Description
Bring the holiday spirit to your table with these stunning Tree Meringue Cookies. Light, crisp, and delicately sweet, these cookies are shaped like elegant Christmas trees and rest on buttery cookie bases.
Ingredients
- 3 large egg whites
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 to 2 drops gel food coloring (optional)
- 5 to 6 flat round cookies (shortbread or sugar cookies)
- Optional: decorative sprinkles or edible glitter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°F (95°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set up a piping bag with a large star tip.
- Beat egg whites in a clean, dry bowl on medium speed. Add cream of tartar and increase speed until soft peaks form.
- Add granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Gently fold in vanilla extract and optional gel food coloring.
- Place cookie bases on the prepared baking sheet. Pipe meringue spirals on top of each cookie.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, until meringues are fully dry.
- Cool completely, then decorate with sprinkles, powdered sugar, or edible glitter.
Notes
- Ensure the bowl and mixer are completely grease-free for best meringue results.
- Gel coloring is preferred to avoid thinning the meringue.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American