Christmas Tree Wreath Meringue Cookies

Okay, so picture this—you want something super cute for Christmas, but also easy. That’s where these Christmas Tree Wreath Meringue Cookies come in. They look fancy, but nope, they’re really simple.

I made these with just a few things I already had at home. They’re light, sweet, and kinda melt in your mouth. Plus, decorating them is the best part.

These wreaths are so fun to share with friends and family. They look like you worked hard, but really, it’s just whip, pipe, and bake. And hey, they make your kitchen smell like a candy cloud.

Wanna try? I’ll walk you through it step by step. Let’s make your holiday cookie tray sparkle

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: These meringue cookies are perfect for all ages—my readers have called them “magical,” “delicious,” and “so festive!”
• Holiday Spirit: The green food coloring and festive sprinkles make them a gorgeous addition to any holiday celebration.
• Light and Crispy: Meringue cookies are light as air, providing a satisfying crunch without being overly sweet.
• Customizable: Whether you want to go with a simple wreath or embellish them with fun holiday designs, these cookies offer tons of creative possibilities.
• Great for Gifting: These meringues are perfect for holiday gift boxes or as a treat to bring to your next Christmas party.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we get started, make sure you have the following tools on hand to create these beautiful meringue cookies:

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: A powerful mixer is essential to whip egg whites into the stiff peaks required for the perfect meringue.
• Baking Sheets: Use two baking sheets to bake multiple batches of meringues.
• Parchment Paper: Helps prevent the cookies from sticking and ensures easy removal after baking.
• Piping Bags and Tips: A piping bag with a star tip is perfect for creating the wreath shape.
• Whisk: To whisk the egg whites before they go into the mixer (if you’re not using the stand mixer for everything).
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy in the ingredients, especially the sugar and food coloring.
• Spatula: To gently fold in the food coloring and sprinkles.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these light, crispy cookies:

• Egg Whites (Room Temperature): The key to fluffy, airy meringues is egg whites. Make sure they’re at room temperature to ensure they whip up properly.
• Dash of Salt: A small amount of salt helps stabilize the egg whites during whipping.
• Cream of Tartar: This ingredient is crucial for creating stiff peaks. It helps stabilize the meringue and prevents it from collapsing.
• Granulated Sugar: The sugar is what gives the meringue its structure and sweetness. We’ll gradually add it to the whipped egg whites to create that perfect meringue consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla adds a hint of flavor and balance to the sweetness of the sugar.
• Green Food Coloring: This will give our meringue cookies the perfect “Christmas tree” color.
• Sprinkles: Festive sprinkles like star-shaped glitter or nonpareils make these wreaths shine and bring that extra pop of holiday spirit.

Variations for Christmas Tree Wreath Meringue Cookies

• Change the Color: Swap out the green food coloring for red or blue for a unique twist on the traditional holiday color scheme.
• Flavor Additions: For a flavored meringue, try adding a few drops of mint or almond extract to the meringue mixture.
• Add Peppermint: Crush up some peppermint candies and sprinkle them on top of the meringues right after they come out of the oven for a refreshing minty twist.
• Use Different Sprinkles: Instead of traditional sprinkles, try using edible glitter or little sugar pearls to make your wreaths even more festive.
• Make Mini Wreaths: Instead of large wreaths, pipe smaller wreaths to create adorable bite-sized treats.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients and tools, let’s walk through the process of making these delightful Christmas Tree Wreath Meringue Cookies. The steps may seem long, but trust me, they’re worth it!

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheets

First, preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Meringue cookies bake at a low temperature to dry out slowly and achieve that crispy texture. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, and set them aside. If you want to get fancy, you can trace small circles on the parchment paper to use as guides for piping your meringue into perfectly shaped wreaths.

2. Whip the Egg Whites

In the bowl of your stand mixer (or in a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer), add the egg whites and a small dash of salt. Begin mixing on medium speed to break the egg whites up and get them started. Once they become frothy, add the cream of tartar. Continue whipping until soft peaks form.

At this point, you’ll want to start adding the granulated sugar in small increments. Add the sugar slowly, a tablespoon at a time, while mixing on high speed. This gradual process will help prevent the meringue from being too runny and will give it structure. Continue mixing for about 5-7 minutes until stiff, glossy peaks form.

3. Add the Vanilla and Green Food Coloring

Once your meringue is whipped into perfect stiff peaks, add the vanilla extract and a few drops of green food coloring. Stir gently with a spatula to fold the food coloring in evenly, making sure not to deflate the meringue. You want the color to be fully incorporated but keep that airy, fluffy texture intact.

4. Pipe the Meringue into Wreath Shapes

Now comes the fun part! Transfer the meringue to a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped tip. Pipe a small wreath shape on the prepared parchment paper, starting from the center and swirling outward to create a round wreath. You can create a few smaller wreaths or go for larger ones depending on your preference.

If you’re making them smaller, you can fit more wreaths on each baking sheet. Just make sure to leave some space between each one to allow for air circulation while they bake.

5. Add Sprinkles (Optional)

Before baking, sprinkle some fun holiday sprinkles on top of each meringue wreath. These will add some festive flair and give them that perfect Christmas look!

6. Bake the Meringue Wreaths

Once your wreaths are piped and decorated with sprinkles, it’s time to bake them to perfection. Remember, baking meringue requires patience, as the low temperature helps the meringues dry out gently without browning.

• Bake at 200°F (93°C): Place your baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours. During baking, resist the temptation to open the oven door too frequently as it can cause the meringues to collapse.
• Check for Crispiness: The meringues should be crisp on the outside and easy to lift off the parchment paper once baked. If they’re still soft, give them a little more time. You’ll know they’re done when they sound hollow when tapped.

7. Cool the Meringue Cookies

After baking, turn off the oven but leave the meringues inside to cool down gradually. This cooling process helps the meringues firm up and continue drying. Let them sit in the oven for about 30 minutes to an hour.

Once they are cool to the touch, carefully remove them from the parchment paper. The cookies should have a light, crisp texture with a melt-in-your-mouth center.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Wreath Meringue Cookies

These Christmas Tree Wreath Meringue Cookies are not only delicious but also visually stunning. Here are a few ways to serve them for your holiday celebrations:

1. Serve on a Dessert Platter

Place these meringue wreaths on a festive dessert platter alongside other holiday cookies like gingerbread, sugar cookies, and peppermint bark. Their delicate texture and vibrant green color make them a beautiful addition to any spread.

2. Gift in a Cute Box or Tin

These cookies make fantastic holiday gifts! Package them up in a small box or tin lined with parchment paper, tied with a ribbon, and you’ve got a thoughtful homemade present for friends, family, or coworkers.

3. As an Edible Ornament

If you’re feeling extra crafty, these meringue wreaths can even double as edible ornaments for your Christmas tree. Simply poke a small hole in the top of each wreath before baking (using a skewer or toothpick), thread a piece of twine or ribbon through the hole once baked and cooled, and hang them on your tree for a festive touch.

4. Serve with Hot Chocolate or Tea

Pair your meringue wreaths with a warm mug of hot chocolate or tea for a cozy and delicious holiday treat. Their light, airy texture makes them the perfect accompaniment to a rich, comforting drink.

Storing Christmas Tree Wreath Meringue Cookies

Meringue cookies are delicate, so it’s essential to store them properly to maintain their crispness. Here’s how to keep your cookies fresh:

• In an Airtight Container: Store the cooled meringue cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay crispy for up to 2 weeks.
• Keep Them Dry: Meringue cookies are sensitive to humidity, so make sure to keep them in a dry place. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as the moisture can make them soggy.
• Freezing Meringue Wreaths: If you want to make a large batch ahead of time, meringue cookies freeze beautifully. Just layer the cookies between parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Meringue cookies are light, which means they’re relatively low in calories compared to other desserts. Below is the estimated nutrition breakdown for one serving of Christmas Tree Wreath Meringue Cookies.

Nutrient	Amount per serving
Calories	40-50
Protein	0.5g
Carbohydrates	10g
Sugar	10g
Fat	0g
Fiber	0g
Sodium	5mg

Note that the exact values will vary based on how much food coloring and sprinkles you use. If you opt for sugar-free sprinkles, the calorie count will be lower.

Storing Christmas Tree Wreath Meringue Cookies

Meringue cookies are delicate, so it’s essential to store them properly to maintain their crispness. Here’s how to keep your cookies fresh:

• In an Airtight Container: Store the cooled meringue cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay crispy for up to 2 weeks.
• Keep Them Dry: Meringue cookies are sensitive to humidity, so make sure to keep them in a dry place. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as the moisture can make them soggy.
• Freezing Meringue Wreaths: If you want to make a large batch ahead of time, meringue cookies freeze beautifully. Just layer the cookies between parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Christmas Tree Wreath Meringue Cookies FAQs

Can I make these meringue cookies without food coloring?

Absolutely! If you want a more classic look, you can skip the green food coloring. The meringue cookies will still be light and delicious, just without the festive green hue.

How do I know when the meringues are done baking?

The best way to test meringues for doneness is to gently lift one off the parchment paper. If it comes off easily and sounds hollow when tapped, it’s ready. You can also check if they’re crisp and dry to the touch.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, these meringue cookies are perfect for making ahead of time! Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp for up to two weeks.

Can I decorate them with something other than sprinkles?

Definitely! You can decorate your meringue wreaths with crushed candy canes, edible glitter, or tiny candies. Just make sure to add the decorations before baking so they set into the meringue.

Conclusion

These Christmas Tree Wreath Meringue Cookies are a festive and fun way to celebrate the holiday season. Whether you’re making them for a party, gifting them to loved ones, or simply enjoying them with a warm beverage, these delicate and delicious cookies will undoubtedly bring some Christmas cheer to your home.

With their light texture, sweet flavor, and customizable decorations, these meringue cookies are sure to become a holiday tradition in your baking repertoire. Happy baking, and may your holiday season be filled with joy, love, and plenty of delicious treats!