Tree Meringue Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday dessert spread. These light and airy confections are shaped like miniature Christmas trees, complete with colorful sprinkles or edible decorations. Perfect for gifting or enjoying with family, these cookies bring festive cheer to the table.
What Are Tree Meringue Cookies?
Tree Meringue Cookies are whimsical treats made by whipping egg whites and sugar into a glossy meringue, then piping them into tree shapes. Baked at a low temperature, they become crisp on the outside and slightly chewy on the inside. With their green hue and decorative toppings, these cookies are a show-stopping addition to your holiday festivities.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: A simple meringue base transforms into stunning holiday cookies with minimal effort.
- Customizable: Change the decorations or colors to match your holiday theme.
- Great for Gifting: Their festive appearance makes them perfect for cookie exchanges or holiday gift boxes.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun and creative activity for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ tsp cream of tartar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring
- Star-shaped sprinkles or edible decorations
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Meringue
- Preheat the oven to 200°F (95°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating continuously. Continue until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 7–10 minutes.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and a few drops of green gel food coloring, adjusting the intensity to your preference.
Piping and Decorating
- Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
- Pipe tree shapes onto the prepared baking sheet, starting with a wide base and tapering upward to form a pointed top.
- Decorate each tree with sprinkles or edible decorations before the meringue sets.
Baking the Cookies
- Bake the meringue trees in the preheated oven for 90 minutes.
- Turn off the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely inside, about 1 hour. This ensures they dry out fully for a crisp texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Arrange these cookies on a platter alongside other holiday treats like shortbread or gingerbread cookies.
- Pair with a warm cup of cocoa or spiced tea for a cozy winter snack.
- Use them as edible decorations for a gingerbread house or holiday dessert table.
Storing and Freezing
Storage Tips
- Store Tree Meringue Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent them from becoming sticky.
Freezing Instructions
- Place the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container. Use parchment paper to separate layers if stacking.
- Freeze for up to 1 month. Allow the cookies to thaw at room temperature before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Color Variations: Experiment with different food coloring to create a rainbow forest of meringue trees.
- Flavor Options: Add a few drops of peppermint or almond extract instead of vanilla for a unique twist.
- Vegan Alternative: Use aquafaba (chickpea brine) in place of egg whites to make these cookies vegan-friendly.
FAQs
Can I make meringue without cream of tartar?
Yes, you can substitute cream of tartar with an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar.
Why are my meringue cookies soft and sticky?
This could be due to humidity. Ensure the cookies are fully dried in the oven and stored in an airtight container.
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Absolutely! These cookies store well, so you can prepare them several days ahead of your holiday celebrations.
Tree Meringue Cookies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. With their festive shapes and customizable decorations, they are a perfect treat for the holiday season. Try this recipe and bring a little extra magic to your celebrations. Let us know how yours turned out!
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Tree Meringue Cookies: A Festive Holiday Treat
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: About 24 cookies
Description
Tree Meringue Cookies are festive, light, and airy treats perfect for holiday celebrations. Shaped like Christmas trees and decorated with colorful sprinkles, these cookies are both a visual delight and a sweet treat to share.
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ tsp cream of tartar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring
- Star-shaped sprinkles or edible decorations
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat oven to 200°F (95°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whip the Egg Whites: In a clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, and continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. This should take about 7–10 minutes.
- Add Flavor and Color: Gently mix in vanilla extract and green gel food coloring until evenly incorporated.
- Pipe the Trees: Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe tree shapes onto the prepared baking sheets, starting with a wide base and tapering to a pointed top.
- Decorate: While the meringue is still wet, add sprinkles or decorations to the trees.
- Bake: Bake for 90 minutes, then turn off the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely inside (about 1 hour).
- Store: Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Ensure your mixing bowl and utensils are grease-free for the egg whites to whip properly.
- Avoid making these on humid days to prevent the cookies from becoming sticky.
- To make vegan meringues, substitute egg whites with aquafaba (chickpea brine).
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: ~25 calories per cookie