Description
Create festive magic with these Tree Meringue Cookies — a beautiful, edible centerpiece perfect for winter dessert tables. These light and crisp cookies are piped into elegant tree shapes and baked until perfectly dry. Whether you’re searching for quick holiday treats, easy recipes for edible gifts, or creative Christmas dessert ideas, this stunning, low-fat meringue cookie is a go-to. Ideal for baking with kids or impressing guests, it’s a whimsical take on classic meringue and a delicious way to add sparkle to your seasonal baking.
Ingredients
2 large egg whites
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: gel-based food coloring
6 round shortbread cookies or vanilla wafers
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Add cream of tartar and continue mixing.
3. Gradually add sugar one tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form.
4. Mix in the vanilla extract and gently fold in food coloring if using.
5. Transfer meringue to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (like Wilton 1M or 2D).
6. Pipe the meringue in circular upward spirals onto cookie bases to form tree shapes.
7. Bake for 90 minutes without opening the oven door.
8. Turn off oven and leave cookies inside for another 60 minutes to fully dry.
9. Remove from oven and let cool completely before decorating or storing.
10. Optional: Decorate with edible glitter, dragees, or powdered sugar for a snow-dusted look.
Notes
Use room-temperature egg whites for maximum fluff and volume.
Always pipe meringue on cookie bases to make moving and serving easier.
Avoid humid environments as they can soften and ruin the meringue’s crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: meringue cookies, holiday treats, edible tree, gluten-free cookies, Christmas dessert