As the holiday season approaches, the kitchen becomes a symphony of aromas and colors, and what better way to celebrate than with these whimsical Meringue Christmas Trees? Imagine the joy of piping fluffy green confections into charming little tree shapes, each delicately dusted with colorful sprinkles, looking like they belong on a festive display.

I first stumbled upon this delightful recipe during a spirited cookie swap, where someone brought these bite-sized wonders, and I was instantly hooked! Not only do they deliver a melt-in-your-mouth experience combined with a chewy, marshmallow-like center, but they also require minimal ingredients, making them perfect for those of us who appreciate a simple yet stunning treat.

These adorable mini meringues are not just a feast for the eyes; they'll also brighten your holiday gatherings and cookie boxes, ensuring your friends and family will be reaching for seconds. So, let's spread some cheer and get started on these festive little delights!

Why are Meringue Christmas Trees a must-try?

Irresistible Charm: These delightful confections bring festive cheer to any gathering, with their stunning tree shapes and colorful sprinkles.
Minimal Ingredients: Made with just a handful of pantry staples, they're as easy as they are beautiful-perfect for quick holiday baking!
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Enjoy a unique contrast with crispy exteriors and chewy centers that mimic marshmallows, creating the ultimate seasonal treat.
Versatile Decorating: You can customize them with different colors or themed sprinkles, making them suitable for any occasion beyond Christmas!
Great for Sharing: Their eye-catching presentation will impress your guests, ensuring these meringues will be the stars of your cookie boxes.

Meringue Christmas Trees Ingredients

For the Meringue
• Egg Whites - Vital for achieving that airy texture; use aquafaba for a vegan twist!
• Cream of Tartar - Essential for stabilizing egg whites; lemon juice can work in a pinch.
• Granulated Sugar - Sweetens the mixture and helps create a crispy exterior; superfine sugar dissolves faster.

For the Color
• Green Gel Food Coloring - Adds festive flair; feel free to use different colors for various occasions!

For the Decoration
• Sprinkles - Brighten up the look of your meringue Christmas trees; edible glitter makes for an elegant alternative!

How to Make Meringue Christmas Trees

Prep: Preheat your oven to 200°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure the meringues don't stick and bake evenly.
Whip Egg Whites: In a mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until frothy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, mixing until you reach stiff peaks. The mixture should hold its shape beautifully.
Color: Gently fold in the green gel food coloring until the mixture is a vibrant green. Don't rush this step; you want an even color throughout.
Pipe Meringues: Transfer the meringue into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe three dollops on top of each other, decreasing in size to create the mini tree shape. Top each with colorful sprinkles to mimic ornaments.
Bake: Place your piped meringues in the oven and bake them for 45-50 minutes or until the sides are dry and they lift cleanly from the parchment paper.
Cool: Once baking is complete, turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside to cool overnight. Alternatively, you can crack the oven door and let them cool for about an hour.

Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra festive touch!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These delightful Meringue Christmas Trees are perfect for making ahead, saving you time during the busy holiday season! You can whip up the meringue and pipe it into tree shapes up to 24 hours in advance. Simply prepare the meringue as instructed, then store the piped shapes in an airtight container at room temperature. This prevents any moisture from affecting their delightful crispiness. When you're ready to bake, just pop them in the preheated oven and follow the baking instructions. Your meringues will emerge just as delicious, looking stunning and festive for your gatherings!

Expert Tips for Meringue Christmas Trees

Clean Tools Required: Ensure all mixing bowls and utensils are completely clean and free of grease to achieve perfect meringue peaks.
Gentle Oven: Avoid opening the oven door while baking; doing so can introduce temperature fluctuations that cause your meringue to crack.
Stay Crisp: Store your meringue Christmas trees in an airtight container at room temperature, protecting them from moisture to maintain their delightful crispness.
Color Variations: Experiment with different food colors; you can create an array of festive shapes for various occasions, not just Christmas!
Flavor Infusion: For a unique twist, consider adding extracts like vanilla or almond to the meringue for an extra layer of flavor in your Christmas trees.

What to Serve with Meringue Christmas Trees?

These light and airy treats create the perfect festive backdrop for a cheerful holiday spread.

