Tree Meringue Cookies are light, airy, and crisp Christmas treats shaped like festive holiday trees. If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate the holiday season, these cookies are a perfect choice. Their delightful appearance and sweet, melt-in-your-mouth texture make them ideal for cookie swaps, gifts, or simply decorating your holiday dessert table. Let’s dive into how to create these charming treats!
Why You’ll Love These Tree Meringue Cookies
There are countless reasons why you will adore these Tree Meringue Cookies. First, they are incredibly easy to make, making them a fantastic choice for baking novices. Second, they are naturally gluten-free, catering to a variety of dietary needs. Additionally, they are low in calories, allowing you to indulge without guilt. Perfect for festive occasions, these cookies also make great gifts and are visually stunning, adding a festive touch to any dessert table. Whether you’re looking for Holiday Tree Meringue Treats or just want to impress at a party, these cookies are a delicious option. Lastly, they can be customized in many ways, making them versatile for different celebrations!
Ingredients for Tree Meringue Cookies
Gather these items:
- 4 large egg whites (about 120g)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring
- Star sprinkles (for topping)
- Holiday sprinkles or nonpareils
How to Make Tree Meringue Cookies Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 200°F (93°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Step 3: Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form and the sugar is dissolved (7–10 minutes).
- Step 4: Add vanilla extract and green gel food coloring. Mix until fully combined.
- Step 5: Transfer meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe tree-shaped meringue cookies onto prepared baking sheets.
- Step 6: Top each meringue tree with star sprinkles and nonpareils before baking.
- Step 7: Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes. Turn off oven and leave cookies inside for an additional hour to dry completely.
- Step 8: Remove and cool fully. Store in an airtight container.
Pro Tips for the Best Tree Meringue Cookies
Keep these in mind:
- Perfect for gifting and cookie swaps.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
- To ensure the perfect texture, make sure your mixing bowl is completely clean and free from any grease.
- Experiment with different colors using gel food coloring for colorful meringue cookies for kids.
Best Ways to Serve Tree Meringue Cookies
These Tree Meringue Cookies are delightful on their own, but here are some serving ideas:
- Arrange them on a decorative plate for a stunning centerpiece during holiday gatherings.
- Use them as edible decorations on cakes or desserts, adding a touch of whimsy.
- Pair them with hot cocoa or festive drinks for a delightful treat.
How to Store and Reheat Tree Meringue Cookies
To keep your Tree Meringue Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They do not need to be refrigerated. This will ensure they maintain their crispness. Since they are made using the baking method, they are best enjoyed within a week for optimal freshness. They also make excellent sweet meringue treats for celebrations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Meringue Cookies
What’s the secret to perfect Tree Meringue Cookies?
The key to achieving perfect Tree Meringue Cookies lies in the whipping of the egg whites. Ensure that your bowl and beaters are clean and dry. Whip the egg whites until they form stiff peaks, and make sure to add sugar gradually to prevent the mixture from becoming grainy.
Can I make Tree Meringue Cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare these Holiday Tree Meringue Treats a few days in advance. Just store them properly in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They will maintain their crispness and can be used for decorating your holiday table.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Tree Meringue Cookies?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure that no yolk gets into the egg whites. This can prevent them from whipping up properly. Also, be patient when adding sugar and allow enough time for the meringue to form stiff peaks.
Variations of Tree Meringue Cookies You Can Try
Here are some fun variations to consider:
- For a festive twist, try using vegan tree meringue cookies recipe by substituting egg whites with aquafaba.
- Add different flavors such as peppermint or almond extract for a unique taste.
- Create fun shapes for meringue cookies, such as stars or snowflakes, to mix things up.
- Use different colored sprinkles for a vibrant display perfect for cute meringue cookies for parties.
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our Pistachio Pavlova Meringue Cakes or learn how to make Cinnamon Orange Jam Linzer Cookies. If you’re interested in gluten-free options, visit Veggie Burgers with Avocado Green Harissa for a tasty alternative.
PrintDelightful Tree Meringue Cookies for Festive Celebrations
These Tree Meringue Cookies are light, airy, crisp Christmas treats shaped like festive holiday trees.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites (about 120g)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring
- Star sprinkles (for topping)
- Holiday sprinkles or nonpareils
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°F (93°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form and the sugar is dissolved (7–10 minutes).
- Add vanilla extract and green gel food coloring. Mix until fully combined.
- Transfer meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe tree-shaped swirls onto prepared baking sheets.
- Top each meringue tree with star sprinkles and nonpareils before baking.
- Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes. Turn off oven and leave cookies inside for an additional hour to dry completely.
- Remove and cool fully. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Perfect for gifting and cookie swaps.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 25
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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