There’s something about the holiday season that invites sweetness into our kitchens—maybe it’s the twinkling lights or the laughter of loved ones gathered around the table. This year, I decided to indulge my inner chef and create a festive treat that not only looks stunning but also melts in your mouth: Christmas Macarons. These delicate, colorful confections may seem daunting at first, but they truly are a labor of love that pays off in spectacular fashion.
I stumbled upon this recipe during last year’s holiday baking spree, and I couldn’t believe how incredibly versatile macarons can be! You can customize the colors and fillings to fit any festive occasion, making them ideal for gifting or sharing at potlucks. Picture a plate of vibrant green and red shells filled with velvety buttercream or luscious ganache, served alongside a cozy cup of cocoa. In just under an hour, you’ll have a gourmet treat that rivals anything from a fancy bakery—all while creating delectable memories in your own kitchen. Let’s get started!
Why are Christmas Macarons a must-try?
Irresistible in festive spirit, these macarons are not just desserts; they’re a celebration on a plate! Colorful and customizable, you can tailor the colors and fillings to match your holiday theme. Quick to make, this recipe comes together in under an hour, allowing you to whip up gourmet treats without the fuss. Elegant, they are sure to impress your guests, making them perfect for gatherings or as thoughtful gifts. Fun to create, it’s an exciting baking adventure that’ll bring joy to your kitchen! Explore more delightful treats like these in our cookie collection!
Christmas Macaron Ingredients
• Get ready to create delightful Christmas Macarons!
- 1 cup powdered sugar – ensures sweetness and a smooth texture
- 1/2 cup almond flour – gives a nutty flavor and delicate structure
- 2 large egg whites – the key to achieving that perfect meringue
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar – sweetens the meringue and adds stability
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar – helps stabilize the egg whites
- Food coloring (various colors) – customize your macarons for a festive look
- Filling of choice (e.g., buttercream, ganache, fruit preserves) – add your favorite flavor for a scrumptious surprise!
How to Make Christmas Macarons
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This sets the stage for those perfectly baked macarons, ensuring a smooth baking experience.
Sift together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1/2 cup of almond flour into a bowl. This step is crucial for achieving a light and airy texture, so take your time with it!
Whip the 2 large egg whites in a separate bowl until soft peaks begin to form. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer set to medium speed.
Gradually add 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar. Continue whipping the mixture until you reach stiff peaks, which will provide the desired structure for your macarons.
Fold the dry ingredients into the meringue mixture gently. Use a spatula to incorporate the almond flour and powdered sugar without deflating the meringue; this is key to achieving a great rise!
Add food coloring until you get the vibrant hue you desire. Mix gently just until the color is evenly distributed; over-mixing can affect the texture of your macarons.
Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small rounds—about 1.5 inches in diameter—onto the prepared baking sheets. Spacing them apart helps prevent them from merging while baking.
Let the piped macaron shells rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows a skin to form, which is essential for that lovely foot and smooth top!
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should have a shiny appearance and should not collapse when touched.
Cool the shells on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once completely cool, fill them with your chosen filling to complete your delicious Christmas Macarons!
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra festive touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Macarons
Room Temperature: Enjoy your Christmas Macarons fresh for up to 3 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them crisp and delightful!
Fridge: For longer freshness, store filled macarons in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This helps preserve the textures and flavors of the fillings while cooling them down.
Freezer: You can freeze unfilled macaron shells for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent sticking.
Reheating: If desired, let the frozen shells thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours before filling and serving. Enjoy the magic of your Christmas Macarons anytime!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Macarons are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the hectic holiday season! You can prepare the meringue batter up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Additionally, the macaron shells can be baked a day ahead and stored in a cool, dry place (preferably in a container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking). When you’re ready to serve, simply fill them with your choice of filling, and they’ll taste just as delicious as if made fresh that day. This make-ahead approach allows you to enjoy more festive moments with family and friends!
Expert Tips for Christmas Macarons
Sift Thoroughly: Sifting the powdered sugar and almond flour is crucial to avoid lumps and achieve that silky smooth texture your Christmas Macarons deserve.
Peaks Matter: Make sure to whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Under-whipped meringue won’t hold shape properly, resulting in flat macarons.
Rest Time: Don’t skip the resting period! Allowing the piped shells to rest for 30 minutes forms a skin that is essential for creating that perfect foot.
Oven Watch: Every oven is unique! Keep an eye on your macarons in the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-baking, which can cause cracks or dryness.
Fill After Cooling: Always let the macaron shells cool completely before filling. This ensures the filling doesn’t melt and makes for a delightful, textured bite in your Christmas Macarons.
Christmas Macaron Variations
Get ready to explore the delightful ways you can customize your Christmas Macarons!
