Christmas Meringue Recipe

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Christmas meringues are like little bites of snowy magic that melt on your tongue. With a crisp exterior and a marshmallow-soft center, these festive treats are impossibly light yet satisfyingly sweet. They look stunning on any holiday cookie platter and can be customized with peppermint swirls, festive sprinkles, or a dusting of cocoa.

Whether you’re hosting a cookie swap, baking with the kids, or simply want something that looks as impressive as it is easy to make, this meringue recipe is perfect for celebrating the holidays. With just a few pantry staples and a pinch of patience, you can whip up a batch of showstoppers that everyone will rave about.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Meringue Recipe

These Christmas meringues check every box: elegant, festive, light-as-air, and gluten-free. You don’t need fancy equipment beyond a mixer and a baking sheet, and they store beautifully. They’re also endlessly adaptable—add peppermint extract for a candy cane twist or food coloring to match your holiday palette.

And let’s be honest, something about the way they shimmer and crunch makes them the kind of treat people remember. They’re ideal for gift boxes, dessert tables, or just to nibble on while sipping cocoa by the fire.

What Kind of Sugar Should I Use for Meringues?

The secret to glossy, stable meringue lies in using superfine sugar (also called caster sugar). It dissolves faster into the egg whites, helping the mixture whip up silky and firm. If you only have granulated sugar on hand, pulse it in a food processor for a few seconds until it’s finer—just don’t go as far as powdered sugar, which contains cornstarch and won’t work the same.

Ingredients for the Christmas Meringue Recipe

Making meringue might seem fancy, but it only takes a handful of ingredients. Each one plays a key role in texture, flavor, and structure.

Egg whites – These are the backbone of meringue. When whipped, they trap air and create the fluffy structure.

Superfine sugar – Dissolves easily into the egg whites for a smooth, glossy finish and stable peaks.

Cream of tartar – This acidic ingredient helps stabilize the egg whites, making it easier to get stiff peaks.

Vanilla extract – Adds that lovely warm, sweet aroma.

Peppermint extract (optional) – For a festive candy-cane twist.

Red gel food coloring (optional) – Swirled into the piping bag for a holiday stripe effect.

Festive sprinkles (optional) – Adds sparkle and crunch for that Christmas charm.

How To Make the Christmas Meringue Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. If you want evenly-sized meringues, trace circles on the paper using a bottle cap and flip the paper over.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites

In a clean, grease-free mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until they become foamy. Add the cream of tartar and continue beating.

Step 3: Add the Sugar Slowly

Gradually add the superfine sugar, about one tablespoon at a time, allowing each addition to dissolve before adding the next. Continue beating on high until the mixture is glossy and forms stiff peaks.

Step 4: Add Flavor and Color

Gently beat in the vanilla and optional peppermint extract. If you’re adding color, use a skewer to paint stripes of red gel food coloring inside the piping bag before adding the meringue mixture.

Step 5: Pipe and Decorate

Transfer the meringue into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe small swirls onto the parchment-lined baking sheets. Top with festive sprinkles if desired.

Step 6: Bake Low and Slow

Bake for 1.5 hours, then turn off the oven and let the meringues sit inside for another hour to fully dry out without cracking. They should lift easily from the paper and feel crisp to the touch.

How to Serve and Store Your Meringues

These Christmas meringues are best served at room temperature, and they make an eye-catching addition to cookie platters, holiday brunch spreads, or festive dessert buffets. One batch makes about 30 to 40 small meringues, perfect for sharing.

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. They’ll keep for up to two weeks if stored properly. Don’t refrigerate them—the humidity will make them chewy.

What to Serve With Christmas Meringue Recipe?

Hot Cocoa with Marshmallows

The light crunch of the meringues pairs perfectly with rich, velvety hot chocolate.

Eggnog Latte

A warm mug of spiced eggnog latte enhances the holiday notes of the peppermint meringue.

Spiced Cranberry Punch

The tart-sweet punch offers a refreshing contrast to the sugary meringue.

Chocolate Fondue

Dip the meringues into dark or milk chocolate for a truly indulgent bite.

Christmas Fruit Salad

Bright, citrusy fruit balances the sweetness and looks beautiful on the table.

Gingerbread Cookies

Pair crunchy meringue with chewy, spiced gingerbread for contrasting textures.

Peppermint Bark

Double down on the minty magic with a duo of peppermint treats.

Cheesecake Bites

A rich, creamy counterpoint that makes the meringue shine even more.

Want More Holiday Dessert Ideas?

If you love these Christmas meringues, you’ll definitely want to try these festive recipes:

• Southern Banana Cobbler Recipe for warm, comforting layers of banana and cream.
• Easy Banana Cream Pie Recipe for a no-fuss crowd-pleaser.
• Irresistible Peanut Butter Truffles Recipe if you’re craving a rich, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
• Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches for a deep-fried delight.
• Blueberry Cheesecake Heaven Rolls to add fruity, creamy goodness to your dessert spread.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with peppermint? Add green swirls? Try chocolate drizzle?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

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Conclusion

There’s something truly magical about Christmas meringues. They bring the whimsy of snowflakes to your dessert table with barely any effort. Whether you keep them classic or customize with festive colors and flavors, they’re sure to delight. Light, airy, and completely adorable, these little sweets are a must for your holiday baking list.

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