Mint Christmas Tree Treats

These festive mint—colored Christmas tree meringues bring a whimsical touch to holiday baking. Light and airy with a crisp sweetness, they are great as edible gifts or charming decorations on your dessert table. Their delicate star shapes and soft green tint make them visually festive and fun to share.

The first time I made these, my kitchen smelled like a winter wonderland and the kids couldn’t stop nibbling even before they had cooled. Now they are a favorite holiday tradition.

Ingredients

• Four large egg whites: these create the airy structure necessary for meringues, make sure they are at room temperature for the best volume
• One cup granulated sugar: fine sugar dissolves quickest— avoid coarse or powdered varieties here
• Half teaspoon cream of tartar: stabilizes the egg whites and helps maintain their shape during baking
• Half teaspoon vanilla extract: adds a subtle warmth that balances the sweetness
• Green food coloring: gives the meringues their festive mint hue— gel colors offer stronger tones without thinning the batter
• Edible star sprinkles or decorations: adds that final festive sparkle, choose small pieces so they don’t weigh down the meringue

Instructions

Sift and prepare:

Preheat your oven to a low temperature of two hundred degrees Fahrenheit ninety five Celsius. Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure clean release.

Whip the egg whites:

In a perfectly clean bowl free of grease, beat the four egg whites along with the cream of tartar using an electric mixer until soft peaks develop— this means the whites should hold their shape but the tips slightly bend when you lift the beaters.

Add sugar gradually:

Slowly add the granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time while continuing to beat constantly. This gradual addition allows the sugar to fully dissolve, helping to achieve stiff and glossy peaks that shine when you tilt the bowl.

Incorporate flavor and color:

Gently fold in the vanilla extract and green food coloring until the meringue reaches your desired mint shade. Be careful not to deflate the mixture by stirring too vigorously.

Pipe the trees:

Fit a piping bag with a star tip and fill it with the meringue. Pipe tall swirls directly onto the lined baking sheets in shapes that resemble Christmas trees, starting wide at the base and tapering upward.

Add the stars:

Place an edible star sprinkle on top of each piped meringue tree to give it that perfect festive finishing touch.

Slow bake and cool:

Bake the meringues for one and a half hours at a very low temperature. This slow baking dries them out without browning. After baking, turn off the oven and leave the meringues inside to cool completely with the door closed to prevent cracks and keep them crisp.

Vanilla is my favorite ingredient here because it adds warmth that balances the sugary crispness without overpowering the delicate mint flavor. I remember the first time my niece helped me pipe these and her eyes lit up when placing the star on top of each tree— it’s little moments like that that make holiday baking so joyful.

Storage Tips

Store these meringues in an airtight container at room temperature away from humidity to keep their crisp texture. Avoid refrigeration because moisture can make them soft and sticky.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to avoid egg whites, aquafaba can sometimes be used to make vegan meringues but results vary. For natural coloring, spinach powder or finely blended herbs can give a muted green tint though the vibrant mint color won’t be as bright.

Serving Suggestions

Serve them alongside hot chocolate or spiced tea for a festive treat. They also make an elegant topping for cakes or pavlovas during the holiday season.

These mint Christmas tree meringues are an easy, festive treat that double as edible gifts or pretty decorations. Make them ahead and store in an airtight container to keep them crisp.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How do I achieve stiff peaks when beating the egg whites?

Ensure your bowl and beaters are clean and dry. Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until they hold firm, glossy peaks that stand upright without collapsing.

→ Can I use natural food coloring instead of green dye?

Yes, natural colorings like spinach or matcha powder can add subtle green hues, but may affect texture or flavor slightly.

→ How long should I bake to get the perfect texture?

Bake at a low temperature (200°F/95°C) for about 1.5 hours, then let the meringues cool completely inside the off oven to dry and crisp evenly.

→ What alternatives exist for the star decorations?

Edible glitter, colored sugar, or small candy stars work well to decorate the tops without overpowering flavor.

→ Are these suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, these meringues contain no gluten ingredients, making them safe for gluten-free diets.