Description
Delicate, festive, and fun to make, Tree Meringue Cookies are a whimsical holiday treat that’s crisp on the outside and airy on the inside. Shaped like mini Christmas trees and adorned with sprinkles, they’re perfect for cookie trays, edible gifts, or simply bringing joy to the season.
Ingredients
3 large egg whites
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Green gel food coloring, a few drops
Holiday sprinkles and edible star toppers
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 200°F (93°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. In a clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed until foamy.
3. Add cream of tartar and continue whipping until soft peaks form.
4. Increase speed to high and gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
5. Gently fold in vanilla extract and a few drops of green gel food coloring.
6. Fill a piping bag fitted with a large star tip and pipe tree-shaped mounds onto baking sheets.
7. Decorate with sprinkles and place a star on top of each.
8. Bake for 1.5 hours. Turn off the oven and let cookies sit inside for another hour to dry out completely.
9. Remove and store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
For best results, use room-temperature egg whites to maximize volume when whipping.
Avoid making these on humid days—moisture in the air can cause meringues to soften or collapse.
Don’t open the oven door during baking or cooling; temperature changes can crack the meringues.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5 hours (plus 1 hour resting in oven)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 25
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: meringue, Christmas cookies, holiday dessert, tree cookies