Christmas Tree Meringues are a delightful, festive treat that brings the magic of the holiday season to your dessert table. These airy and sweet meringues, shaped like adorable Christmas trees, make the perfect addition to your holiday baking lineup. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a stunning, whimsical dessert that is sure to impress guests of all ages.
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring
- Sprinkles (for decoration, such as stars, pearls, or sugar crystals)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Meringue Mixture: In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Add Sugar Gradually: Increase the mixer speed to high and slowly add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until fully incorporated. Continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Incorporate Vanilla and Color: Gently fold in the vanilla extract and a few drops of green gel food coloring. Add more color as needed to achieve your desired shade.
- Pipe the Trees: Transfer the meringue mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe tree shapes onto the prepared baking sheets, starting with a larger base and spiraling upward to create a conical shape.
- Decorate: Add sprinkles to the meringue trees for a festive touch. You can use star-shaped sprinkles at the top or small sugar pearls to mimic ornaments.
- Bake Low and Slow: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 1.5–2 hours, or until the meringues are dry and can be easily lifted off the parchment. Turn off the oven and let the meringues cool completely inside to prevent cracking.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve Christmas Tree Meringues as a centerpiece dessert or pair them with hot cocoa for a cozy holiday treat. Store the meringues in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Keep them away from humidity to maintain their crisp texture. Avoid refrigeration as it can cause them to soften.
FAQs
1. Can I make these meringues in advance?
Yes, Christmas Tree Meringues can be made up to two weeks ahead of time if stored properly in an airtight container.
2. What type of food coloring works best?
Gel food coloring is recommended because it provides vibrant colors without altering the consistency of the meringue.
3. Why are my meringues cracking?
Cracking can occur if the oven temperature is too high or if the meringues cool too quickly. Always bake at a low temperature and let them cool in the oven.
4. Can I use a different shape for the meringues?
Absolutely! You can pipe the meringue into other holiday shapes like stars, wreaths, or snowflakes for variety.
Enjoy crafting these festive treats and adding a touch of holiday cheer to your celebrations!
PrintChristmas Tree Meringues
These delightful Christmas Tree Meringues are the perfect festive treat! Light, crispy, and sweet, they are shaped like adorable mini Christmas trees and can be decorated with sprinkles, edible glitter, or candy stars for a cheerful holiday vibe. Great for gifting or adding to your dessert table!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 meringue trees 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday Treats
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Green gel food coloring
- Assorted sprinkles or edible decorations
- Edible glitter or candy stars (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whip Egg Whites:Â In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar using an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while beating on high speed until stiff peaks form, and the meringue is glossy. This may take about 5–7 minutes.
- Color the Meringue:Â Add a few drops of green gel food coloring and gently fold or mix until evenly distributed. Adjust the intensity of the green as desired.
- Pipe the Trees:Â Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe tree shapes onto the prepared baking sheets, starting with a larger base and tapering upwards.
- Decorate:Â Sprinkle the trees with your desired decorations, such as sprinkles, glitter, or candy stars.
- Bake:Â Bake the meringues in the preheated oven for 90 minutes. Then, turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside for another hour to cool completely and become crisp.
- Serve:Â Once fully cooled, store in an airtight container until ready to serve or gift.
Notes
- For the best results, make meringues on a dry day as humidity can affect their texture.
- Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of grease for stiff peaks to form.