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These festive mintcolored meringues shaped like Christmas trees bring a playful and elegant touch to any holiday gathering. Their light, airy texture combined with a sweet taste makes them perfect for gifting or creating a charming dessert display. The slow baking process ensures a crisp exterior and delicate meltinyourmouth center, appealing to both kids and adults.
I first made these meringues when I wanted a nontraditional Christmas cookie that still felt festive. Watching the kids marvel at their tiny edible trees made all the patience worthwhile.
Ingredients
- Four large egg whites: room temperature works best for volume
- One cup granulated sugar: for sweetness and structure
- Half teaspoon cream of tartar: stabilizes the egg whites, preventing deflation
- Half teaspoon vanilla extract: adds warmth and flavor
- Green food coloring: choose gel based for vivid color without thinning the meringue
- Edible star sprinkles: charming finishing touch, look for highquality decorations for best appearance
Instructions
- Sift and Prepare Baking Sheets:
- Preheat your oven to two hundred degrees Fahrenheit or ninety five degrees Celsius. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of meringues.
- Beat Egg Whites to Soft Peaks:
- In a clean, grease free bowl, start beating the egg whites with cream of tartar over medium speed. Continue until soft peaks form when you lift your beaters.
- Incorporate Sugar Gradually:
- Slowly add sugar one tablespoon at a time while beating continuously. This gradual addition helps build a silky, glossy meringue that holds its shape firmly. Keep beating until stiff, shiny peaks form and the sugar dissolves fully.
- Add Flavor and Color:
- Gently fold in the vanilla extract and green food coloring. Mix just enough to evenly distribute the color while keeping the meringue fluffy.
- Pipe Christmas Tree Shapes:
- Transfer the meringue mixture into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe tall swirls onto the prepared baking sheets, shaping each swirl to resemble a Christmas tree. Leave space between them for air to circulate during baking.
- Top with Stars:
- Place edible star sprinkles delicately on the tip of each tree to mimic a star topper, enhancing the holiday vibe.
- Bake Slowly and Cool:
- Bake for one and a half hours at low temperature. After turning off the oven, leave the meringues inside with the door closed for the best drying effect and to prevent cracking.
My favorite part of this recipe is the cream of tartar that helps stabilize the egg whites so the meringues hold their beautiful shapes during baking. Once, during a family holiday, the kids helped pipe these and proudly took credit for our dessert centerpiece, making it a joyful and interactive tradition.
Storage Tips
Store your meringues in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp. Avoid refrigerating since moisture will soften them. They’re best enjoyed within a week but can last longer if kept dry.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have cream of tartar, substitute with an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar. For coloring, natural alternatives like spinach powder or matcha can be used, but results may vary in color vibrancy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meringues beautifully arranged on a cake stand or among other holiday cookies. They pair wonderfully with hot chocolate or peppermint coffee. Crumble them over desserts for added crunch and color.
These mintcolored Christmas tree meringues are simple to make and bring festive elegance to any holiday spread. Store them dry and enjoy their delicate crunch.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → How do I achieve stiff peaks for meringue?
Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until they form firm peaks that hold their shape without collapsing.
- → What is the purpose of baking meringues at a low temperature?
Low heat dries out the meringue slowly, ensuring a crisp exterior and light, airy interior without browning.
- → Can I use other colors besides green?
Yes, food coloring can be adjusted to create different festive colors if desired.
- → How are the star decorations applied?
Stars are gently placed on the piped meringue before baking to adhere during cooking.
- → What is the best way to store these meringues?
Store them in an airtight container to keep them crisp and protect from humidity.