Christmas Tree Meringues

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why make this recipe

The Christmas Tree Meringues are not just delicious; they’re also a perfect addition to your holiday celebrations. These delightful treats bring joy to everyone who sees and tastes them. Picture them as festive decorations on your dessert table, adding a touch of charm and sweetness to your holiday gatherings. Made from simple ingredients, these light and airy meringues are easy to prepare and can be a fun activity to do with family and friends.

Decorating the meringues with mini chocolate chips gives them a cheerful look that resembles decorated Christmas trees, making them ideal for a festive occasion. Plus, they offer a delicious contrast to heavier holiday foods, providing a light sweetness that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, attending a potluck, or simply spreading some festive cheer, these Christmas Tree Meringues are sure to be a hit.

how to make Christmas Tree Meringues

Creating your own Christmas Tree Meringues is easier than you might think. Here are the steps to follow, along with the ingredients needed to make these delicious treats.

Ingredients:

3 egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Green food coloring
Mini chocolate chips (for decorations)
Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Directions:

Preheat the oven: Start by heating your oven to 200°F (93°C). This low temperature is perfect for slowly drying out the meringues without browning them. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the meringues from sticking.
Prepare the egg whites: In a clean mixing bowl, add the egg whites and cream of tartar. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed until it starts to form soft peaks. Soft peaks mean that when you lift the beaters, the meringue will hold its shape but will gently fold back down.
Add sugar gradually: Once you have soft peaks, it’s time to add the sugar. Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat the mixture. You’ll keep beating until stiff peaks form. Stiff peaks mean that the meringue will hold its shape firmly when you lift the beaters, standing tall like a mountain.
Add flavor and color: Carefully mix in the vanilla extract and green food coloring. You want to achieve a lovely green shade that looks like a Christmas tree. Stir gently to ensure the color is evenly distributed throughout the meringue.
Prepare for piping: Now it’s time to transfer the meringue mixture to a piping bag. Fit the piping bag with a star tip, which will give the meringues their tree-like shape.
Pipe the meringues: Pipe your meringue onto the prepared baking sheet in the shape of Christmas trees. You can make them different sizes for a fun visual effect. Don’t forget to leave a little space between each tree to allow for air circulation.
Decorate: Before placing them in the oven, decorate each meringue tree with mini chocolate chips. These will serve as ornaments, adding a playful and festive touch.
Bake the meringues: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 1.5 hours. The meringues should be dry and can be easily lifted from the parchment paper when they’re ready.
Cool down: Once baked, turn off the oven and let the meringues cool inside for about an hour. This helps to prevent cracking by allowing them to cool slowly.
Finish and serve: If you wish, you can dust the cooled meringues with powdered sugar before serving. It adds a lovely snowy effect and makes them look even more festive.

how to serve Christmas Tree Meringues

Serving Christmas Tree Meringues is as easy as it gets! Here are a few ways to present these delightful treats:

Dessert Table Centerpiece: Arrange the meringue trees on your dessert table for a vibrant and festive display. They can be the star of the show and will draw everyone’s attention.
Gift Wrapping: Place a few meringues in a clear bag and tie it with a festive ribbon. These make great homemade gifts for friends and family.
Pair with Hot Cocoa: These light and airy meringues go wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa. The sweetness of the meringues balances the richness of the cocoa, creating the perfect holiday treat.
Decorate a Cake: Use the meringue trees to decorate a cake. They make a whimsical addition and enhance the holiday spirit with minimal extra effort.
With Fruit and Cream: Serve them alongside a fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream. They provide a nice texture contrast and elevate your dessert experience.

how to store Christmas Tree Meringues

If you have leftover Christmas Tree Meringues, storing them properly is key to maintain their crispness. Here’s how to do it:

Keep them airtight: Store the meringues in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help keep them crisp and prevent moisture from ruining their texture.
Avoid humidity: Meringues do not hold up well in moist environments. Make sure to store them in a cool, dry place away from humidity.
Do not refrigerate: Avoid putting meringues in the refrigerator, as the cold air and humidity can cause them to become chewy rather than crisp.
Serve within a week: For the best taste and texture, try to consume the meringues within a week. They will last longer but may lose some of their airy texture after a few days.

tips to make Christmas Tree Meringues

Here are some great tips to ensure your Christmas Tree Meringues turn out perfectly:

Room Temperature Eggs: Use room temperature egg whites for better results. They whip up to a greater volume than cold egg whites. Take the eggs out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you plan to use them.
Clean Equipment: Ensure all your mixing bowls and utensils are completely clean. Any grease can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.
Avoid Plastic Bowls: If possible, use glass or metal mixing bowls. Plastic bowls can retain grease even after washing, which may affect the meringue’s ability to whip up.
Stiff Peaks Are Key: Make sure the meringue reaches stiff peaks before you stop whipping. This is important for the meringues to hold their shape while baking.
Be Creative with Shapes: While tree shapes are fun, feel free to get creative! You can pipe different shapes and sizes for a variety of fun meringue decorations.
Use Food Coloring Sparingly: Start with a small amount of food coloring and add more as needed until you reach your desired shade. It’s easier to darken the color than to lighten it.
Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding different flavors to your meringues. Almond or peppermint extracts can add a festive twist if you want to try something different.

variation

While the classic Christmas Tree Meringues are delightful as is, there are several variations you can try to switch things up:

Chocolate Meringues: To make chocolate meringues, add cocoa powder to the egg white mixture. It’s a great way to create a chocolatey version that complements the regular ones.
Different Colors: You can use different food colorings to create a rainbow of meringue trees. This adds a colorful twist for a lively holiday display.
Flavor Variations: As mentioned, adding varying extracts like almond, peppermint, or orange can give the meringues unique flavors. Experiment and find what you like best.
Garnishing: Instead of just mini chocolate chips, try using colored sugar, edible glitter, or candy sprinkles to decorate. It’ll make them look even more festive!

FAQs

Can I use egg substitutes for this recipe?
While traditional meringue relies on egg whites, there are vegan alternatives available. You can use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as a substitute. It works similarly but may require some experimentation to get the right texture.
Do I need to use cream of tartar?
Cream of tartar helps stabilize the meringues, making them less likely to collapse. If you don’t have it, you can substitute it with lemon juice or white vinegar, although results may vary.
Why did my meringues turn out sticky?
Sticky meringues typically result from insufficient baking time or high humidity in the air. Make sure to bake them long enough and store them in a cool, dry environment.
How do I know when my meringues are done baking?
Meringues are done baking when they are dry to the touch and easily lift off the parchment paper. They may also look slightly glossy but should not feel soft.
Can I save leftover meringue?
Leftover meringue can be piped onto another baking sheet and baked for the same amount of time. However, meringue does not keep for long, so try to use it as soon as possible for the best results.

With these Christmas Tree Meringues, you’ll not only create a festive treat but also bring smiles to those around you. Enjoy making them for your holiday season!