There’s something incredibly special about a dessert that combines elegance and nostalgia, and these Walnut Meringues, fondly known as Soldiers Kisses, deliver just that. The moment I take a bite, I’m transported back to cozy afternoons spent baking with my grandmother, her kitchen filled with laughter and the irresistible aroma of something sweet in the oven.
On any whim, I can whip up this delightful treat with just three simple ingredients, making them the perfect solution for those hectic evenings when fast food just won’t cut it. The crunchy walnuts lend a satisfying texture against the light and airy meringue, while the subtle sweetness of brown sugar makes these bites an instant crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or indulging in a personal treat, these Soldiers Kisses are bound to impress. So, grab your mixer and let’s create a little sweetness that evokes warmth, memories, and perhaps a few smiles along the way!
Why are Soldiers Kisses so irresistible?
Simplicity shines through: With just three ingredients, these meringues come together effortlessly, perfect for any home chef.
Crunchy Delight: The finely chopped walnuts add a satisfying crunch that beautifully complements the airy texture of the meringue.
Nostalgic Flavor: Each bite takes you back to fond memories of baking and sharing treats with loved ones.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for gatherings, coffee breaks, or a sweet snack, these meringues are sure to be a hit.
Quick to Prepare: Whip them up in no time, making them an excellent alternative to fast food cravings.
Soldiers Kisses Ingredients
• Get ready to create delightful treats!
For the Meringue
- 2 egg whites – Make sure they are at room temperature for better volume.
- 1 cup brown sugar – This adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that enhances the flavor of your Soldiers Kisses.
For the Crunch
- 2 cups finely chopped walnuts – Toast them lightly for an extra depth of flavor and crunch.
Enjoy the process, and watch as these simple ingredients transform into something truly special!
How to Make Soldiers Kisses
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Preheat your oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This initial step prepares a perfect baking surface for your meringues.
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Beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until they are light and frothy. Gradually add the brown sugar, about 1 tablespoon at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated for that silky consistency.
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Continue beating the mixture until it thickens and shines, which should take about 1 to 2 more minutes. You want it to hold stiff peaks, giving your Soldiers Kisses that airy quality.
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Fold in the finely chopped walnuts gently. This step adds a delightful crunch to your meringues, so be careful not to deflate the mixture.
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Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart. This will give them room to expand while baking.
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Bake in the preheated oven until they feel dry to the touch, which will take about 40 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t brown; we want that lovely white color!
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Cool the meringues thoroughly on the baking sheet before transferring them. This cooling period allows the chewy-meets-crunchy texture to develop perfectly.
Optional: Drizzle with melted dark chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Soldiers Kisses
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Egg Whites Matter: Use room temperature egg whites for a fluffier meringue. Cold egg whites won’t whip up as well, leading to disappointing results.
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Slow Sugar Addition: Incorporate brown sugar slowly, one tablespoon at a time, to ensure a creamy texture; rushing this step can lead to grainy meringues.
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Gentle Folding: When adding the walnuts, fold gently to preserve air in the mixture. Over-mixing can deflate that lovely volume you worked hard to achieve.
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Monitor Baking: Keep an eye on them while baking; if they brown, they’ll lose that beautiful white color. Aim for a dry texture, not a baked color!
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Cool Completely: Let Soldiers Kisses cool thoroughly on the baking sheet before transferring to a plate. This helps achieve the right chewy-crunchy balance for each bite.
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Experiment with Flavor: Feel free to add other mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit for a unique twist on these walnut meringues!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Soldiers Kisses are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the meringue mixture up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate to maintain its fluffy texture. The chopped walnuts can also be prepped ahead—just store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crunchy. When you’re ready to bake, simply fold the walnuts into the chilled meringue mixture, drop it onto the baking sheet, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll have delicious, homemade meringue treats ready to enjoy without the last-minute rush! Remember, these treats are just as delightful even when prepped ahead!
What to Serve with Soldiers Kisses?
Indulge in a spread that perfectly complements these delightful walnut meringue treats.
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Fresh Berries: The tartness of fresh raspberries or strawberries balances the sweetness of Soldiers Kisses, adding a vibrant pop of color and flavor.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream enhances the dessert experience while making each bite even more luxurious.
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Dark Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling a rich, dark chocolate sauce over Soldiers Kisses not only elevates their elegance but adds a delectable hint of bitterness that harmonizes beautifully.
