightly.
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Caramel Swirl: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce into the meringue before folding in the walnuts for a sweet twist that adds depth and decadence.
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Herbal Notes: For a sophisticated flavor, fold in some finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme—perfect for an unexpected savory note!
Soldiers Kisses Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best walnuts for Soldiers Kisses?
Absolutely! Select fresh walnuts that are free from dark spots and have a rich, nutty aroma. If the walnuts smell bitter or rancid, they may not be fresh. Look for shelled walnuts that are plump and firm for the best texture in your meringues.
What is the best way to store Soldiers Kisses?
Store your Soldiers Kisses in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This preserves their crispy texture and keeps them delicious! If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to 3 days, but keep in mind they may soften slightly.
Can I freeze Soldiers Kisses?
Certainly! To freeze Soldiers Kisses, make sure they are completely cool and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them into a low oven for a few minutes to regain their crispness.
What should I do if my meringue is too runny?
If your meringue mixture is not holding its shape, it may be due to under-beating the egg whites. Make sure to beat until the mixture is thick and glossy; this typically takes an additional 1 to 2 minutes after incorporating the sugar. If they still seem runny, consider using fresh egg whites, as older eggs may not whip as well.
Are Soldiers Kisses safe for people with nut allergies?
Unfortunately, Soldiers Kisses contain walnuts, so they are not suited for individuals with nut allergies. However, you can definitely experiment with this recipe using alternatives like sunflower seeds or even coconut for a nut-free version. Just ensure to maintain the same measurements for the best results!
Delicious Soldiers Kisses: Crispy Walnut Meringue Magic
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat the egg whites in a large bowl until frothy, then gradually add brown sugar, mixing well.
- Continue beating until the mixture is thick and shiny, about 1 to 2 more minutes.
- Gently fold in the finely chopped walnuts with a spatula.
- Drop heaping teaspoons of the mixture onto the baking sheet, spaced apart.
- Bake until dry to the touch, about 40 minutes, monitoring to prevent browning.
- Allow to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving.