Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and increase the speed to medium-high.

Slowly add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat. Once all the sugar is incorporated, increase the speed to high and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. This should take 5-7 minutes.

Gently fold in the vanilla extract. For a Valentine’s Day theme, add pink or red gel food coloring in streaks for a swirled effect or mix it fully for a uniform color.

Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star or round tip. Pipe small kisses (about 1 inch wide) onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

If desired, sprinkle the meringue kisses with Valentine’s-themed sprinkles for an extra festive touch.

Bake the meringue kisses for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until they are dry and can be easily lifted off the parchment paper. Turn off the oven and let the kisses cool completely inside the oven to avoid cracking.

Once cooled, transfer the kisses to an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks.