The festive spirit shines bright with these delightful Tree Meringue Cookies. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a fun baking project with kids, these airy and crunchy cookies resemble little evergreen trees that tantalize both the eyes and the taste buds. Light yet sweet, they offer a satisfying crunch with just the right touch of sweetness. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to use up those leftover egg whites!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
- Servings: About 24 cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 45
- Protein: 0.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
Why Make This Tree Meringue Cookies
Tree Meringue Cookies are not only visually appealing; they are lightweight and practically melt in your mouth. Their crispy exterior and soft interior create a delightful contrast that is hard to resist. Plus, they are versatile! You can easily customize them with different colors for various seasons or celebrations. Making these cookies is a fun and creative activity, especially for kids, and they make charming gifts during the holidays.
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
- Edible decorations (optional)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C) and prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This provides a non-stick surface for your cookies.
Step 2: Mixing
In a mixing bowl, beat the egg whites using an electric mixer on medium speed until they become foamy. You want to see bubbles forming, which indicates that you’re on the right track.
Step 3: Adding Stabilizers
Add the cream of tartar to the mixture and continue beating until soft peaks start to form. This step is crucial as it gives the meringue stability.
Step 4: Sweetening
Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while increasing the mixer speed to high. Beat until the mixture turns glossy and stiff peaks form. This means the sugar is fully incorporated, and your meringue is ready!
Step 5: Flavor and Color
Gently stir in the vanilla extract along with a few drops of green food coloring. Mix until you achieve your desired shade of green, perfect for your tree shapes.
Step 6: Piping
Transfer the meringue mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. This will help you create beautiful, textured tree shapes on your baking sheet.
Step 7: Shaping
Pipe the meringue onto the prepared baking sheet, forming tree shapes. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; each one will have its unique charm!
Step 8: Baking
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours. The meringues should be dry to the touch, and you should be able to lift them off the parchment easily.
Step 9: Cooling
Allow the meringues to cool completely on the baking sheet. If you want to add edible decorations, now is the time to do it before serving!
How to Serve Tree Meringue Cookies
These charming cookies are best served on a festive platter for parties or family gatherings. They pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa or tea. You can create a beautiful display by stacking them up like little holiday trees on a cake stand, then decorating the base with faux snow or edible glitter for an extra festive touch.
How to Store Tree Meringue Cookies
Store your Tree Meringue Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can usually last for up to one week, maintaining their delightful crunch. Avoid storing them in a humid environment as moisture can ruin their texture.
Expert Tips for Perfect Tree Meringue Cookies
- Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are clean and free from any grease, as even a small amount can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.
- When adding the sugar, ensure it’s fully dissolved to prevent graininess in the meringue.
- For easy piping, use a flat edge to scrape the meringue down from the sides of the bowl before filling the piping bag.
- Experiment with different shades of food coloring or even use glittery edible dust to make your trees sparkle.
Delicious Variations
- To switch things up, try using different food coloring combinations to create rainbow meringue trees.
- You can also mix in finely chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the meringue for added texture and flavor.
- For a festive twist, sprinkle your cookies with edible glitter or colored sugar before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make meringue cookies without cream of tartar?
Yes, you can use lemon juice or white vinegar as substitutes for cream of tartar, as they both provide the acidity needed to stabilize the egg whites.
Why is my meringue not forming stiff peaks?
Insufficient beating or residual oil in your mixing bowl can prevent stiff peaks from forming. Ensure your equipment is clean and beat the egg whites thoroughly until firm.
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Absolutely! Tree Meringue Cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
What should I do if my meringue is too runny?
If your meringue is too runny, it’s likely that the egg whites were not whipped enough or not mixed properly with the sugar. Simply rebeat it until the desired peak formation is achieved.
How can I decorate my meringue cookies?
You can use edible glitter, sprinkles, or even small candies to decorate your cookies. A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and water can also be drizzled over for added sweetness.
Conclusion
Tree Meringue Cookies are more than just a treat; they are a delightful way to bring joy and creativity into your kitchen. Perfectly sweet and light, these cookies can be made for any occasion and are sure to impress your family and friends. So gather your ingredients and let the magic of meringue take over—happy baking!
Print
Tree Meringue Cookies
- Total Time: 150 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Tree Meringue Cookies, perfect for holiday gatherings, that resemble little evergreen trees and offer a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green food coloring
- Edible decorations (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the egg whites using an electric mixer on medium speed until foamy.
- Add the cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while increasing the mixer speed to high, until glossy and stiff peaks form.
- Gently stir in the vanilla extract and a few drops of green food coloring.
- Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
- Pipe the meringue onto the lined baking sheet into tree shapes.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, until dry to the touch.
- Allow to cool completely on the baking sheet before adding any edible decorations.
Notes
Ensure mixing bowl and beaters are clean and grease-free for best results. Use various shades of food coloring for festive variations.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0.6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
