Festive Tree Meringue Cookies

The holiday season calls for treats that are as festive as they are delicious, and these Tree Meringue Cookies are just that! Picture this: delicate, crisp meringues shaped into miniature Christmas trees, lightly sprinkled with edible glitter or sprinkles for that frosty, wintery touch. They’re the perfect light treat to balance out all the rich holiday desserts and make a beautiful addition to any holiday dessert table.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests, give a unique edible gift, or create a whimsical activity with family, these meringue cookies are the answer! Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free, easy to make, and perfect for anyone who loves a light, airy dessert.

Why You’ll Love These Tree Meringue Cookies

• Simple Ingredients: Just four basic ingredients you likely already have!
• Fun & Festive: Shaped like trees, they add a touch of holiday cheer to any table.
• Light as Air: Crisp and delicate, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: They store well and can be made days in advance.

Let’s dive into the details so you can whip up a batch of these irresistible, crispy little trees!

Ingredients to Make Festive Tree Meringue Cookies

Here’s everything you need to create your own batch of holiday magic:

• 4 large egg whites (at room temperature)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar (helps stabilize the egg whites)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for a touch of flavor)
• Edible glitter or festive sprinkles (for decoration)

Tools You’ll Need

• Electric mixer (a stand mixer or handheld will work)
• Mixing bowl (ensure it’s clean and dry)
• Piping bag with a star tip (to create the tree shape)
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Oven thermometer (optional, but useful to ensure low oven temperature)

How to Make Festive Tree Meringue Cookies

Prepare the Meringue

1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Beat the egg whites: In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until they start to get frothy.
3. Add the cream of tartar: Continue beating the egg whites while adding the cream of tartar. This helps stabilize the meringue for that fluffy, cloud-like texture.
4. Incorporate the sugar: Gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while beating on high speed. Continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form and the sugar has completely dissolved. Add in the vanilla extract and mix briefly to incorporate.Tip: To check if the sugar is fully dissolved, take a small amount of meringue between your fingers. It should feel smooth with no granules.

Pipe the Trees

1. Fill your piping bag fitted with a star tip with the meringue mixture.
2. Pipe tree shapes onto your prepared baking sheet. Start by piping a larger circle at the base, then continue with slightly smaller circles on top to form a stacked, tree-like shape.

Bake

1. Bake the meringues for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until they’re dry to the touch and lift easily off the parchment paper.
2. Cool in the oven: Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the meringues cool completely inside. This slow cooling process helps prevent any cracking.

Decorate

Once cooled, dust the meringue trees with edible glitter or sprinkle with festive decorations. This adds a frosty, magical touch to your cookies!

Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Eggs: Room temperature egg whites whip up better and give a more stable meringue.
• Avoid Humidity: Moisture can cause meringues to become sticky or weep. For best results, make these cookies on a dry day.
• Patience is Key: Meringues need low, slow baking to stay crisp and light. Resist the temptation to increase the temperature!

How to Serve Tree Meringue Cookies

These Tree Meringue Cookies make a lovely holiday dessert on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a few complementary treats:

• With Hot Cocoa: Serve them alongside a cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
• Holiday Dessert Platter: Add them to a dessert platter with shortbread cookies, peppermint bark, and truffles.
• As Edible Decor: Use them as cake toppers for a festive winter cake!

Storage Instructions

To keep these cookies crisp and fresh:

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
• Avoid refrigeration, as it introduces moisture which can make the meringues sticky.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I make meringue cookies without cream of tartar?
A: Yes, but the cream of tartar helps stabilize the egg whites and create a firmer texture. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with a few drops of lemon juice or white vinegar.

Q: How can I make colored meringue trees?
A: You can add a few drops of gel-based food coloring to the meringue before piping. Gel food coloring works best as it doesn’t add extra liquid, which could impact the texture.

Q: What if I don’t have a piping bag?
A: You can use a plastic zip-top bag with a corner cut off. While you may not get the same detail, it’ll still create a charming tree shape!

Q: Can I make these without a star tip?
A: Yes! Though the star tip creates a defined tree texture, you can simply use a round tip for a more abstract look.

Conclusion

These Tree Meringue Cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. They’re light, crisp, and can be customized with a sprinkle of festive glitter or your favorite holiday sprinkles. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying on a cozy winter’s night, these cookies add a touch of magic to any occasion.

Ready to make these festive treats? Share your creations with us on Pinterest or Instagram, and let’s bring some sparkle to this season’s baking!

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

Approximate values based on typical ingredients

• Calories: 20 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 0.5g
• Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 5mg

Looking for more holiday treats? Check out these additional recipes for festive inspiration:

• Christmas Stocking Sugar Cookies
• Gingerbread Cake
• Christmas Cake – A Festive Masterpiece Bursting with Holiday Flavors and Joy

Happy baking, and may your holiday season be merry and bright!

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