Festive Christmas tree meringues shaped like holiday trees

Festive Christmas Tree Meringues That Melt in Your Mouth

by
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Festive Christmas Tree Meringues That Melt in Your Mouth

These delightful Christmas Tree Meringues are not only a feast for the eyes but also for the palate. Light as air and bursting with enchanting flavors, they truly melt in your mouth. After years of perfecting meringue techniques, I can assure you that these charming treats will become a holiday favorite in your home.

Why Make This Recipe

  1. Irresistible Taste: The combination of crunchy exteriors and soft interiors creates a delightful contrast that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
  2. Festive Presentation: Shaped like Christmas trees, these meringues add a whimsical touch to your holiday table and make wonderful gifts as well.
  3. Low in Calories: Meringues are primarily made of egg whites and sugar, making them a lighter dessert choice during the indulgent holiday season.
  4. Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up these treats quickly, making them an excellent last-minute addition to your holiday spread.
  5. Texture Mastery: Learning how to create the perfect meringue will elevate your baking skills, allowing you to impress with other meringue-based desserts in the future.

I adore this recipe because it combines simplicity with elegance, allowing me to express my creativity during the busy holiday season.

Recipe Overview

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Servings: Approximately 12-15 meringues
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Cooking Method: Baking

This recipe involves whipping egg whites until they form stiff peaks, then piping the mixture into festive shapes and baking them at a low temperature for a light and airy texture.

My Experience Making This Recipe

While testing these meringues, I discovered the crucial importance of the egg whites being at room temperature. This not only helps achieve a better volume but also creates a smoother texture. I also learned the magic of a sturdy piping bag for a beautiful presentation, making the whole process enjoyable.

How to Make Festive Christmas Tree Meringues

Begin by preheating your oven to 200°F (90°C). Then, carefully separate egg whites from yolks, ensuring no yolk contaminates the whites. Using a stand mixer or electric mixer, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add granulated sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy. To achieve the festive green hue, incorporate a few drops of food coloring. Pipe the meringue onto a lined baking sheet in the shape of small tree outlines, and bake them until dry and crunchy but still light. Expect a delightful aroma filling your kitchen as they bake!

Expert Tips for Success

  1. Egg Whites Preparation: Ensure there are no traces of yolk in your egg whites; even a small amount can prevent proper whipping.
  2. Stabilization: For added stability, consider adding a pinch of cream of tartar while whipping the egg whites—a must for beginners!
  3. Humidity Check: Meringues thrive in dry conditions. Avoid making them on humid days as excess moisture can lead to chewy textures.
  4. Piping Success: Use a piping bag fitted with a star tip for beautifully shaped trees. Practicing on parchment paper first can help build your confidence.
  5. Low and Slow Baking: Baking at a lower temperature allows for gradual drying. Avoid opening the oven door to maintain consistent heat levels.

How to Serve Festive Christmas Tree Meringues

  1. Showstopper Centerpiece: Arrange the meringues on a festive platter as a centerpiece for your holiday dessert table.
  2. Decorate your Hot Cocoa: Use these meringues as a delightful topping for hot chocolate or festive desserts.
  3. Gift-Worthy Treats: Package them in clear bags tied with ribbons for thoughtful holiday gifts.
  4. Ice Cream Sundaes: Crumble them over ice cream sundaes for an exciting crunch!

Storage and Reheating Guide

Store leftover meringues in an airtight container at room temperature, where they can last for up to two weeks. For extended storage, place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze them for up to 3 months. Refrain from reheating; simply enjoy them at room temperature for the best texture.

Recipe Variations

  1. Peppermint Meringues: Add peppermint extract for a refreshing twist that pairs perfectly with holiday flavors.
  2. Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over cooled meringues for an indulgent touch.
  3. Colored Meringues: Use different colors for festive themes; for example, red and white for Valentine’s Day.
  4. Dairy-Free Option: This recipe is naturally dairy-free as it only requires egg whites and sugar.

Nutritional Highlights

These meringues are low in fat and calories, providing a guilt-free sweet treat. They contain egg whites, high in protein, and a source of natural energy. Keep in mind they are not suitable for those with egg allergies.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  1. Meringue Not Holding Shape: This can happen if there’s too much moisture in the egg whites. Ensure everything is dry, including your mixing bowl and utensils.
  2. Soft or Chewy Meringues: If they’re not fully dried, increase the baking time slightly or lower the baking temperature if needed.
  3. Cracking: Meringues might crack if the temperature is too high during baking. A low and slow approach is key to achieving that smooth finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I make meringues on a humid day?
    No, it’s best to avoid meringue-making on humid days as high moisture can impact the final texture.

  2. How do I know when meringues are done baking?
    They should be completely dry to the touch and easily lift off the parchment paper. There should be no soft or sticky spots.

  3. Can I use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar?
    While granulated sugar is best for stability, you can use powdered sugar, but it may alter the texture slightly.

  4. What can I do with leftover egg yolks?
    Use them to make custards, sauces, or rich desserts like lemon curd or crème brûlée for a sweet balance to your meringue treats.

Indulge in the festive spirit with these delightful Christmas Tree Meringues that are sure to be a conversation starter at your holiday gatherings! Happy baking!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Festive Christmas Tree Meringues

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: jurgentukur
  • Total Time: 75 minutes
  • Yield: 12-15 meringues
  • Diet: Dairy-Free
Print Recipe

Description

Light as air and bursting with enchanting flavors, these delightful Christmas Tree Meringues truly melt in your mouth, making them a charming holiday treat.

Ingredients

  • 3 large egg whites, room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • Food coloring (green)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (90°C).
  2. Separate egg whites from yolks, ensuring no yolk contaminates the whites.
  3. Using a stand mixer or electric mixer, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
  4. Gradually add granulated sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy.
  5. Add a few drops of green food coloring and mix gently.
  6. Pipe the meringue onto a lined baking sheet in the shape of small tree outlines.
  7. Bake until dry and crunchy, approximately 1 hour.

Notes

Store leftover meringues in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks; freeze for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star