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Lavender Lemonade: A refreshing glass of lavender lemonade adds a floral note to your dessert table, providing a charming contrast to the walnut flavors.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve Soldiers Kisses alongside a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures, creating a classic dessert pairing.
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Tea or Coffee: A warm cup of herbal tea or a rich cup of coffee complements the meringues perfectly, making it a delightful end to an afternoon treat.
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Chocolate-Dipped Fruit: Offer dark chocolate-dipped strawberries or bananas, which create a sweet and indulgent experience alongside your Soldiers Kisses for a truly luxurious affair.
How to Store and Freeze Soldiers Kisses
Room Temperature: Store Soldiers Kisses in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their delightful crunch.
Fridge: For longer freshness, you may refrigerate them in a tightly sealed container for up to a week; however, expect some loss of crunch.
Freezer: Freeze Soldiers Kisses by placing them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper. They can last up to 3 months and be enjoyed later!
Reheating: If you wish to refresh them, simply leave them at room temperature for a couple of hours or re-crisp in a low oven for about 10 minutes before serving.
Soldiers Kisses Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to personalize these delightful treats and make them your own!
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Nut-Free: Substitute chopped walnuts with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without the nuts.
Transform your Soldiers Kisses into a safe school snack everyone can enjoy without nut allergies. -
Sugar-Free: Use a suitable sugar substitute like erythritol for a lower-calorie version.
This variation allows you to indulge without the guilt, maintaining that sweet flavor kids love. -
Chocolate Swirl: Fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips along with the walnuts for a decadent twist.
Imagine the joy of melting chocolate mingling with your meringue—absolutely irresistible! -
Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the meringue mix for a cozy autumn flavor.
These warm spices will elevate your Soldiers Kisses, making them delightful for seasonal gatherings. -
Dried Fruit: Incorporate ½ cup of finely chopped dried cranberries or cherries for a fruity burst!
The addition of fruit creates a marvelous sweetness that balances beautifully with the brown sugar. -
Cocoa Dusting: For a chocolatey finish, dust the cooled meringues with unsweetened cocoa powder.
This touch of chocolate enhances the presentation and adds a lovely bitterness to the sweet treats. -
Zesty Lemon: Mix in the zest of one lemon to add a refreshing citrus note to the meringues.
Citrus elevates the sweetness of the meringue, making these come alive with a bright flavor! -
Coconut Delight: Substitute half of the walnuts with unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Each bite will take you on a mini-vacation to a sunny island, adding a delightful chewy texture!
Soldiers Kisses Recipe FAQs
What type of walnuts should I use for Soldiers Kisses?
I recommend using raw or lightly toasted walnuts for your Soldiers Kisses. The toasting enhances the flavor, but be careful not to burn them. If you prefer a milder taste, go with raw walnuts.
How should I store leftover Soldiers Kisses?
Store your Soldiers Kisses in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep their delightful crunch. If you want to store them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week in a tightly sealed container; just remember, they may lose a bit of their signature crunch when chilled.
Can I freeze Soldiers Kisses?
Absolutely! To freeze Soldiers Kisses, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours, or re-crisp them in a low oven for about 10 minutes.
What should I do if my meringue doesn’t form stiff peaks?
If your meringue isn’t forming stiff peaks, check that your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of grease. Even a hint of fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly. Make sure your egg whites are at room temperature, and try adding a small pinch of cream of tartar to stabilize them—this will help achieve that lovely, fluffy texture!
Are Soldiers Kisses safe for people with nut allergies?
Unfortunately, Soldiers Kisses contain walnuts and are not suitable for anyone with nut allergies. However, you could consider making meringues without the nuts for a similar treat. Just follow the recipe, omitting the walnuts, and enjoy the traditional meringue texture!
Can I use granulated sugar instead of brown sugar?
While brown sugar offers a rich, caramel-like sweetness, you can certainly substitute it with granulated sugar if that’s all you have on hand! The main difference would be in flavor and color, as your Soldiers Kisses will be a little lighter.
Delicious Soldiers Kisses: Crunchy Walnut Meringue Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until they are light and frothy.
- Gradually add the brown sugar, about 1 tablespoon at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated.
- Continue beating until the mixture thickens and shines, about 1 to 2 more minutes.
- Fold in the finely chopped walnuts gently.
- Drop by heaping teaspoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven until they feel dry to the touch, about 40 minutes.
- Cool the meringues thoroughly on the baking sheet before transferring them.