Nothing captures the festive spirit quite like these delicate, melt-in-your-mouth Christmas Meringue Cookies Recipe. Picture crisp, airy clouds of sweetness with just the right hint of vanilla, speckled with vibrant red and green sprinkles that make every bite feel like a holiday celebration. This treat is as joyful to make as it is to share, perfect for brightening your cookie platter or gifting to friends and family during the season.

Christmas Meringue Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Christmas Meringue Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of pantry staples that come together to create a light and airy delight. Every ingredient has a role: egg whites for that ethereal texture, sugar adding sweet structure, and cream of tartar ensuring stability. Together, they make the perfect foundation for these festive treats.

4 large egg whites (at room temperature): Room temperature eggs whip up better, giving you those fluffy peaks every time.
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: The key to a glossy, stiff meringue that holds its shape.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting aroma and flavor to the cookies.
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar: Helps stabilize the egg whites, ensuring your meringues stay perfectly firm.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
Red and green sprinkles (or festive nonpareils): These add a cheerful pop of color and holiday cheer to your meringues.

How to Make Christmas Meringue Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Begin by preheating your oven to 200°F (95°C). This low temperature is essential to gently dry out the meringues without browning them. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites

In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt on medium speed until they become foamy. Adding a pinch of salt helps the eggs whip better and enhances flavor. Then, sprinkle in the cream of tartar, which stabilizes the mixture, and continue beating until soft peaks form. You’ll know you’re there when the peaks are tender but hold their shape.

Step 3: Add Sugar Gradually

Patience is key here! Add the sugar very slowly—about one tablespoon at a time—while whipping on high speed. This gradual addition allows the sugar to dissolve entirely, creating a smooth, shiny meringue. Continue beating until you achieve stiff, glossy peaks that stand tall without drooping.

Step 4: Add Vanilla

Gently fold in the vanilla extract with a spatula to preserve the airiness. This infusion brings that warm, comforting holiday scent that makes these meringues feel special and festive.

Step 5: Shape the Meringues

Transfer your meringue mixture to a piping bag or use a spoon to shape small mounds or festive designs onto your prepared baking sheet. Don’t forget to sprinkle your red and green decorations on top, giving each cookie a playful and colorful holiday vibe.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake the meringues in your preheated oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. They’re done when they feel dry to the touch and easily lift off the paper. Turn off the oven and let the meringues cool completely inside—this slow cooling prevents cracks and keeps them beautifully crisp all around. Leaving them overnight is ideal.

How to Serve Christmas Meringue Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While the sprinkles add an instant festive touch, you can get creative with garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar or tiny edible gold flakes for an elegant holiday table. These little details turn your cookies into conversation starters.

Side Dishes

These airy meringue cookies pair wonderfully with rich hot chocolate, spiced mulled wine, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for dipping. They also make an excellent accompaniment to heavier Christmas desserts like fruitcake or rich cheesecake, providing a delightful contrast in texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the meringue cookies in festive glass jars tied with ribbons as charming homemade gifts. Alternatively, stack them on a decorative platter mixed with fresh cranberries and pine sprigs to create a centerpiece that’s almost too pretty to eat. Presentation is part of the fun with this recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Christmas Meringue Cookies Recipe crisp by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid humid areas to prevent them from becoming chewy or sticky. Stored properly, they can stay fresh for up to two weeks.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead of time, freezing meringues is a fantastic option. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month and thaw quickly without losing their delicate texture.

Reheating

Meringue cookies don’t require reheating. If they soften, a quick 5-10 minute stint in a low 200°F oven can help restore their crispness, but usually, they’re perfect straight from storage or the freezer once thawed.

FAQs

Can I use powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar?

Powdered sugar contains cornstarch, which can affect the texture of your meringues, making them less crisp. Granulated sugar is best for achieving those stiff, glossy peaks and dry, crunchy cookies.

Why do my meringues sometimes turn out sticky?

Sticky meringues usually mean there was too much moisture during drying or the sugar didn’t fully dissolve. Make sure to add sugar slowly and bake at a low temperature to dry them out without browning.

Can I flavor these meringues with something other than vanilla?

Absolutely! Almond extract, peppermint, or even a little lemon zest make great seasonal twists, just be careful not to add too much liquid to keep the texture intact.

Is it necessary to use cream of tartar?

Cream of tartar helps stabilize the egg whites by preventing overwhipping and maintains volume, but if you don’t have it, a few drops of lemon juice or white vinegar can do the trick similarly.

Can I make these meringues without an electric mixer?

Technically yes, but whipping egg whites by hand requires considerable arm strength and time. An electric mixer ensures consistent, stiff peaks for perfect cookies every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about making the Christmas Meringue Cookies Recipe—it’s like crafting tiny snowy treasures that bring joy with every bite. Whether you’re baking them for your family, gifting them to friends, or simply indulging yourself, these cookies are easy, elegant, and absolutely delicious. Give this recipe a try and add a little sweetness and sparkle to your holiday celebrations!

Christmas Meringue Cookies Recipe

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3.9 from 77 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (including cooling time)
Yield: 24 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Delight in these light and airy Christmas Meringue Cookies, perfect for festive celebrations. Made with simple ingredients like egg whites, sugar, and vanilla, these cookies are decorated with cheerful red and green sprinkles. Baked low and slow, they develop a crisp exterior while remaining melt-in-your-mouth delightful.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

4 large egg whites (at room temperature)
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
Pinch of salt
Red and green sprinkles (or festive nonpareils)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 200°F (95°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the meringues from sticking during baking.
Whip the Egg Whites: Beat the egg whites and a pinch of salt on medium speed until they become foamy. Then add the cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form, which helps stabilize the meringue.
Add Sugar Gradually: Slowly add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while beating at high speed. Continue until stiff, glossy peaks form, indicating the sugar has fully dissolved and the meringue is stable.
Add Vanilla: Gently fold in the vanilla extract to infuse the meringue with a subtle, sweet flavor without deflating it.
Shape the Meringues: Use a piping bag or spoon to place small mounds or festive shapes of meringue onto the prepared baking sheet. Decorate immediately with red and green sprinkles or nonpareils for a holiday touch.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 1½ to 2 hours until the meringues are dry to the touch and can easily lift off the parchment. After baking, turn off the oven and allow the meringues to cool completely inside for 1-2 hours or overnight. This slow cooling prevents cracks and ensures crispness.
Serve: Once cooled, serve the meringues immediately or package them as delightful homemade gifts.