If you’re looking for a holiday treat that’s not only delicious but also fun to make and festive to look at, these Easy Holiday Meringue Christmas Trees are the perfect choice! These delicate, melt-in-your-mouth meringue trees are as fun to decorate as they are to eat. Light, sweet, and customizable with all sorts of toppings, they make a whimsical addition to your holiday dessert table or as gifts for friends and family.

What makes these meringue Christmas trees so special is their beautiful presentation and light, airy texture. The meringue forms a perfect base for the trees, which you can then decorate with all sorts of edible decorations like sprinkles, candy, or even edible glitter. Whether you’re making them for a holiday party, to give as a thoughtful gift, or just to add a bit of holiday cheer to your day, these meringue trees are sure to impress!

I first made these Easy Holiday Meringue Christmas Trees to add a fun, festive treat to my holiday celebrations. They turned out to be a hit with everyone, and they’re now a staple on my holiday dessert list. Light, sweet, and whimsical, these meringue trees are the perfect addition to any holiday gathering!

Why These Easy Holiday Meringue Christmas Trees Will Be Your New Favorite

• Fun to make: These meringue trees are a great activity for kids or a fun way to get into the holiday spirit while baking.
• Light and sweet: The meringue is crisp and sweet, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s not too heavy.
• Beautiful and festive: These Christmas trees are visually stunning, making them perfect for holiday parties or as gifts.
• Customizable: You can decorate them with sprinkles, edible glitter, or candy to make them uniquely your own.
• No baking skills required: Despite their elegant appearance, these trees are surprisingly easy to make with just a few basic ingredients.

What You Need For Easy Holiday Meringue Christmas Trees

For the Meringue:

• 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Green food coloring (gel or liquid)

For the Decorations:

• Sprinkles (red, green, or gold)
• Mini chocolate chips or small candies (for ornaments)
• Edible glitter or powdered sugar (for a snow effect)
• Optional: A small star-shaped candy or sprinkle for the top of each tree

How to Make Easy Holiday Meringue Christmas Trees

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Set aside.
2. Whip the egg whites: In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, a tablespoon at a time, and continue to beat until the meringue is glossy and stiff peaks form (about 7-10 minutes). Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine.
3. Add color: Once the meringue is ready, add a few drops of green food coloring to the meringue and gently fold it in until the color is evenly distributed.
4. Shape the trees: Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (like a Wilton 1M). On the prepared baking sheet, pipe the meringue into tree shapes. Start at the base of the tree, creating a wide, spiral shape, then work your way up to form a cone shape. You can make the trees as large or small as you like.
5. Bake the meringues: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the meringues are completely dry to the touch and easily lift off the parchment paper. Turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside with the door slightly ajar for an additional hour to cool.
6. Decorate the trees: Once the meringue trees have cooled completely, decorate them with your favorite toppings. Press mini chocolate chips or small candies into the meringue to make “ornaments,” and sprinkle edible glitter or powdered sugar on top for a snow effect. Add a small candy star or sprinkles on top for an extra festive touch.
7. Serve and enjoy: Once decorated, your Easy Holiday Meringue Christmas Trees are ready to serve! They make a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table or a lovely edible gift.

Tips For Easy Holiday Meringue Christmas Trees

• Room temperature egg whites: Make sure your egg whites are at room temperature before you begin whipping them. This helps them whip up to their full volume.
• Don’t open the oven: Avoid opening the oven while baking the meringues, as this can cause them to collapse or crack. Let them cool slowly in the oven instead.
• Add extra decorations: Get creative with the decorations! You can use candy canes, edible glitter, or even colored sugar for a festive look.
• Make them ahead: Meringue trees can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Substitutions and Variations

• Different colors: While green is traditional, you can make these trees in any color you like. Red, blue, or even rainbow-colored meringue can be fun and festive.
• Flavored variations: Add a few drops of peppermint extract or almond extract to the meringue for a different flavor twist.
• Other shapes: If you don’t have a star tip, you can pipe the meringue into simple circular or cone shapes for an easier version.

