Christmas Macarons
Introduction
Christmas is a time for celebration, joy, and of course, delicious treats! One of the most delightful treats to enjoy during the holiday season is Christmas Macarons. These sweet, colorful cookies are not only tasty but also visually appealing, making them a perfect addition to your holiday dessert table.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Christmas Macarons is a fun and creative way to get into the festive spirit. They are not only beautiful but also allow for some personalization with colors and decorations. Plus, sharing these lovely treats with friends and family can bring everyone together, adding sweetness to your celebrations.
How to Make Christmas Macarons
Making Christmas Macarons involves a few simple steps. Follow this easy recipe to create your own festive treats.
Ingredients:
- 1 1⁄2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup almond flour
- 3 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 1⁄4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar
- Red and green gel food coloring
- 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1⁄2 cups powdered sugar (for filling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Holiday sprinkles (optional)
- Edible glitter (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and draw 1.5-inch circles as a guide or use a macaron template.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift powdered sugar and almond flour into a bowl.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a clean mixing bowl, whisk egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add granulated sugar while beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the almond flour mixture in batches until the batter flows slowly.
- Add Food Coloring: Divide the batter and add red and green gel food coloring to each.
- Pipe the Shells: Transfer each batter to piping bags and pipe circles onto prepared sheets.
- Tap and Rest: Tap trays to remove air bubbles and let shells sit until dry to the touch.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake for 15–18 minutes.
- Vanilla Buttercream Filling: Beat softened butter and gradually add powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla and milk.
- Assemble: Pair shells and pipe buttercream onto one, sandwiching with another shell.
- Decorate: Optionally sprinkle with edible glitter or festive sprinkles. Enjoy your festive Christmas Macarons!
How to Serve Christmas Macarons
Serve your Christmas Macarons on a festive platter. You can present them alongside other holiday treats like cookies and brownies. Their colorful appearance will surely bring festive cheer to your table.
How to Store Christmas Macarons
Store leftover macarons in an airtight container. They can last for about 3-5 days at room temperature. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to a month.
Tips to Make Christmas Macarons
- Make sure your mixing bowl and utensils are clean to help whip the egg whites properly.
- Be gentle when folding in the dry ingredients to avoid deflating the batter.
- Let the piped shells rest until they are dry before baking to get that perfect "foot."
Variation
Feel free to experiment with different flavors for the buttercream filling, such as peppermint or chocolate, to give your macarons a unique touch!
FAQs
1. Can I use different color food coloring?
Yes, you can use any colors that suit your holiday theme or personal preference!
2. Why are my macarons flat?
Flat macarons could be due to overmixing the batter or not letting them rest before baking. Make sure to follow the steps carefully.
3. Can I make macarons ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make them a few days in advance and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Christmas Macarons!
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Christmas Macarons
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 24 macarons 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive and colorful Christmas Macarons, perfect for adding sweetness to your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 1⁄2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup almond flour
- 3 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 1⁄4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar
- Red and green gel food coloring
- 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1⁄2 cups powdered sugar (for filling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Holiday sprinkles (optional)
- Edible glitter (optional)
Instructions
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and draw 1.5-inch circles as a guide or use a macaron template.
- Sift powdered sugar and almond flour into a bowl.
- In a clean mixing bowl, whisk egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add granulated sugar while beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Gently fold in the almond flour mixture in batches until the batter flows slowly.
- Divide the batter and add red and green gel food coloring to each.
- Transfer each batter to piping bags and pipe circles onto prepared sheets.
- Tap trays to remove air bubbles and let shells sit until dry to the touch.
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake for 15–18 minutes.
- Beat softened butter and gradually add powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla and milk for the filling.
- Pair shells and pipe buttercream onto one, sandwiching with another shell.
- Optionally sprinkle with edible glitter or festive sprinkles before serving.
Notes
Make sure your mixing bowl and utensils are clean to help whip the egg whites properly. Be gentle when folding in the dry ingredients to avoid deflating the batter. Let the piped shells rest until they are dry before baking to achieve the perfect ‘foot.’
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 macarons
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Christmas macarons, holiday desserts, French cookies, festive treats, homemade macarons