Introduction
Holiday Wreath Meringue Cookies for Christmas bring a whimsical, festive touch to your dessert table—light as air, delightfully crisp, and beautifully shaped like mini wreaths. Their snowy white texture and pops of red and green make them not only delicious but also visually stunning. Perfect for gifting or sharing at holiday gatherings, these elegant treats are a modern take on classic Christmas meringue cookies that capture the true spirit of the season.
Why You’ll Love It
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Festive & Eye-Catching: Perfectly shaped into Christmas wreaths with red and green accents.
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Light & Crisp Texture: A delightful crunch that melts in your mouth.
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Perfect for Gifting: Ideal edible presents wrapped in clear bags with ribbons.
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Simple Ingredients: Just egg whites, sugar, and food coloring—no flour needed!
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Naturally Gluten-Free: A great choice for gluten-free holiday guests.
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Holiday Centerpiece: Makes your cookie tray sparkle with color and creativity.
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Low-Calorie Sweet Treat: Guilt-free indulgence for festive gatherings.
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Fun to Decorate: Great activity to share with kids during the holidays.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create your Christmas Wreath Meringue Cookies:
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4 large egg whites, room temperature (helps form stable peaks)
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1 cup granulated sugar – superfine sugar dissolves best
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½ teaspoon cream of tartar – stabilizes the meringue
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½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract – for subtle sweetness
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Green gel food coloring – gives that perfect holiday hue
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Red confetti sprinkles or sugar pearls – to mimic holly berries
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Optional: 1 teaspoon cornstarch (adds crispness)
Substitution Tips:
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Use lemon juice instead of cream of tartar for a similar stabilizing effect.
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For a twist, add a few drops of peppermint extract for a cool holiday flavor.
How to Make Holiday Wreath Meringue Cookies for Christmas
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whip Egg Whites
In a clean, grease-free mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
3. Add Sugar Gradually
Increase mixer speed to high. Add sugar 1 tablespoon at a time, allowing each addition to dissolve before adding the next. Beat until stiff, glossy peaks form—about 5–7 minutes.
4. Add Vanilla & Coloring
Add vanilla extract and a small amount of green gel coloring. Gently fold until evenly tinted—your meringue should be firm and shiny.
5. Pipe the Wreaths
Transfer meringue to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe 2-inch circles onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a hole in the center to form a wreath shape.
6. Decorate
Add red sprinkles or sugar pearls to resemble holly berries.
7. Bake Slowly
Bake for 90 minutes or until dry and crisp. Turn off the oven, leave the door slightly open, and let the cookies cool inside for another hour to avoid cracking.
Pro Tips for Perfect Meringue Cookies
💬 How do I prevent my meringue from deflating?
Use clean, dry equipment. Any trace of fat or yolk will collapse your meringue. Beat until stiff peaks form before adding color or flavoring.
Can I make meringue cookies ahead of time?
Yes! These Holiday Meringue Wreaths can be made up to two weeks in advance when stored properly in an airtight container.
Why are my meringue cookies sticky?
Humidity is the main culprit. Bake on dry days or add a teaspoon of cornstarch to help absorb moisture.
Can I color meringue without ruining it?
Absolutely—use gel coloring, not liquid, to keep the meringue stable and vibrant.
Nutrition Information (per cookie)
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Calories: 40
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Fat: 0g
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Carbohydrates: 10g
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Protein: 1g
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Sugar: 9g
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Sodium: 5mg
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Cholesterol: 0mg
Light, crisp, and guilt-free!
Storage & Leftovers
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Room Temperature: Store in airtight containers for up to 2 weeks.
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Avoid Moisture: Keep away from humid areas to maintain crispness.
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Freezing: Not recommended, as meringues absorb moisture when thawed.
FAQs
How long do Holiday Meringue Cookies last?
When stored properly, they last up to 14 days in a cool, dry place.
Can I make these cookies without cream of tartar?
Yes, replace it with ½ teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar.
Can I use different colors for other holidays?
Definitely! Swap green for pastel shades for Easter or orange and black for Halloween.
Recipe Variations
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Peppermint Wreaths: Add crushed candy canes for a festive crunch.
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Chocolate Drizzle Wreaths: Drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate.
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Mini Wreath Pops: Pipe onto sticks for fun edible gifts.
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Vegan Option: Use aquafaba (chickpea water) instead of egg whites for plant-based meringues.
Conclusion
Holiday Wreath Meringue Cookies for Christmas are more than just cookies—they’re edible decorations that sparkle with holiday joy. Whip up a batch, wrap them beautifully, and share a piece of your kitchen’s warmth with friends and family.