Description
Holiday magic sparkles with these christmas tree meringues, delicate pine-shaped treats that bring festive cheer to dessert tables. Sweet crisp edges and delicate green hues invite winter wonder, creating a delightful confection that enchants guests with seasonal elegance.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 large egg whites (room temperature)
- ¾ cup (180 milliliters) granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) cream of tartar
Flavoring and Coloring:
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring
Decorations:
- Star sprinkles or yellow candy stars
- Assorted sprinkles
Instructions
- Carefully clean and dry a mixing bowl, ensuring no trace of grease remains to guarantee perfect meringue volume.
- Separate egg whites into the pristine bowl, adding cream of tartar to stabilize the mixture.
- Whip the egg whites using an electric mixer on medium speed, creating soft, billowy peaks that gently curl when the whisk is lifted.
- Gradually introduce fine sugar, one tablespoon at a time, elevating the mixer speed to high and beating thoroughly after each addition.
- Continue whipping until the mixture transforms into a glossy, thick meringue with stiff peaks that hold their shape dramatically.
- Gently fold in vanilla extract and carefully incorporate green gel food coloring, creating a vibrant evergreen shade.
- Prepare a piping bag with a large star tip, carefully transferring the verdant meringue mixture.
- Craft delicate tree shapes on a lined baking sheet, using a spiral technique that builds from a broad base to a pointed summit.
- Embellish each miniature confectionery tree with delicate star sprinkles and colorful ornament-like decorative elements.
- Place the decorated meringues in a preheated oven set to an ultra-low 200F (95C), allowing them to dry and set for 1.5-2 hours.
- Once perfectly crisp, turn off the oven and allow the meringues to cool completely inside, preventing any unwelcome cracking.
- Store the finished Christmas tree meringues in an airtight container, preserving their delicate crunch for up to one week.
Notes
- Separate eggs when they’re cold for easier separation, but beat whites at room temperature for maximum volume.
- Ensure absolutely no yolk or grease in the bowl, as fat prevents whites from whipping properly.
- Use a metal or glass bowl instead of plastic, which can retain hidden grease that interferes with meringue structure.
- Cream of tartar helps stabilize egg whites and creates more consistent, glossy peaks.
- Add sugar slowly to prevent deflating the egg whites and ensure a smooth, stable meringue texture.
- Green gel food coloring provides more vibrant color without thinning the mixture compared to liquid food coloring.
- Pipe trees on a completely cool baking sheet to maintain the meringue’s delicate structure.
- Low and slow baking prevents browning and creates crisp, light meringues.
- Store in a completely dry environment to maintain crispness and prevent softening.
- For gluten-free diets, these meringues are naturally safe and festive.
- Use plant-based food coloring for vegan-friendly decorations.
- Experiment with different sprinkle colors for seasonal variations or personalized designs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg