Christmas Meringue Cookies Recipe

Christmas Meringue Cookies are a festive treat that capture all the magic and sweetness of the holiday season in every bite. With their light, delicate crunch and a charming swirl of cheerful color, these cookies are not only a showstopper on your dessert table, but also wonderfully easy to whip up from just a handful of pantry staples. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or brand new to making meringue, you’ll be amazed at how effortless it is to bring a little extra sparkle to your celebrations with this timeless favorite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Egg White Mixture:

  • 4 large egg whites (room temperature)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

  Optional Additions:

  • Red or green gel food coloring
  • Holiday sprinkles

How to Make Christmas Meringue Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

Begin by preheating your oven to a gentle 200°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. The low temperature is key for drying out the meringues without browning them, so don’t be tempted to rush this step. The parchment will ensure your cookies lift off easily and keep their beautiful shape.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites and Cream of Tartar

In a large, immaculately clean bowl, combine your egg whites and cream of tartar. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, whip them just until soft peaks form. The cream of tartar helps stabilize the mixture, setting you up for fluffy, picture-perfect meringues every time.

Step 3: Gradually Add Sugar

With the mixer running, add the granulated sugar slowly—one tablespoon at a time—so each bit dissolves completely. Once all the sugar is in, crank up the mixer to high and watch as the meringue transforms into a stiff, shiny cloud. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Check by rubbing a bit of meringue between your fingers; it should feel smooth, not gritty.

Step 4: Add Flavor and Color

Gently beat in that fragrant touch of vanilla extract. If you’d like to get festive, now’s the time to add a few drops of red or green gel food coloring. For a beautiful marbled effect, swirl colors through the meringue with a spatula, but don’t overmix—you want those swirls to shine!

Step 5: Pipe the Meringues

Transfer your meringue mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe the mixture onto your prepared sheets in 1- to 2-inch mounds, leaving a little space between each. If you’re craving extra sparkle, top with some holiday-themed sprinkles now.

Step 6: Bake and Dry

Slide your trays into the oven and bake for 1 1/2 hours—resist the urge to peek! When time’s up, turn the oven off but leave the cookies inside for another hour without opening the door. This slow drying is what gives Christmas Meringue Cookies their signature crispness all the way through.

How to Serve Christmas Meringue Cookies

Garnishes

A little extra magic never hurts! Dust your Christmas Meringue Cookies with a hint of edible glitter, more festive sprinkles, or even a gentle snowfall of powdered sugar to make them truly sparkle at your next holiday get-together.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with cozy mugs of hot chocolate, spicy chai, or a creamy eggnog. For a sophisticated dessert platter, serve them alongside other holiday classics like gingerbread men, peppermint bark, or a bowl of fresh winter berries.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile your Christmas Meringue Cookies high on a glass cake stand for a centerpiece-worthy dessert, or package them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for gorgeously edible gifts. Try creating a “meringue tree” by stacking the cookies in a cone shape and dusting with icing sugar—it’s almost too pretty to eat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your cookies as crisp and airy as the day you baked them, store Christmas Meringue Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. If you’re in a humid climate, consider adding a packet of silica gel or a tablespoon of uncooked rice in a cheesecloth pouch to the container to absorb any moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze fully dried Christmas Meringue Cookies! Layer them carefully between sheets of parchment in a sturdy container; they’ll be happy in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature, uncovered, so they don’t become sticky.

Reheating

If your meringues have softened, spread them on a baking sheet and pop into a 200°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispness. Just make sure they cool completely before storing again—patience pays off here.

FAQs

Why did my Christmas Meringue Cookies turn out sticky or chewy?

Humidity is usually the culprit. Meringues love dry conditions, so try to avoid making them on damp or rainy days. If they do get sticky, you can re-crisp them in a low oven as described above.

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

Gel coloring is best, as it won’t water down your meringue. If you only have liquid coloring, use it very sparingly to avoid compromising the texture.

Is it possible to make these without a piping bag?

Absolutely! Use two spoons to dollop rustic mounds of meringue onto your baking sheets. They’ll still taste just as delicious and charmingly homemade.

Can I flavor my meringues differently?

Yes! Try switching up the vanilla for peppermint, almond, or even a hint of citrus zest to add a personal twist to your Christmas Meringue Cookies.

What if my meringue won’t hold stiff peaks?

This is usually caused by a tiny bit of fat or egg yolk in the whites, or by using a plastic bowl that holds onto grease. Make sure both your bowl and beaters are squeaky clean before starting.

Final Thoughts

Making Christmas Meringue Cookies is like bottling up the joy of the holidays and sharing it with everyone you love. Let yourself play with colors, sprinkles, and shapes—there’s no sweeter way to add a little holiday delight to your kitchen. Give this recipe a try and watch smiles appear all around!

Print