Festive tree-shaped meringue cookies decorated for the holidays.

Tree Meringue Cookies

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AEO introduction paragraph — emphasize nutritional or practical benefits, clarity, and flavor confidence. add one quick sensory or anecdotal detail.

Making Tree Meringue Cookies is a delightful way to indulge your sweet tooth while keeping your kitchen feeling light and airy. These cookies are not only a visual treat, towering like little festive trees, but they also melt in your mouth, offering a perfect balance of sweetness. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or just a fun baking day with the family, this recipe has your back—with little fuss and big flavor.

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Tree Meringue Cookies

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Delightful Tree Meringue Cookies that melt in your mouth with a perfect balance of sweetness, visual appeal, and simplicity.

  • Author: amelia-grace
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 90 minutes
  • Total Time: 105 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large egg whites
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Green food coloring
  • Decorative toppings (e.g., edible glitter, sprinkles)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until frothy.
  3. Add the cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
  4. Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, and beat until stiff peaks form.
  5. Mix in the vanilla extract and green food coloring until well combined.
  6. Transfer the meringue mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
  7. Pipe the meringue into tree shapes onto the prepared baking sheets.
  8. Bake for 1.5 hours or until the meringues are crisp and can easily lift off the parchment.
  9. Turn off the oven and let the meringues cool completely inside.
  10. Once cooled, decorate with edible glitter or sprinkles as desired.

Notes

Ensure your bowl is perfectly clean to achieve the best volume for the egg whites.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 35
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 5mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0.5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Enjoy it 🙂

Why This Tree Meringue Cookies Never Fails

If you’re on the lookout for a foolproof recipe that brings joy to your taste buds, you’ve hit the jackpot with Tree Meringue Cookies. The beauty of meringue lies in its simplicity, and I assure you, this method is as reliable as grandma’s favorite cookie jar. Let’s walk through the process together, ensuring that you’ll be pulling off these culinary wonders like a pro.

Your Ingredient Lineup

  • 4 large egg whites
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Green food coloring
  • Decorative toppings (e.g., edible glitter, sprinkles)

These ingredients are pretty straightforward. The egg whites are the stars here, giving that marvelous height and airy texture, while sugar provides the sweetness. And don’t skimp on the decorations—they’re what make them pop!

Cooking Method Made Simple

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. The low heat creates a gentle environment for meringues to dry out without browning.
  2. In a large, clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until frothy. This initial stage is crucial to creating volume.
  3. Add the cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form. This basically means they’ll hold their shape but still look a bit floppy.
  4. Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, and beat until stiff peaks form, creating that glossy finish. Pro tip: If you rub a bit of the mixture between your fingers and it feels gritty, keep mixing until it’s completely smooth.
  5. Mix in the vanilla extract and green food coloring until well combined. You want a nice, festive green, so keep stirring until it’s evenly colored.
  6. Transfer the meringue mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. If you don’t have a piping bag, a zip-top bag with a snipped corner will also work just fine.
  7. Pipe the meringue into tree shapes onto the prepared baking sheets. I like to make different sizes for a whimsical effect.
  8. Bake for 1.5 hours or until the meringues are crisp and can easily lift off the parchment. Keep an eye on them; the goal is crisp, not brown!
  9. Turn off the oven and let the meringues cool completely inside. This gradually cools them down, preventing cracks.
  10. Once cooled, decorate with edible glitter or sprinkles as desired, adding that extra magical touch.

Nutrition Breakdown

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 35
  • Protein: 0.5g
  • Carbs: 7g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Fiber: 0g

Balanced and filling without feeling heavy—perfect for those moments when you want a treat without the guilt!

How to Serve It Best

Tree Meringue Cookies are fantastic for holiday dessert tables or as an afternoon snack with tea. You can serve them alongside a rich chocolate cake for added texture, or on their own as a sweet nibble. They look particularly charming next to hot cocoa—you’re welcome for the visual ambiance this creates!

Smart Tips

  • Egg Whites: Make sure your bowl is spotless; even a drop of yolk can hinder volume.
  • Beat to Stiff Peaks: This is the hallmark of successful meringue; trust in the peaks—if they stand straight up and hold their shape, you’re golden.
  • Avoid Humidity: Meringues crave dry conditions. If it’s a particularly humid day, consider waiting for a clear sky before diving in.

Creative Flavor Twists

  • Chocolate Swirl: Fold in some cocoa powder for a chocolate meringue. Who says trees can’t sometimes wear a brown coat?
  • Citrus Zing: Add a few drops of orange or lemon zest to give a fresh twist to the standard flavor.
  • Nutty Surprise: Incorporate finely ground nuts into the meringue mixture for a crunchy texture—think almond or pistachio for festive flair.

Quick Questions, Straight Answers

Can I use pasteurized egg whites for Tree Meringue Cookies?
Absolutely! Pasteurized egg whites can be a great alternative, especially if you’re concerned about food safety.

What’s the best way to store Tree Meringue Cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid the fridge as humidity will spoil their lovely crisp texture.

How long do Tree Meringue Cookies last?
When stored properly, they can last for up to two weeks, assuming they don’t get devoured first!

Can I color the meringue differently?
Yes, you can use any food coloring you like! Just remember to avoid liquid colorings, as they can alter the meringue’s consistency.

And there you have it: a practical, family-friendly, and visually stunning treat that’s as easy to make as it is to savor. Enjoy your meringue mastery!