Christmas Meringue has become a cherished tradition in my home during the holiday season. The first time I made these delightful treats, I remember the sweet aroma filling my kitchen, as soft peaks of egg whites transformed into airy clouds of sugar. Each bite melts in your mouth, leaving a hint of sweetness and a crunch that is simply irresistible. These gluten-free cookies not only look festive, but they also offer a delightful lightness that pairs perfectly with rich holiday desserts. So, if you’re looking for a fun and easy Christmas baking idea, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Meringue
- Light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Perfect for holiday gifting or cookie swaps.
- Gluten-free, making it suitable for various diets.
- Quick preparation time—just 20 minutes to prep!
- Versatile: easily incorporate flavors like peppermint or vanilla.
- Creates a festive atmosphere with beautiful decorations.
- Low in calories, making it a guilt-free treat.
- Impress your friends and family with these stunning cookies.
Ingredients for Christmas Meringue
Here’s everything you need to create these delightful meringue cookies:
- 4 large egg whites – ensure they are at room temperature for best results.
- 1 cup superfine sugar – helps achieve that desired glossy finish.
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar – stabilizes the egg whites for perfect peaks.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds a lovely flavor profile.
- 1 pinch salt – enhances the sweetness.
- Red or green food coloring (optional) – for a festive touch.
- 2 tablespoons crushed peppermint or sprinkles (optional) – for decoration and added flavor.
How to Make Christmas Meringue
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar and salt until soft peaks form. The mixture should start to look fluffy and airy.
- Step 3: Slowly add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while beating on high until stiff, glossy peaks form. This is crucial for achieving that perfect meringue texture.
- Step 4: Gently fold in the vanilla extract. If you want to add some festive color, now is the time to mix in the food coloring.
- Step 5: Transfer the mixture into a piping bag and pipe small kisses or festive shapes onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Step 6: Decorate the tops with crushed peppermint or colorful sprinkles to add a special touch.
- Step 7: Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours until dry. Once done, turn off the oven and let them cool inside with the door ajar. This helps prevent cracking.
Pro Tips for the Best Christmas Meringue
These expert tips will help you achieve meringue perfection:
- Make sure your mixing bowl is completely clean and dry to avoid any grease interference.
- Using room temperature egg whites allows for better volume and stability.
- Be patient when adding sugar; it ensures a smoother texture and better results.
What’s the secret to perfect Christmas Meringue?
The secret lies in the egg white preparation and the gradual addition of sugar, which helps create a stable meringue that holds its shape. Also, avoid any yolk in your egg whites as it can hinder the whipping process.
Can I make Christmas Meringue ahead of time?
Yes! You can make meringues a few days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Christmas Meringue?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure that there are no traces of yolk in your egg whites and avoid humidity when making meringue, as it can affect the texture.
Best Ways to Serve Christmas Meringue
These delightful cookies can be served in various ways. Pair them with hot chocolate or coffee for a cozy treat. You can also use them as toppings for festive pies or desserts, adding a crunchy contrast to creamy textures.
Nutrition Facts for Christmas Meringue
Per serving (1 cookie):
- Calories: 18
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 0mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Christmas Meringue
To store your meringues, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can last in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply allow them to come to room temperature; no reheating is necessary!
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Meringue
Can I flavor my Christmas Meringue?
Absolutely! You can experiment with various extracts like almond or peppermint to customize the flavor according to your preference.
What can I use instead of cream of tartar?
If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar, which will also stabilize your egg whites.
Can I use egg replacements for Christmas Meringue?
Traditional meringue relies on egg whites, so egg replacements may not yield the same results. However, aquafaba (chickpea brine) can be used as a vegan substitute for a similar effect.
Variations of Christmas Meringue You Can Try
Feel free to get creative with your meringue! Consider making peppermint-flavored meringue for a seasonal twist, or try adding cocoa powder for a chocolate version. You can also experiment with different colors for a rainbow effect, or add spices like cinnamon for a warm flavor. For more delightful recipes, check out our collection. If you’re looking for other festive treats, perhaps a frozen banana snickers or keto cottage cheese bread could inspire you. For savory options, our turkey meatloaf recipe is a crowd-pleaser, and don’t miss our crispy roasted cauliflower for a healthy side.
Print
Delightful Christmas Meringue: 6 Festive Treats to Try
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 meringue cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Light, crisp, and festive, this Christmas Meringue Recipe is the perfect holiday treat. Made with egg whites and sugar, these gluten-free cookies melt in your mouth.
Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup superfine sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- Red or green food coloring (optional)
- 2 tablespoons crushed peppermint or sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°F (95°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar and salt until soft peaks form.
- Slowly add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while beating on high until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Gently fold in the vanilla. Add food coloring for swirls or festive color if desired.
- Transfer the mixture to a piping bag and pipe small kisses or shapes onto baking sheets.
- Decorate with crushed peppermint or sprinkles.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours until dry. Turn off the oven and let them cool inside with the door ajar.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 18
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
