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If there’s one holiday treat that feels instantly festive and whimsical, it’s easy meringue Christmas trees. Light, crisp, and melt-in-your-mouth sweet, these charming little cookies look impressive but are surprisingly simple to make. With just a few pantry ingredients and a piping bag, you can create an eye-catching holiday dessert that delights kids and adults alike.
Meringue Christmas trees are perfect for holiday cookie trays, classroom parties, gift boxes, and Christmas dessert tables. They’re naturally gluten-free, low in fat, and make a beautiful contrast to richer holiday desserts like brownies and fudge.
Despite their elegant appearance, these meringue trees require no special baking skills. If you can whip egg whites and pipe a swirl, you’re already halfway there.
Why You’ll Love These Meringue Christmas Trees
These festive cookies quickly become a holiday favorite because they’re:
- Made with only a few simple ingredients
- Light, crisp, and not overly sweet
- Naturally gluten-free
- Fun and festive to decorate
- Perfect for gifting and parties
They add instant holiday charm wherever they’re served.
What Makes Meringue Cookies So Special?
Meringues are made by whipping egg whites and sugar into a glossy, stable foam that bakes low and slow. Instead of browning, they dry out, becoming crisp on the outside with a delicate, airy texture inside.
Shaping them into Christmas trees adds visual flair without changing the classic technique. Gel food coloring gives a vibrant green hue, while sprinkles act as ornaments, making each tree unique.
Ingredients
You only need a handful of ingredients to create these festive treats.
- 4 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring
- Festive sprinkles or sanding sugar
Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfect meringue Christmas trees.
- Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 225°F (110°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. - Whip Egg Whites
In a clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. - Add Sugar Gradually
Increase speed to high and add sugar one tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. - Flavor and Color
Beat in vanilla extract and a few drops of green gel food coloring until evenly tinted. - Pipe the Trees
Transfer meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe tall swirls to resemble Christmas trees. - Decorate
Add sprinkles gently while meringues are still soft. - Bake Low and Slow
Bake for 90 minutes, then turn off oven and let meringues cool inside with the door closed. - Serve or Store
Remove once fully dry and crisp.
Tips for Perfect Meringues
- Use a clean, grease-free bowl
- Avoid liquid food coloring — gel works best
- Don’t open the oven during baking
- Let meringues cool completely before handling
Make-Ahead & Storage
Make Ahead:
Meringue Christmas trees can be made up to 3 days in advance.
Storage:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Humidity Tip:
Keep away from moisture to maintain crispness.
Fun Variations
Snowy White Trees
Skip the food coloring and dust with powdered sugar.
Peppermint Trees
Add a drop of peppermint extract and crushed candy canes.
Chocolate-Dipped Bases
Dip the bottoms in melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
Mini Trees
Pipe smaller trees for bite-sized treats.
When to Serve Meringue Christmas Trees
These festive treats are perfect for:
- Christmas cookie platters
- Holiday parties
- Classroom celebrations
- Dessert tables
- Homemade gift boxes
They bring instant holiday magic wherever they appear.
Why These Are Great for Kids
Kids love decorating these meringues almost as much as eating them. Let them add sprinkles, choose colors, or help pipe simple shapes — it’s a fun, hands-on holiday activity.
Easy Meringue Christmas Trees
Light and crisp meringue cookies piped into festive Christmas tree shapes and decorated with sprinkles.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whip egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
- Add sugar gradually and whip until stiff peaks.
- Pipe tree shapes and decorate.
- Bake low and slow until crisp.
Notes
Avoid humidity for best results.
Final Thoughts
These easy meringue Christmas trees are light, elegant, and full of holiday charm. With minimal ingredients and maximum festive impact, they’re the perfect addition to your holiday baking list.
Once you make them, they’re sure to become a yearly tradition.
