Description
These Tree Meringue Cookies are whimsical holiday showstoppers—crisp on the outside, light as air on the inside, and shaped like delicate Christmas trees. They’re naturally gluten-free, beautifully piped, and perfect for gifting or decorating dessert tables. If you’re looking for easy dessert ideas, Christmas baking inspiration, or holiday food gifts, this is the festive cookie recipe you’ll want to make every year. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a winter wonderland in your kitchen that tastes as magical as it looks.
Ingredients
3 large egg whites
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: 1-2 drops green gel food coloring
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 200°F (93°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a stand mixer, beat egg whites on medium speed until foamy.
3. Add cream of tartar and continue to beat while gradually adding sugar, one tablespoon at a time.
4. Increase to high speed and whip until stiff, glossy peaks form (5–7 minutes).
5. Mix in vanilla and optional food coloring.
6. Transfer meringue into a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
7. Pipe trees by stacking dollops from large to small on baking sheets.
8. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours until dry to the touch.
9. Turn off oven and leave cookies inside with door ajar for 1 hour.
10. Remove and let cool completely before storing.
Notes
Make sure your mixing bowl is completely grease-free for the best meringue volume.
Avoid making meringue cookies on humid days to ensure they bake crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg