Christmas Tree Meringue Cookies

These Christmas Tree Meringue Cookies are a light and crunchy treat that brings all the holiday spirit in every bite! With their vibrant green color, festive decorations, and sweet meringue texture, these cookies are not only delicious but also make for an adorable addition to your holiday table or as gifts. Here’s how to make them!

Ingredients

3 large egg whites (room temperature)
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon white vinegar
Green gel food coloring
Edible glitter or gold stars (optional, for decoration)
Mini candy canes, sprinkles, or star-shaped candy (for decorating)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meringue Base

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Whip the Egg Whites:
In a large, clean bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. This means the egg whites will begin to hold their shape but the peaks will curl slightly at the top.
Add Sugar Gradually:
Once the soft peaks have formed, add the powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat on high speed. Beat until the meringue forms stiff peaks and is smooth, glossy, and holds its shape when lifted.
Add Flavor and Stability:
Mix in the vanilla extract and vinegar. The vinegar helps stabilize the meringue.
Color the Meringue:
Add a few drops of green gel food coloring and gently fold it into the meringue until you reach the desired shade of green. Be careful not to deflate the meringue.

Step 2: Pipe the Christmas Trees

Prepare the Piping Bag:
Fit a piping bag with a star tip (like a 1M or 2D) for a textured, tree-like effect. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a plastic sandwich bag with a corner snipped off.
Pipe the Trees:
Start by piping a small mound of meringue onto the baking sheet to create the base of the tree. Then, pipe the meringue in layers, gradually getting smaller toward the top to form the shape of a Christmas tree. You can make these as big or small as you like, depending on your preference.
Optional Decorations:
For extra decoration, you can pipe a small star at the top of each tree or sprinkle some edible glitter or gold stars onto the meringues before baking.

Step 3: Bake the Meringue Cookies

Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 1 ½ to 2 hours, or until the meringue cookies are dry to the touch and can be easily lifted off the parchment paper. The cookies should be crisp and slightly golden on the outside. If you’re unsure, leave them in the oven with the heat turned off for another hour to fully dry out.
Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, turn off the oven and allow the meringue trees to cool completely in the oven with the door slightly ajar to prevent cracking.

Step 4: Decorate the Meringue Trees

Add Final Decorations:
Once the meringue trees have cooled, decorate them with mini candy canes, sprinkles, or star-shaped candies to make them look like festive little Christmas trees.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve:
Your Christmas Tree Meringue Cookies are now ready to serve! These light, sweet, and crunchy treats make the perfect festive dessert or snack for holiday parties.

Tips for Success:

Room Temperature Egg Whites: Make sure your egg whites are at room temperature for the best volume when whipping.
Avoid Grease: Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are clean and free from any grease or oils, as this can prevent the meringue from whipping up properly.
Drying Time: Don’t rush the baking process; allowing the meringues to dry completely is key to getting the perfect texture.
Decorating Options: Feel free to get creative with decorating these trees—use red, white, and gold for a classic look or add some colorful candy for a playful touch!

These Christmas Tree Meringue Cookies are a festive, fun, and light treat that everyone will love! With their delicate meringue texture, vibrant colors, and holiday decorations, they’re perfect for spreading Christmas cheer!