Nothing says holiday magic quite like these delicate Tree Meringue Cookies. With their crisp outer shell and light, airy interior, these sweet treats are shaped into festive Christmas trees that practically melt in your mouth. Whether you’re looking to wow guests at your holiday table or seeking a fun baking project for a cozy winter afternoon, these cookies deliver both style and substance.

The visual appeal of Tree Meringue Cookies makes them a favorite for gifting or decorating dessert platters. Their snowy white appearance and whimsical tree-like swirls bring a touch of frosty charm, and the best part? They’re made from just a handful of pantry staples. With the right technique and tools, you’ll be piping out elegant meringue trees in no time.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create perfectly piped Tree Meringue Cookies, preparation is everything. Here’s what you’ll need:

Stand Mixer or Electric Hand Mixer: Whipping egg whites to stiff peaks is the foundation of meringue. A stand mixer makes the process effortless and consistent.
Mixing Bowl (Preferably Metal or Glass): Avoid plastic, which can hold onto oils that destabilize egg whites.
Piping Bag with Large Star Tip: Essential for achieving the signature ruffled tree design. The large star tip creates clean ridges and swirls.

Baking Sheets Lined with Parchment Paper: Ensures cookies don’t stick and helps them bake evenly.
Oven Thermometer (Optional but Recommended): Meringue is sensitive to temperature. Keeping the oven steady around 200°F (90°C) ensures a perfectly dried, crack-free cookie.

Each of these tools plays a key role in crafting crisp, beautiful meringue trees that stand tall and bake to perfection.

Ingredients for the Tree Meringue Cookies

These cookies may look intricate, but the ingredient list is refreshingly simple. Each element plays a crucial role in the texture and stability of the meringue:

Egg Whites: The star of the show. They create the structure and airy lift that gives meringue its cloud-like texture.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps stabilize the egg whites when whipped.

Cream of Tartar: A small amount makes a big impact—this acid helps the egg whites hold their shape and prevents them from collapsing.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that balances the sweetness.
Optional Gel Food Coloring: For a festive twist, you can tint your meringue trees green or swirl in color for a whimsical effect.

How To Make the Tree Meringue Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Tools and Ingredients

Make sure your mixing bowl and whisk are completely clean and dry. Any trace of grease can ruin the meringue. Separate your eggs while they are cold, then let the whites come to room temperature for better volume.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites

Start by beating the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and continue mixing. Gradually increase the speed and slowly add the granulated sugar, one spoonful at a time. Continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.

Step 3: Add Flavor and Color

Once your meringue holds stiff peaks, gently fold in vanilla extract. If using food coloring, add a drop or two and swirl it in lightly to create a marbled effect or fully mix for uniform color.

Step 4: Pipe the Trees

Transfer the meringue into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, pipe tree shapes by stacking smaller swirls atop larger ones, tapering to a peak at the top.

Step 5: Bake Low and Slow

Bake at 200°F (90°C) for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meringues are completely dry to the touch. Then, turn off the oven and let the cookies cool inside with the door slightly open for at least an hour.

Step 6: Decorate (Optional)

Once cooled, you can dust them with edible glitter, powdered sugar, or add tiny sugar pearls for ornaments. They’re beautiful either way!

How to Serve and Store Tree Meringue Cookies

Tree Meringue Cookies are as versatile as they are charming. For serving, display them on a tiered holiday dessert stand or use them as edible place settings at your holiday table. They also make delightful edible gifts when packaged in clear cellophane bags with a ribbon.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp for up to two weeks if kept away from humidity. Do not refrigerate or freeze, as moisture will cause them to become sticky and collapse.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my meringue won’t reach stiff peaks?

Make sure the mixing bowl and whisk are grease-free. Also, ensure you’ve added the sugar slowly and given it time to fully dissolve.

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

It’s best to use gel coloring. Liquid versions can water down the meringue and affect stability.

Why are my meringue cookies sticky after baking?

This usually means they weren’t baked long enough or the humidity was too high. Let them dry longer in the oven with the door cracked open.

Can I make meringue cookies in advance?

Absolutely! These cookies are perfect for making ahead, just keep them stored in a dry place.

Can I flavor them with other extracts?

Yes, peppermint, almond, or lemon extract can be used for fun variations. Just use a light hand, as extracts can be strong.

What piping tip works best for the tree shape?

A large closed or open star tip (like Wilton 1M or Ateco 849) gives the best ruffled tree effect.

If you loved making these Tree Meringue Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy exploring these other festive favorites from Life With Olivia:

Paula Deen’s 5 Minute Fudge for an ultra-quick chocolate fix.
Coconut Snowballs for a snowy, bite-sized delight.
Traditional German Lebkuchen if you’re craving warm spices and old-world charm.

Brownie Mix Cookies for rich, chewy indulgence with minimal effort.
Whipped Shortbread Cookies that simply melt in your mouth.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how your trees turned out! Did you go classic white or try a colorful twist? Maybe you added edible glitter?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Feel free to drop your tips, questions, or creative spins below—let’s inspire each other this holiday season!

Tree Meringue Cookies

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 24 meringue cookies

Print Recipe

Description

Light, crisp, and beautifully festive, these Tree Meringue Cookies are the perfect holiday showstoppers. Shaped into whimsical Christmas trees with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re a charming addition to dessert platters or edible gift bags.