Christmas Tree Meringues Recipe

Introduction

Celebrate the holiday season with these delightful Christmas Tree Meringues. Light, crisp, and beautifully shaped, they make a charming treat or festive decoration. Plus, they’re simple enough for home bakers to master.

Ingredients

• 3 large egg whites (at room temperature)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Green gel food coloring
• Sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites on medium speed until foamy, about 2 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the cream of tartar and continue whisking until soft peaks form.
4. Step 4: Increase the mixer to high speed and gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, whisking until stiff, glossy peaks form—this should take 8 to 10 minutes in total.
5. Step 5: Gently fold in the vanilla extract and green gel food coloring using a spatula until just combined.
6. Step 6: Transfer the meringue mixture to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
7. Step 7: Pipe tree shapes by starting with a wide base and spiraling upward in smaller circles to create a pointed top.
8. Step 8: Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes without opening the oven door, until the meringues are completely dry and crisp.
9. Step 9: Turn off the oven and leave the door slightly open. Let the meringues cool completely inside for 30 minutes before removing.
10. Step 10: Decorate with sprinkles as desired and enjoy your festive treats.

Tips & Variations

• Ensure your mixing bowl is completely clean and free of any grease for the best meringue volume.
• Use room temperature egg whites to help them whisk more easily into stiff peaks.
• Add a few drops of peppermint extract instead of vanilla for a seasonal twist.
• Sprinkle edible glitter or colored sugar on the meringues before baking for extra sparkle.

Storage

Store the meringues in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp, ideally for up to one week. Avoid refrigeration, as moisture can make them sticky. If they soften, you can crisp them up in a low oven for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Granulated sugar works best for meringue because it dissolves gradually while whisking, creating the right texture. Powdered sugar contains cornstarch that can affect the crispness, so it’s not recommended.

Why do I need to add cream of tartar?

Cream of tartar stabilizes the egg whites, helping them hold their shape and increasing volume. If you don’t have it, you can use a small amount of lemon juice as a substitute.

Christmas Tree Meringues Recipe

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Create delightful and festive Christmas Tree Meringues using simple ingredients like egg whites and sugar. These light, airy treats are perfect for holiday celebrations, decorated with green food coloring and sprinkles for a magical touch.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 medium-sized meringue trees 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 3 large egg whites (at room temperature)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Green gel food coloring (amount as desired)
• Sprinkles for decoration (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Whisk Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites on medium speed until foamy, approximately 2 minutes, to start aerating the mixture.
3. Add Cream of Tartar: Add the cream of tartar and continue whisking until soft peaks form. This stabilizes the egg whites for better volume and texture.
4. Add Sugar Gradually: Increase whisk speed to high and add granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously until stiff, glossy peaks form. This process should take 8 to 10 minutes in total, resulting in a smooth meringue.
5. Fold in Flavor and Color: Gently fold in the vanilla extract and green gel food coloring using a spatula until just combined, being careful not to deflate the meringue.
6. Pipe Meringue Trees: Transfer the meringue into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe Christmas tree shapes starting from a wide base, spiraling upwards in decreasing circles to form a pointed top.
7. Bake: Bake the meringues in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes without opening the oven door, ensuring they dry out completely and become crisp.
8. Cool Down: After baking, turn off the oven and leave the door slightly open. Let the meringues cool completely inside the oven for 30 minutes before removing to avoid cracking.
9. Decorate and Serve: Once cooled, decorate with sprinkles if desired and serve your festive Christmas Tree Meringues to delight friends and family.

Notes

• Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for better volume when whisking.
• Do not open the oven door during baking to prevent meringues from collapsing.
• Use a clean, grease-free bowl and whisk for best results with egg whites.
• Green gel food coloring gives a vibrant color without adding liquid that may deflate the meringue.
• Meringues can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Keywords: Christmas meringue recipe, holiday desserts, egg white meringues, festive treats, Christmas tree meringues