1️⃣ Prep

Preheat oven to 200°F (95°C)

Line baking sheets with parchment paper

2️⃣ Make the meringue

Beat egg whites on medium speed until foamy

Add cream of tartar and beat until soft peaks form

Gradually add sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form

Beat in vanilla extract

3️⃣ Pipe the trees

Transfer white meringue to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip

Pipe tall, stacked swirls to form Christmas tree shapes

4️⃣ Decorate (THIS MAKES IT MATCH THE PHOTO)

Lightly sprinkle green sanding sugar ONLY on the tips

Add a few red & green nonpareils

Optional: top with a tiny star sprinkle

5️⃣ Bake

Bake at 200°F for 90 minutes

Turn oven off, crack the door slightly, and let cookies cool completely inside