Make a Healthier Version

• Lower sugar: Use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Monk fruit to reduce the sugar content. Keep in mind, the texture might change slightly.
• Vegan version: For a vegan version, use aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) in place of egg whites. Beat it with cream of tartar and sugar in the same way.

Closing For Easy Holiday Meringue Christmas Trees

And there you have it! These Easy Holiday Meringue Christmas Trees are not only a delightful treat for your taste buds, but they also bring a touch of whimsy to your holiday celebrations. Light, airy, and festive, they’re sure to impress your guests and add an extra bit of sparkle to your holiday dessert table. Whether you’re giving them as a gift or enjoying them at home, these meringue trees are the perfect way to celebrate the season. Don’t forget to let us know how your meringue trees turn out, and check out more of our delicious holiday recipes for more festive fun!

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Holiday Meringue Christmas Trees

How long can I store these meringue Christmas trees?
Store these meringue trees in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them for up to a month.

Can I make these trees ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these trees a day or two ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Can I make these meringues without food coloring?
Yes! You can skip the food coloring and enjoy the natural white meringue for a simple, elegant look.

How do I know when the meringue is done?
The meringue is done when it’s dry to the touch and easily lifts off the parchment paper. It should feel light and crispy, and not soft or sticky inside.

What can I use if I don’t have cream of tartar?
You can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar for every 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar.

Can I decorate these trees with something other than sprinkles?
Yes, you can use mini chocolate chips, small candies, or even crushed candy canes for a festive touch.

How do I store leftover meringues?
Store leftover meringue trees in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid storing them in a humid environment, as they can become soft.

How do I get the meringue to have a smooth top?
Make sure to fold the food coloring in gently so it doesn’t affect the texture of the meringue, and avoid over-beating the egg whites.

Can I use a different extract besides vanilla?
Yes, you can use peppermint extract, almond extract, or even hazelnut extract to add different flavors to the meringue.

Can I make these trees smaller?
Yes! You can pipe smaller trees using a smaller piping tip or by adjusting the amount of meringue used. They will bake more quickly too!

Can I make these meringues crunchy instead of chewy?
To make the meringues crunchier, bake them for a little longer, and let them cool completely in the oven to dry out the center.

What can I do if my meringue cracks while baking?
Cracking can happen if the oven temperature is too high, so make sure to bake at a low temperature and avoid opening the oven while baking.

Easy Holiday Meringue Christmas Trees

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: Christmas, Dessert, Snacks

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Meringue:

• 3 large egg whites, at room temperature

• 1/2 tsp cream of tartar

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Green food coloring (gel or liquid)

• For the Decorations:

• Sprinkles (red, green, or gold)

• Mini chocolate chips or small candies (for ornaments)

• Edible glitter or powdered sugar (for a snow effect)

• Optional: A small star-shaped candy or sprinkle for the top of each tree

Directions

• Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Set aside.
• Whip the egg whites: In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, a tablespoon at a time, and continue to beat until the meringue is glossy and stiff peaks form (about 7-10 minutes). Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine.
• Add color: Once the meringue is ready, add a few drops of green food coloring to the meringue and gently fold it in until the color is evenly distributed.
• Shape the trees: Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (like a Wilton 1M). On the prepared baking sheet, pipe the meringue into tree shapes. Start at the base of the tree, creating a wide, spiral shape, then work your way up to form a cone shape. You can make the trees as large or small as you like.
• Bake the meringues: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the meringues are completely dry to the touch and easily lift off the parchment paper. Turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside with the door slightly ajar for an additional hour to cool.
• Decorate the trees: Once the meringue trees have cooled completely, decorate them with your favorite toppings. Press mini chocolate chips or small candies into the meringue to make “ornaments,” and sprinkle edible glitter or powdered sugar on top for a snow effect. Add a small candy star or sprinkles on top for an extra festive touch.
• Serve and enjoy: Once decorated, your Easy Holiday Meringue Christmas Trees are ready to serve! They make a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table or a lovely edible gift.