Peppermint Twist: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the meringue for a refreshing, festive flavor. These will remind everyone of classic Christmas candies!
Citrus Burst: Substitute a few teaspoons of lemon or orange zest in the filling for a zesty kick. The bright flavor will beautifully balance the sweetness of the shells.
Choco-Lover’s Delight: Mix cocoa powder into the almond flour for chocolate macarons. This creates a rich base perfect for pairing with mocha or chocolate ganache fillings.
Nut-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of almond flour to make these macarons nut-free. It’s a great alternative for those with nut allergies while keeping them delicious.
Matcha Magic: Swap a tablespoon of almond flour with matcha powder for a beautiful green hue and earthy flavor. The slight bitterness complements sweet fillings perfectly!
Spicy Heat: Add a dash of cinnamon or cayenne to your filling for a warm, spicy surprise inside the macarons. It’s an unexpected twist that will make your treats stand out!
Caramel Surprise: Fill with salted caramel instead of traditional fillings for a sweet and salty combination. Each bite will be decadent and utterly delightful!
Seasonal Sprinkles: Top the filled macarons with festive sprinkles or edible glitter for a cheerful touch. It’s a simple way to add a bit more holiday flair!
What to Serve with Christmas Macarons?
Elevate your festive gatherings with delightful pairings that enhance the enchanting flavors of your macarons.
Rich Hot Chocolate: A cup of velvety hot cocoa adds warmth and decadent comfort, perfectly balancing out the delicate sweetness of the macarons.
Spiced Mulled Wine: The rich spices in mulled wine will beautifully complement the sweet flavors of the macarons, making for an inviting holiday drink.
Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries bring a refreshing tartness that contrasts nicely with the smoothness of the macaron filling, adding a burst of freshness.
Whipped Cream: Airy and light, a dollop of freshly whipped cream can be the perfect side companion, enhancing the overall indulgence without overpowering the flavors.
Cinnamon Sugar Cookies: Add some festivity with classic sugar cookies, whose soft texture and spice echo the flavors of the holiday season.
Peppermint Ice Cream: The cool, minty flavor of peppermint ice cream is a classic Christmas treat that pairs wonderfully with the colorful macarons for a delightful contrast.
Coffee or Espresso: A rich cup of coffee or espresso serves as the perfect palate cleanser, balancing out the sweetness while bringing warmth to your gathering.
Creamy Eggnog: This classic holiday drink, with its rich and creamy texture, complements the flavor profile of the macarons while offering a festive touch to your dessert spread.
Christmas Macarons Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my ingredients are ripe and suitable to use?
For macarons, the freshness of your egg whites is key! I recommend using eggs that are about a week old, as slightly aged whites whip up better. For the almond flour, make sure it smells fresh and nutty without any rancid undertones. Always give your powdered sugar a quick sift to catch any lumps before mixing!
How should I store my Christmas Macarons to keep them fresh?
Absolutely! For optimal freshness, keep your Christmas Macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’ve filled them and want them to last longer, transfer them to the refrigerator, where they can stay delicious for up to 5 days. Just remember to allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
Can I freeze my Christmas Macarons, and how should I do it?
Yes, you can freeze unfilled macaron shells for up to 3 months! To freeze, simply lay the shells in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1-2 hours until firm. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours before adding your favorite filling.
What should I do if my macarons have cracks or don’t rise?
Very common! If your macarons crack, it may be due to over-mixing the batter or improper baking temperature. Ensure that you gently fold the ingredients until they just combine to maintain that lovely airy texture. If they don’t rise, double-check that your egg whites reached stiff peaks and that the shells were rested adequately before baking to form a skin.
Are these Christmas Macarons safe for those with allergies?
Great question! Traditional macarons contain almond flour, so they are not suitable for those with nut allergies. If you want to make allergen-friendly macarons, consider using sunflower seed flour or a nut-free alternative. Just make sure the other ingredients, like food coloring, are also allergy-friendly!
What fillings work best for my Christmas Macarons?
Here’s where the fun begins! Velvety buttercreams, rich chocolate ganache, or fruity preserves can elevate your Christmas Macarons to the next level. I often make buttercream with a hint of peppermint or vanilla for a festive twist. Just ensure the filling is chilled and not too runny to maintain the delightful bite of the macaron. Enjoy experimenting with flavors!
Irresistibly Festive Christmas Macarons to Delight Your Tastebuds
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Sift together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1/2 cup of almond flour into a bowl.
- Whip the 2 large egg whites until soft peaks begin to form, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar, whipping until stiff peaks form.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the meringue mixture gently.
- Add food coloring until you get the desired hue.
- Transfer the mixture to a piping bag and pipe small rounds onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Let the piped macaron shells rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Cool the shells on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.