Why did my meringues go so cheery?

Just want to say I came here to read more about cheery meringues. Sounds like it needs to be an emoji!!! (also, glad the other responder had an answer for you!!)

The sugar is probably the culprit. It likes to attract moisture and hold on to it. It's possible you did not quite get it all dissolved in the initial beating, or if they did not get just bone dry in the oven before you took them out. Or it's incredibly humid in your area, or when you made the kisses to start with. You might be able to salvage them if you return them to a low oven, say about 200F, for about 10 minutes or so to dry them out. Then turn off the oven and leave them in their for another 10 minutes or so. It's moisture that's the problem, so if you can get them dry- they will lose the chew and sticky.