why make this recipe

Tree Meringue Cookies are a fun and festive treat that perfectly capture the spirit of the holiday season. Not only are they delightful to eat, but they also make a charming decoration for your festive table. These cookies are light, airy, and can be easily customized to match your holiday colors. They are a great way to impress your family and friends with your baking skills while keeping things simple.

how to make Tree Meringue Cookies

Ingredients:

4 large egg whites
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Green food coloring
Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Decorative sprinkles (optional)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy.
Add the cream of tartar and continue to beat until soft peaks form.
Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form.
Mix in the vanilla extract and add a few drops of green food coloring to achieve your desired shade.
Transfer the meringue mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
Pipe the meringue in the shape of Christmas trees onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 1.5 hours, then turn off the oven and let the meringues cool completely inside.
Once cooled, dust with confectioners’ sugar and add sprinkles for decoration if desired.

how to serve Tree Meringue Cookies

Tree Meringue Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and can be served on a festive plate. They make great gifts when packaged in a clear bag tied with a ribbon. Serve them alongside hot cocoa or coffee for a delightful treat.

how to store Tree Meringue Cookies

To store your Tree Meringue Cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week. Avoid storing them in a humid environment, as meringues can become sticky.

tips to make Tree Meringue Cookies

Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are clean and free of any grease. This helps the egg whites whip up better.
Use a food scale for accurate measurements, especially for the sugar.
If you want extra color, you can mix the green food coloring in gradually until you achieve your desired shade.

variation

You can customize these cookies by using different colors of food coloring or adding flavor extracts like almond or peppermint. You can also change the shapes and sizes of the trees for variety.

FAQs

1. Can I use egg whites from a carton?
Yes, you can use carton egg whites, but make sure they are at room temperature for best results.

2. Why do my meringues not hold their shape?
If your meringues do not hold their shape, it might be because the egg whites were not whipped enough or there was some grease in the bowl.

3. Can I make these meringues ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these meringue cookies a few days ahead. Just store them properly in an airtight container.