Hot Cocoa: The rich warmth of homemade hot cocoa beautifully contrasts the crisp, sweet meringues, making for a cozy pairing.
Spiced Candied Nuts: The crunch and warm spices of candied nuts add a delightful texture and flavor that complements the meringues' sweetness.
Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad loaded with berries and citrus brings brightness and balance to your dessert table, cutting through the sweetness.
Gingerbread Cookies: The spiced flavors of gingerbread cookies pair harmoniously with the lightness of meringues for a festive cookie platter.
Peppermint Bark: The coolness of peppermint bark enhances the holiday spirit while providing a deliciously crunchy contrast to the delicate meringue.
Coffee or Espresso: A serving of strong coffee or a shot of espresso balances the sweetness with its robust flavor, offering a delightful after-dinner treat.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Enjoy the meringues atop a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream; the melting treat pairs perfectly with the meringue's crunch.
Christmas Punch: Serve your meringues alongside a refreshing holiday punch for a celebratory touch that will keep spirits high!
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over your meringues for an indulgent touch that creates a heavenly combination of textures and flavors.

How to Store and Freeze Meringue Christmas Trees

Room Temperature: Store your meringue Christmas trees in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks to maintain their delightful crispness.

Fridge: Avoid storing in the fridge, as humidity can cause the meringues to become chewy and lose their texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze assembled meringues in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Reheating: Recrisp in a low oven (200°F) for about 10 minutes if they lose their crunch after storage; this brings back that perfect bite!

Meringue Christmas Trees Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to sprinkle some creativity on these delightful treats and make them your own!

Vegan Option: Substitute egg whites with aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, for a cruelty-free alternative.
Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the meringue for a refreshing citrus twist.
Flavored Extract: Enhance taste by mixing in vanilla, almond, or peppermint extract, perfectly complementing the holiday vibes.
Different Colors: Swap out the green gel food coloring for red, blue, or gold to reflect different festive themes or personal preferences.
Textured Toppings: Instead of sprinkles, try using chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or large sugar crystals for a lovely rustic look.
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark or white chocolate and drizzle it over the meringues for an indulgent finish that adds richness.
Mini Tree Ornaments: Transform your mini trees into ornaments by using edible gold or silver leaf, giving them an opulent feel.
Spicy Kick: For meringues with a bit of heat, mix cayenne pepper or chili powder (just a pinch) into the meringue base for a surprising flavor contrast.

Enjoy experimenting and make this festive treat your own, capturing the spirit of the holiday season in every whimsical bite!

Meringue Christmas Trees Recipe FAQs

What type of egg whites should I use?
Absolutely! Fresh egg whites are ideal for making meringues, providing the structure and volume needed. If you're looking for a vegan alternative, you can use aquafaba, which is the liquid from canned chickpeas. Just be sure to use about 3 tablespoons of aquafaba for each egg white.

How should I store my Meringue Christmas Trees?
To keep your meringue Christmas trees crisp, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Keep them away from moisture, as humidity can make them chewy. If you live in a particularly humid climate, consider adding a food-safe desiccant to the container.

Can I freeze Meringue Christmas Trees?
Yes, you can! Freeze your assembled meringue Christmas trees in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature. For the best texture, if they lose their crunch during freezing, recrisp them in a low oven set to 200°F for about 10 minutes.

What should I do if my meringue doesn't reach stiff peaks?
If your meringue isn't forming stiff peaks, it could be due to a few factors. Make sure your mixing bowl and whisk are completely clean and free of any grease, as this can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly. Also, ensure that your eggs are at room temperature, and try adding a little more sugar gradually while mixing. If you're still having trouble, an extra pinch of cream of tartar can help stabilize the mixture.

Can I use different colors for the meringues?
Very! You can certainly experiment with different gel food colors to create a variety of festive meringue shapes and designs. This versatility means you can tailor them to any holiday, event, or personal preference, ensuring they're not just limited to Christmas!

Are these meringues safe for pets and those with allergies?
While meringues are typically safe for humans, they contain egg whites and sugar which aren't advisable for pets, especially dogs. If you have allergies, be mindful of the ingredients used, particularly the egg whites, as they can trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. Always consult with a medical professional if there's uncertainty regarding allergies.