Christmas Tree Meringues are a charming and festive treat that brings whimsical elegance to your holiday dessert table. These light and airy mint-colored meringues are piped into tall tree-like swirls and topped with delicate edible stars, making them perfect for edible gifts, party favors, or simply adding a bit of holiday magic to your baking lineup. Naturally gluten-free and low in calories, they’re a sweet option everyone can enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These meringues are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Here’s why they’re a standout for the season:

Beautiful holiday presentation with minimal ingredients
Naturally gluten-free and low-calorie
Light, crisp texture with a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth finish
Ideal for gifting, decorating, or festive snacking
Fun to make with kids or as part of a holiday baking project

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 large egg whites
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Green food coloring
Edible star sprinkles or decorations

Directions

Preheat the oven to 200°F (95°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a clean, grease-free mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form.
Gradually add the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high until stiff, glossy peaks form. This should take about 5–7 minutes.
Gently fold in the vanilla extract and green food coloring until the desired shade is reached.
Transfer the meringue mixture to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
Pipe tall swirls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them slightly apart.
Top each meringue with an edible star or decoration.
Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Do not open the oven door while baking.
Turn off the oven and let the meringues cool completely inside with the door closed, for about 1 hour.
Once cooled, store in an airtight container.

Servings and timing

Servings: 30 meringues
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour (in oven)
Total Time: 2 hours
Calories: Approximately 22 kcal per meringue

Variations

Flavored Meringues: Add a drop of peppermint, almond, or citrus extract in place of vanilla.
Colored Swirls: Use multiple shades of green for a marbled tree effect.
Snowy Trees: Dust with powdered sugar after baking for a snow-covered look.
Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle with white or dark chocolate for added richness.
Mini Meringue Trees: Pipe smaller versions to create bite-sized holiday treats or edible décor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep meringues in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Humidity Note: Avoid humid environments, which can cause meringues to become sticky or soft.
Freezing: Not recommended, as freezing can compromise the crisp texture.
Reheating: Reheating is not needed. If they soften, place them in a 200°F (95°C) oven for 10–15 minutes to help them crisp up again.

FAQs

Why aren’t my meringues stiff and glossy?

The bowl or beaters may have residual grease or the egg whites may not have been beaten long enough. Ensure everything is clean and beat until stiff peaks form.

Can I use liquid food coloring?

Yes, but use it sparingly as it can slightly affect the meringue consistency. Gel or paste food coloring is preferred for vibrant color without thinning the batter.

How do I prevent my meringues from cracking?

Bake at a low temperature and allow them to cool gradually in the oven to avoid sudden temperature changes that can cause cracks.

Can I pipe these into other shapes?

Yes, meringue is very versatile—pipe stars, kisses, or wreaths for other festive designs.

What tip should I use for piping trees?

A large open or closed star piping tip (such as Wilton 1M or 2D) creates the best tree-like texture.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, they keep well for several days if stored in a dry, airtight container at room temperature.

Are these safe for people with gluten allergies?

Yes, these meringues are naturally gluten-free.

Can I make these without cream of tartar?

You can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, though cream of tartar gives the most stable results.

How do I know when meringues are done?

They should lift off the parchment cleanly and feel dry and crisp to the touch. If they still feel tacky, bake for an additional 10–15 minutes.

Can I use superfine sugar instead of granulated?

Yes, superfine sugar dissolves more easily and may help create a smoother meringue.

Conclusion

Christmas Tree Meringues are a festive, fun, and delightfully airy treat that captures the magic of the holiday season in every bite. Whether you’re adding them to a cookie tray, using them as edible decorations, or wrapping them as gifts, these sweet little trees are as beautiful as they are delicious. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of creativity, you’ll have a stunning holiday dessert ready to share and enjoy.

Christmas Tree Meringues

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These festive mint-colored meringues are piped into adorable Christmas tree shapes and topped with delicate stars. Light, airy, and sweet, they’re perfect for edible gifts or decorating your dessert table.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Yield: 30 meringues 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

4 large egg whites
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Green food coloring
Edible star sprinkles or decorations

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 200°F (95°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a clean bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating continuously until stiff, glossy peaks form.
Mix in vanilla extract and green food coloring until the desired shade is achieved.
Transfer meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe tall swirls onto the baking sheet to resemble Christmas trees.
Top each meringue with a star sprinkle or decoration.
Bake for 1.5 hours, then turn off the oven and let meringues cool completely inside with the door closed.

Notes

Ensure the mixing bowl is completely clean and dry before beating egg whites.
Meringues can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Add peppermint extract for a festive twist.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 meringue
Calories: 22 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 5 mg
Fat: 0 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 0.5 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg