Tree Meringue Cookies Recipe
These delightful Tree Meringue Cookies are light, crisp, and festive treats perfect for holiday celebrations. Featuring airy meringue piped into charming tree shapes and baked to perfection, these cookies sit atop a sugar cookie base and can be decorated with colorful sprinkles for a fun and elegant presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: About 12 tree meringue cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Meringue Mixture
- 4 large egg whites (room temperature for better volume)
- 1 cup fine granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Assembly and Decoration
- Sugar cookies (round or shaped, to serve as the base for the meringue trees)
- Sprinkles (optional, for decorating)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meringue: Preheat your oven to 200°F (90°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, a spoonful at a time, while beating on high speed. Continue until stiff peaks form, and the meringue becomes glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract for a delightful aroma and taste.
- Shape the Meringue Trees: Transfer the meringue mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star tip or snip off the end of a large piping bag. Pipe small tree shapes onto the prepared baking sheet. Start with a wide base and taper off toward the top, creating a triangle-like tree. For a layered effect, pipe smaller layers on top to mimic branches.
- Bake the Meringues: Bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meringues are completely dry and crisp. Turn off the oven and let the meringues cool inside for an additional hour to ensure they dry thoroughly.
- Assemble and Decorate: Once cooled, place each meringue tree atop a sugar cookie base. Decorate with sprinkles, edible glitter, or mini candies to add a festive touch.
Notes
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for maximum volume when whipped.
- Use fine granulated sugar to help dissolve better and achieve a glossy meringue.
- Be patient while baking; low and slow drying prevents cracking and keeps the meringues crisp.
- The cream of tartar stabilizes the egg whites and helps maintain structure.
- Store assembled cookies in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
Keywords: meringue cookies, tree shaped cookies, holiday treats, gluten free dessert, Christmas cookies, festive cookies
Find it online: https://tastewithamy.com/tree-meringue-cookies-recipe/
