Festive Meringue Christmas Trees

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There’s just something magical about baking during the holidays, and these Festive Meringue Christmas Trees bring all the charm and cheer to your dessert table. With their crisp exterior, soft marshmallowy center, and playful tree-like swirls, they look like they came straight out of a winter wonderland. Tinted a soft green and topped with sprinkles or edible stars, they’re as delightful to admire as they are to devour.

Perfect for gifting, cookie exchanges, or adding flair to your holiday table, these sweet treats are a hit with kids and adults alike. They hold their shape beautifully and keep well for days, making them ideal for prepping ahead of Christmas festivities. Whether you’re a beginner baker or just want to whip up something whimsical, these meringue trees will make the season extra merry.

Why You’ll Love This Festive Meringue Christmas Trees Recipe

These meringue trees are more than just a pretty dessert. They require only a few simple ingredients, and with a little patience, you get show-stopping results. They’re naturally gluten-free and fat-free, making them a lighter option amidst richer holiday treats. Plus, they’re so much fun to decorate. You can customize each tree with different sprinkles, sparkles, or even mini candy canes.

Their airy texture makes them melt-in-your-mouth irresistible, and their stunning appearance adds a festive flair to any occasion. Whether served on a cookie tray or used as cake toppers, they instantly elevate your holiday baking.

Can I Use Liquid Food Coloring for Meringue Trees?

Gel food coloring is definitely the better choice for these meringue trees. Because meringue is sensitive to moisture, using liquid food coloring can cause the batter to lose some of its stiffness and make piping more difficult. Gel food coloring gives you vibrant color without altering the texture of the meringue. A little goes a long way, so start with just a dab to achieve that perfect Christmas tree green.

Ingredients for the Festive Meringue Christmas Trees

This recipe keeps it wonderfully simple, using ingredients that are pantry staples for many. Each one plays an important role in creating the delicate texture and sweet taste of these meringue trees.

• Egg whites
• Granulated sugar
• Cream of tartar
• Vanilla extract
• Gel green food coloring
• Holiday sprinkles or edible stars

Egg whites are the heart of the meringue, whipped to glossy peaks. Granulated sugar stabilizes the foam and gives the meringue its structure. Cream of tartar helps maintain the stiffness of the egg whites, especially during baking. Vanilla adds a subtle flavor note, while the gel food coloring turns them into bright little trees. Finally, the sprinkles are what transform them from basic meringues into festive holiday treats.

How to Make the Festive Meringue Christmas Trees

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Setup

Preheat your oven to 200°F (90°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Fit a piping bag with a large star tip.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites

In a clean, dry mixing bowl, start whipping the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Add cream of tartar, then gradually increase the speed.

Step 3: Add Sugar Slowly

With the mixer running, gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time. Whip until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy.

Step 4: Color and Flavor

Add a touch of vanilla extract and a dab of gel green food coloring. Whip just until incorporated.

Step 5: Pipe the Trees

Transfer the meringue to your piping bag. Pipe tree shapes by swirling the meringue upward in a spiral motion, forming tree-like peaks. Leave a bit of space between each.

Step 6: Decorate and Bake

Top with holiday sprinkles or stars, and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meringues are dry to the touch. Turn off the oven and let them cool inside to prevent cracking.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Once cooled, gently peel the trees off the parchment paper. They should be crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.

How to Store and Serve These Holiday Meringue Trees

These festive meringue trees are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay fresh and crisp for up to a week. Humidity is the enemy of meringue, so make sure they’re completely cool and dry before storing. Avoid the fridge, as it can introduce moisture and soften them.

This recipe yields about 24 small meringue trees, perfect for a party platter or individually wrapping as edible gifts. They also make adorable garnishes for cakes, cupcakes, and even hot cocoa.

What to Serve With Festive Meringue Christmas Trees?

Hot Chocolate

Pair these meringue trees with a cozy mug of hot cocoa. The sweet crispiness melts beautifully into the warm drink.

Peppermint Bark

Set them on a holiday dessert table alongside peppermint bark for a visually stunning red and green color contrast.

Sugar Cookies

Create a Christmas cookie platter with sugar cookies in festive shapes for a nostalgic touch.

Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

The salty-sweet combo of pretzels and chocolate balances the light sweetness of the meringue.

Cheesecake Bites

Add a pop of color and crunch by placing meringue trees atop mini cheesecake bites.

Eggnog or Holiday Punch

A festive drink pairing makes these treats even more enjoyable.

Cinnamon Rolls

Serve meringues as a light option next to rich and gooey cinnamon rolls, especially at brunch.

Gingerbread Cake

A soft, spiced gingerbread cake layered with frosting makes the perfect base for showcasing a meringue tree on top.

Want More Holiday Dessert Ideas?

If you adore these festive treats, here are some other joyful bites to explore on Luna Meals:

• Try our gooey Gooey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole for a brunch favorite with a twist.
• These Southern Banana Cobbler bowls up nostalgic comfort in every bite.
• Our fun Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies make for easy no-bake gifting.
• Don’t miss Brownie Mix Cookies for chocolate lovers in the holiday crowd.
• And for something rich and warm, check out our Hot Fudge Brownie Bread.

Save This Recipe For Later

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

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with pastel colors or classic Christmas green? Did you add gold stars or rainbow sprinkles?

I love seeing how everyone adds their personal touch. And don’t forget to ask questions if you get stuck — let’s make the holidays easier together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and delicious sweets on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next festive favorite.

Conclusion

Festive Meringue Christmas Trees are proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. With their delicate texture, playful shape, and sparkling toppings, they bring the spirit of the season to life. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, baking with kids, or prepping gifts for neighbors, these meringues are a sweet and thoughtful choice that everyone will remember.

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