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Tree Meringue Cookies

Tree Meringue Cookies are light, crisp, and charming holiday treats shaped like festive trees. Made from simple ingredients like egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar, these gluten-free cookies offer a delicate crunch and subtle sweetness. Perfect for gifting, decorating, or enjoying with holiday drinks, this recipe guides you through making beautifully green, airy meringue cookies that melt in your mouth and bring whimsical cheer to any celebration.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: About 24 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Green food coloring, a few drops (optional)
  • Sprinkles or edible glitter for decoration (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients and Equipment: Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are clean and dry to help the egg whites whip properly. Preheat oven to 225°F (110°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Whip the Egg Whites: Pour the egg whites into the bowl and beat at medium speed until frothy. Add cream of tartar, then continue whipping until soft peaks form.
  3. Add Sugar Gradually: Slowly add granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time while beating on high speed. Continue until the meringue is glossy and holds stiff peaks that stand upright without drooping.
  4. Incorporate Flavor and Color: Gently fold in vanilla extract and green food coloring drop by drop using a spatula to preserve airiness and achieve a vibrant green hue.
  5. Pipe the Cookies: Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star tip or desired nozzle. Pipe on parchment-lined sheets in tree shapes, building layers from a small base up to mimic pine branches.
  6. Decorate and Bake: Sprinkle with edible glitter or colored sprinkles if desired. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours until dry to the touch and easily lifted off parchment. Turn off oven, crack oven door open, and let cookies cool inside to avoid cracking.

Notes

  • Use room temperature egg whites for better volume and stability.
  • Add sugar slowly to create a glossy, stiff meringue.
  • Bake at low temperature to avoid browning and maintain crisp texture.
  • Let cookies cool in the oven to prevent cracking from sudden temperature changes.
  • Use parchment paper on baking sheets to prevent sticking and ease removal.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 20
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 0mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0.2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: meringue cookies, holiday cookies, festive treats, gluten free cookies, tree-shaped cookies, Christmas cookies