Christmas Tree Meringues

Christmas tree meringues are a festive and delightful holiday treat. These light and airy desserts are shaped like miniature Christmas trees, beautifully decorated with sprinkles or edible glitter, and perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or adding a whimsical touch to your dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light, crisp meringues with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Adorably festive, perfect for holiday gatherings.
• Easy to customize with colors, decorations, and flavors.
• A great make-ahead dessert with long shelf life.
• Fun to make with kids or as a creative holiday baking project.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Egg whites (room temperature)
• Granulated sugar
• Powdered sugar
• Cream of tartar (optional, for stability)
• Vanilla extract or peppermint extract (optional)
• Green food coloring (gel or powdered)
• Sprinkles, edible glitter, or sugar pearls for decoration

Directions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. Beat the Egg Whites: In a clean, grease-free mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
3. Add the Sugar Gradually: Slowly add granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while beating on high speed. Continue until stiff, glossy peaks form and the sugar is fully dissolved. Test by rubbing a bit of meringue between your fingers—if it feels grainy, keep beating.
4. Incorporate Powdered Sugar and Flavoring: Gently fold in sifted powdered sugar and vanilla or peppermint extract, if using. Add green food coloring and fold until evenly combined.
5. Pipe the Trees: Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe tree shapes onto the prepared baking sheets by squeezing the bag in decreasing circles, starting with a larger base and finishing with a pointed top.
6. Decorate: Sprinkle with holiday sprinkles, edible glitter, or sugar pearls to mimic ornaments and lights.
7. Bake the Meringues: Bake for 1.5–2 hours, or until the meringues are dry and crisp. Turn off the oven and let the meringues cool inside with the door slightly ajar for 30 minutes to ensure they remain crisp.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the baking sheets and display on a serving platter or package them for gifting.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 24 small meringues
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1.5–2 hours
• Cool Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2.5 hours

Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the cooled meringues for added richness.
• Minty Trees: Use peppermint extract and sprinkle with crushed candy canes for a festive twist.
• Rainbow Trees: Pipe layers of different colored meringues for a multicolored tree.
• Coconut Snow: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the meringues before baking for a snowy effect.
• Gold Glam: Dust with edible gold glitter or use gold sprinkles for a glamorous touch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store meringues in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezing: Freeze meringues in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: No reheating is required; serve as-is.

FAQs

Why did my meringues crack?

Cracking can occur if the oven temperature is too high. Bake at a low temperature and let them cool gradually in the oven.

How do I prevent the meringue from being grainy?

Ensure the sugar is fully dissolved by adding it gradually and beating thoroughly.

Can I use liquid food coloring?

Gel or powdered food coloring is recommended, as liquid can affect the consistency of the meringue.

What if my meringue won’t stiffen?

Ensure your bowl and beaters are grease-free, and use room-temperature egg whites for the best results.

Can I make these without cream of tartar?

Yes, but cream of tartar helps stabilize the egg whites for a more reliable meringue.

Can I flavor the meringues?

Yes, vanilla, peppermint, or almond extract work well. Be sure to use a small amount to avoid deflating the meringue.

How do I pipe consistent tree shapes?

Practice piping on parchment paper before starting, and pipe slowly for more control.

Can I make larger meringue trees?

Yes, but increase the baking time slightly to ensure they dry completely.

Are these suitable for gifting?

Absolutely! Package them in cellophane bags or boxes tied with festive ribbons.

How do I fix sticky meringues?

Sticky meringues often result from humidity. Bake them slightly longer or store in a dry, airtight container.

Conclusion

Christmas tree meringues are a whimsical and festive dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season. With their light texture and adorable design, they make a charming addition to any dessert table or gift package. Follow this easy recipe to create your own batch of holiday magic, and watch them disappear as quickly as you make them!

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