Tree Meringue Cookies: A Festive and Easy Christmas Delight

Looking for a cheerful and delicate holiday treat that looks as magical as it tastes? These Tree Meringue Cookies are the perfect sweet addition to your holiday dessert table. Light, airy, and perfectly sweet with a crisp texture, they’re fun to make, easy to customize, and absolutely eye-catching. Whether you’re baking with kids, making edible gifts, or planning your Christmas cookie swap, this festive recipe will become a cherished part of your seasonal baking traditions.

These cookies are ideal for those who love light desserts that aren’t overly rich. They also happen to be gluten-free and are made with just a few pantry staples. Let’s dive into this charming, snowy recipe that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat!

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What Are Tree Meringue Cookies?

Tree Meringue Cookies are sweet, piped meringue treats shaped like Christmas trees. Made from whipped egg whites and sugar, they are baked low and slow until they achieve a crunchy outside and soft inside. These cookies are tinted green with food coloring and topped with edible decorations like stars and sprinkles to resemble mini holiday trees.

Unlike heavier Christmas desserts, such as Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies, these are feather-light and melt in your mouth. You can use these cookies as edible decor on holiday platters, gift boxes, or alongside warm drinks during family gatherings.

Ingredients Needed for Tree Meringue Cookies

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up a batch of these festive cookies. All measurements are provided in both US and metric units.

• 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

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make the perfect Tree Meringue Cookies, you’ll need the following tools:

• Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
• Large mixing bowl
• Piping bag with star tip (Wilton 1M or 2D work great)
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Spatula
• Oven

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Step-by-Step Preparation for Tree Meringue Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven
   Start by preheating your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
2. Whip the Egg Whites
   In a clean, dry mixing bowl, add the egg whites and cream of tartar. Using a stand or hand mixer, beat on medium speed until soft peaks form.
3. Add Sugar Slowly
   With the mixer running, gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time. Continue to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form and the sugar has fully dissolved. This may take 7-10 minutes.
4. Flavor and Color the Meringue
   Add the vanilla extract and a few drops of green gel food coloring. Mix until evenly colored. Add more if you want a deeper green shade.
5. Pipe the Trees
   Spoon the meringue into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe tree shapes onto the prepared baking sheets by swirling upward to create a cone-like tree shape.
6. Decorate Before Baking
   Immediately top each meringue tree with a star sprinkle and holiday-themed nonpareils or colored sugar. These will bake right into the cookie.
7. Bake Low and Slow
   Place the trays in the oven and bake for 1 hour 30 minutes. Then turn off the oven and let the cookies sit inside for another hour to dry out fully without cracking.
8. Cool and Store
   Once cooled completely, gently remove the meringues from the parchment. They should be crisp and dry to the touch.

Tips for Perfect Tree Meringue Cookies

• Use room-temperature egg whites for the best volume.
• Avoid any yolk contamination – even a little fat can ruin your meringue.
• Gradually add sugar to ensure it dissolves fully, preventing a grainy texture.
• If your meringue isn’t stiff, keep beating until peaks hold their shape.
• Gel food coloring is best, as it won’t water down the meringue.

Decorating and Presenting Your Tree Meringue Cookies

To elevate their appearance, consider dusting the finished cookies with edible glitter or powdered sugar for a snowy look. Arrange them on a tiered platter or package them in clear treat bags with festive ribbons as a thoughtful holiday gift.

Pair them with a Christmas Brownie bar or Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls on a dessert board for a beautiful and colorful presentation.

How to Store Tree Meringue Cookies Properly

To keep your meringue cookies crisp:

• Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
• Avoid humidity — moisture will cause them to become sticky.
• Do not refrigerate.

If you’re making them ahead, keep them in a dry pantry and layer with parchment to prevent sticking.

Variations on the Classic Tree Meringue Cookies Recipe

• Peppermint Twist: Add 1/8 tsp peppermint extract and crushed candy canes.
• Chocolate Swirl: Gently fold in cocoa powder or drizzle melted chocolate on top after baking.
• Different Shapes: Use different piping tips to make stars, wreaths, or kisses.

For a flavor-packed twist, you might enjoy Pumpkin Truffles or pair with Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip at a holiday party.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Meringue Cookies

• Overbeating: Causes the meringue to become dry and crack during baking.
• Underbaking: Results in chewy or sticky centers.
• Adding sugar too fast: Prevents proper stiff peaks.
• Opening the oven during baking or drying can ruin the texture.
• Skipping cream of tartar: This stabilizes the egg whites and helps structure.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Christmas Treats

Serve these light cookies with:

• Hot cocoa or spiced chai
• A warm apple cider
• Alongside Mini Pancake Cereal for a fun holiday brunch
• With Apple Crisp with Oatmeal for a dessert spread

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FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Tree Meringue Cookies

Can I make Tree Meringue Cookies without cream of tartar?
Yes, you can substitute with 1/2 tsp lemon juice or white vinegar, though cream of tartar yields the best stability.

Can these be frozen?
Freezing is not recommended as they can absorb moisture and lose their texture.

Can I use liquid food coloring?
Gel coloring is preferred to avoid watering down the mixture.

How long can I store these?
Up to 2 weeks in an airtight, moisture-free container.

More Christmas Treats You’ll Love

Looking for more holiday inspiration? Don’t miss these festive favorites:

• Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
• Halloween Snack Mix
• Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Bake
• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Pancakes
• Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups
• Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl
• Apple Pie Dip with Cinnamon Sugar Chips

Final Thoughts + Call to Action

These Tree Meringue Cookies are whimsical, light-as-air, and bursting with Christmas charm. They’re simple to make yet stunning to look at — a true showstopper on any holiday table. Whether you’re gifting them or indulging with a cup of cocoa, they add the perfect festive touch to your celebrations.

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family! Be sure to subscribe to our blog for more magical holiday recipes and creative seasonal treats delivered right to your inbox.

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