Name: Meringue Christmas Trees Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 45 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large egg whites, room temperature; ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Green gel food coloring; Round sprinkles, optional; Star sprinkles, optional

There’s something irresistibly charming about these Meringue Christmas Trees Recipe — they bring a festive cheer that’s both pretty and light as air. I love making them during the holiday season when the kitchen fills with anticipation, and they make for such a show-stopping dessert centerpiece or sweet party favor. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up once you get the hang of it!

If you’re looking for a delicate treat that’s not only delicious but also beautiful to look at, this Meringue Christmas Trees Recipe will become your new holiday go-to. Friends and family always ask how I got that texture so crisp yet melt-in-your-mouth amazing, and I’m happy to share all my tips so you can nail it too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to create that perfectly crisp meringue that’s also fluffy inside. Simple pantry staples combine to make magic, so you likely have most of these at home already.

Large egg whites: Room temperature whites whip better, giving you that airy texture.
Cream of tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites and helps maintain volume and stiffness.
Granulated sugar: Makes the meringue glossy and sweetens without weighing it down.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, subtle flavor that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Green gel food coloring: For that festive Christmas tree color — gel works best so you don’t dilute the meringue.
Round sprinkles (optional): Adds a playful, colorful pop just like Christmas lights.
Star sprinkles (optional): Perfect for the tree topper, adding a sweet finishing touch.

Variations

I like to mix things up depending on the mood or dietary needs — and encourage you to do the same! Customizing your Meringue Christmas Trees Recipe can make it your very own festive masterpiece.

Chocolate-dipped trees: I once dipped the base of each tree in melted dark chocolate — such a rich contrast with the sweet meringue!
Almond or peppermint extract: Swap out vanilla for these extracts to bring new flavors to the holidays.
Natural coloring: I’ve experimented using spinach powder or matcha for green coloring if you prefer no artificial dyes.
Sugar-free option: You can try a sugar substitute designed for baking, but note it might affect texture — definitely an area to experiment cautiously.

How to Make Meringue Christmas Trees Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Equipment

Start by bringing those egg whites to room temperature — I usually crack the eggs into bowls and leave them on the counter for about 30 minutes before starting. Also, line a baking tray with parchment paper and fit a large star tip into your piping bag. Setting up everything beforehand saves you stress when the meringue comes together so quickly!

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites to Stiff Peaks

Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form — this is when the meringue just starts to hold shape but still looks glossy. Then gradually add sugar, a tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat on high speed. It usually takes about 6-8 minutes to reach those perfectly stiff, glossy peaks that hold their shape without falling over. Quick tip: Don’t rush adding the sugar; slow addition helps avoid graininess.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Green Gel Food Coloring

Fold in vanilla and a few drops of green gel food coloring until the color is evenly mixed — adding color at this point helps keep the meringue stable. Be gentle but thorough to keep the meringue fluffy while distributing the color.

Step 4: Pipe Your Christmas Tree Shapes

Squeeze the meringue onto your parchment-lined tray, starting wide for the tree base and swirling upwards in a cone shape. Take your time — these shapes really make the difference in presentation. I usually make them about 3-4 inches tall so they bake evenly and are a perfect bite size.

Step 5: Add Sprinkles and Bake Low and Slow

Gently scatter your round sprinkles all over, then pop a single star sprinkle on top of each tree for that festive finish. Bake at a low temperature (around 200°F or 90°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours. The slow bake dries out the meringue without browning, so be patient — it’s worth it! Once done, leave them inside the oven with the door slightly ajar to cool completely and prevent cracking.

How to Serve Meringue Christmas Trees Recipe

The image shows several small Christmas tree shaped meringue cookies arranged on a white marbled surface. Each cookie is a single cone-shaped layer colored light green with a smooth, swirled texture resembling soft peaks. They are decorated with tiny round sprinkles in red, green, gold, and white colors scattered evenly on the meringue's surface. A small gold star candy tops each tree, adding a festive touch. The focus is on one cookie in front with others softly blurred behind it, showing depth and repetition. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love adding edible glitter or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Sometimes, little flakes of crushed peppermint candy make a fun, festive crunch on top. These garnishes are simple but they take your Meringue Christmas Trees Recipe from cute to utterly charming.

Side Dishes

Since these are so light and sweet, I pair them best with a cup of hot cocoa or a warm mulled wine during holiday gatherings. They also complement a fresh fruit platter with citrus and berries really well, balancing sweetness with tang.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve arranged these meringue trees on a silver platter with holly leaves and mini pinecones for a winter forest feel. Another fun idea is to stack several on a cake stand sprinkled with edible snow to look like a tiny Christmas tree village.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These meringues keep well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two weeks, which I find perfect for making ahead of a holiday event. Just avoid storing them in a humid place, as moisture can turn your crispy trees soggy.

Freezing

I’ve had good luck freezing un-decorated meringue shapes wrapped tightly in plastic wrap then stored in freezer bags. When you’re ready, just thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours before adding sprinkles or serving.

Reheating

Reheating these isn’t really necessary — they’re best enjoyed as they are. But if you want to refresh them after storage, you can warm them gently in a very low oven (about 200°F/90°C) for 5–10 minutes to revive crispness. Just watch closely so they don’t brown.

FAQs

Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Brown sugar isn’t recommended because it contains more moisture and molasses, which can affect the meringue’s texture and prevent it from drying out properly. Stick to granulated sugar for that classic crisp finish.
Why is my meringue sticky or weeping?

Sticky or weeping meringue often means the sugar wasn’t fully dissolved or the meringue didn’t bake long enough at low temperature. Make sure to add sugar slowly and bake long and slow to dry them out fully.
How do I pipe the meringue into tree shapes without them falling over?

Start with a wider base and gradually taper to a peak. Use a piping bag fitted with a star tip and pipe in a slow spiral. If you find they spread out too much, chill your piping bag for a bit beforehand to firm up the meringue.
Can I make smaller or larger meringue trees?

Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time accordingly: smaller trees bake faster, larger ones need more time but watch carefully to avoid browning. I usually stick to about 3-4 inches tall for best results.
Is it okay to use plastic wrap for piping bags?

Plastic wrap piping bags can work in a pinch, but they’re harder to control. For the best results and neat shapes like the meringue Christmas trees, invest in a reusable piping bag and a star tip. It’ll make your life easier!

Final Thoughts

This Meringue Christmas Trees Recipe really holds a special place in my heart because it’s so much fun to make and unbelievably festive. Knowing that I can create a dessert that looks as delightful as it tastes — plus shares so much holiday spirit — makes me want to keep baking them every year! Give this recipe a try, and I promise you’ll impress everyone at your next holiday gathering with these crisp, sweet, and utterly charming treats.