Tree Meringue Cookies

When the holidays roll around, I find myself drawn to whimsical and elegant desserts that double as table decor. Tree Meringue Cookies are just that—sweet, snowy-white treats shaped like little Christmas trees, each one swirled to perfection. Their crisp, airy texture and delicate vanilla flavor make them a joy to eat, but it’s their magical appearance that makes everyone stop and stare. I make them every December, and they’ve become a festive staple in my kitchen.

Creating these cookies is like piping a bit of winter wonderland onto a baking tray. The process is therapeutic and fun, especially when you see them puff up beautifully in the oven. Whether you’re planning to serve them at a holiday gathering or package them as edible gifts, Tree Meringue Cookies will always steal the show with their sculptural beauty and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Why You’ll Love This Tree Meringue Cookies Recipe

These cookies aren’t just pretty—they’re also naturally gluten-free, fat-free, and made with only a few pantry staples. Light as air and sweet as the season itself, they’re a festive dessert you can enjoy without the heaviness of traditional baked goods. Plus, they stay crisp for days when stored properly, making them perfect for planning ahead.

What Kind of Meringue Should I Use for Tree Meringue Cookies?

You’ll want to make a classic French meringue for this recipe—just egg whites whipped with sugar until stiff peaks form. It’s simple, stable enough for piping, and dries beautifully in the oven into that crisp, glossy finish. Avoid Italian or Swiss meringue here, as those require cooking and tend to be softer.

Options for Substitutions

If you’re looking to tweak the recipe, there’s room for a little play:

• Use almond or peppermint extract instead of vanilla for a twist in flavor.
• Add gel-based food coloring to tint the meringue green or pastel shades for a decorative pop.
• Dust with edible glitter or powdered sugar after baking for extra sparkle.
• Replace granulated sugar with superfine sugar for a smoother texture.
• Use a vegan egg white substitute (like aquafaba) if you want a plant-based version.

---

Ingredients for This Tree Meringue Cookies Recipe

Egg Whites – The base of any meringue, egg whites provide the structure and airy lift. Make sure they’re room temperature for better volume.

Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the meringue and stabilizes the whipped egg whites. Slowly incorporating it helps achieve that glossy finish.

Cream of Tartar – Helps stabilize the egg whites, making them firmer and more resistant to collapsing.

Vanilla Extract – Adds a warm, subtle flavor to the meringue. A little goes a long way in enhancing the overall taste.

Pinch of Salt – Balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile.

Optional Gel Food Coloring – If you want to tint your trees green or give them a soft pastel hue, gel food coloring is best as it doesn’t add moisture.

Decorative Sprinkles or Edible Glitter (Optional) – These add a festive touch, especially if you’re gifting or serving at a party.

Round Cookies or Biscuits (as base) – These act as the sturdy foundation for the meringue trees. Use plain shortbread, sugar cookies, or any flat, crisp cookie.

---

Step 1: Prep Your Equipment

Start by preheating your oven to 200°F (95°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Fit a large piping bag with a star tip (like Wilton 1M) and set it aside.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites

In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Add cream of tartar and continue to beat until soft peaks form.

Step 3: Slowly Add Sugar

Increase the speed to medium-high and gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time. Beat until the meringue becomes glossy and stiff peaks hold their shape.

Step 4: Add Flavor and Color

Gently fold in vanilla extract and, if using, a drop or two of gel food coloring. Be careful not to deflate the meringue.

Step 5: Pipe the Trees

Place your cookie bases on the prepared baking sheet. Fill the piping bag with the meringue and begin piping spirals on each cookie base to resemble a layered Christmas tree. Start wide at the bottom and taper off to a point at the top.

Step 6: Bake Low and Slow

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meringues are completely dry to the touch. Turn off the oven and leave them inside to cool for another hour. This prevents cracking.

Step 7: Decorate and Store

Once completely cooled, you can dust them with powdered sugar, add edible glitter, or attach sprinkles. Store in an airtight container at room temperature away from moisture.

---

How Long to Prepare Tree Meringue Cookies

Prep Time: Preparing the meringue mixture and piping the trees takes around 25 to 30 minutes. That includes gathering ingredients, separating egg whites, whipping them to stiff peaks, and carefully piping each tree onto cookie bases. You’ll also need a few minutes to organize and preheat your oven.

Bake & Cool Time: Baking the meringue trees takes about 1.5 to 2 hours at a low temperature (200°F / 95°C), followed by an additional hour of resting in the oven to ensure they’re completely dried and crack-free. Total time from start to finish is approximately 3 to 3.5 hours.

---

Tips for Perfect Tree Meringue Cookies

• Use room-temperature egg whites for maximum volume.
• Ensure your mixing bowl and whisk are completely grease-free.
• Add sugar gradually to prevent deflating the meringue.
• Don’t overbeat—stop once you get stiff, glossy peaks.
• Pipe onto a cookie base for stability and easy handling.
• Let them cool fully in the oven to avoid cracks and sticky bottoms.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using a wet or greasy bowl – This will prevent your egg whites from whipping properly.
• Adding sugar too quickly – Leads to grainy or collapsed meringue.
• Overmixing after sugar is incorporated – Causes dry or broken meringue.
• Underbaking – If the meringue feels sticky or soft, it hasn’t dried enough.
• Exposing to humidity – Meringue absorbs moisture, which ruins the texture.

---

What to Serve With Tree Meringue Cookies?

1. Hot Chocolate

The sweet crunch of the cookies pairs perfectly with rich, creamy hot chocolate.

2. Mulled Wine

If serving adults, the warm spices in mulled wine contrast beautifully with the meringue’s sweetness.

3. Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of ice cream balances the dry texture of the meringue and adds cool creaminess.

4. Fresh Berries

Add a tart and juicy element with raspberries, cranberries, or pomegranate seeds.

5. Espresso or Coffee

A bold cup of coffee enhances the subtle vanilla flavor and balances the sugar.

---

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store your Tree Meringue Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Be sure to keep them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and humidity.

Avoid Refrigeration: Do not refrigerate the meringues, as moisture in the fridge can make them sticky and ruin their crisp texture.

Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for decorated meringues as condensation may cause them to weep once thawed. If absolutely necessary, freeze undecorated meringues in a single layer, tightly sealed, for up to a month.

---

Estimated Nutrition (Per Cookie)

• Calories: 90 kcal
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 15mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the meringue in advance?

You should use the meringue mixture right after whipping it. It doesn’t store well unbaked as it may deflate.

Can I use liquid food coloring?

Gel food coloring is recommended because it won’t add moisture. Liquid versions can affect the texture.

Why did my meringues crack?

They likely cooled too quickly. Letting them rest in the oven prevents sudden temperature changes.

Can I make this recipe without cream of tartar?

You can substitute with a small amount of lemon juice or white vinegar, though cream of tartar is more reliable for stabilization.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, if you use a gluten-free cookie base. The meringue itself contains no gluten.

---

Conclusion

Tree Meringue Cookies are more than just a holiday treat—they’re a festive statement. With their cloud-like texture and elegant swirl, they’re perfect for gifting, decorating dessert tables, or delighting guests with something light yet luxurious. They’re simple in ingredients but stunning in execution, and once you try them, they’ll quickly become a beloved tradition in your seasonal baking lineup.

---

Print