Save
These Christmas Tree Cake Macarons bring festive joy to your holiday dessert table with delicate shells and a rich, buttery filling dotted with crumbled snack cakes. Their enchanting holiday appearance and delightful textures make them a perfect treat for celebrations or gifting.
I first made these macarons on a quiet December afternoon, and their cheerful shape instantly lifted my spirits. Now they are a holiday tradition people look forward to sharing.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Powdered sugar: for sweetness and smooth texture, sifting ensures no lumps
- Almond flour: that is finely ground and blanched to create light, tender shells
- Egg whites: at room temperature to whip into the perfect meringue that gives the shells their lift
- Granulated sugar: to stabilize the egg whites and add sweetness
- Cream of tartar: helps stabilize the meringue for better volume and structure
- Green gel food coloring: for vibrant Christmas tree hues without thinning the batter
- Unsalted butter: softened for creamy, rich filling that is easy to whip
- Powdered sugar: for the filling to keep it smooth and sweet
- Vanilla extract: provides warm depth to the buttercream
- Heavy cream: to adjust filling consistency for pipeability
- Crumbled snack cakes: add texture and festive flavor surprises in the filling
- Pinch of salt: enhances all the flavors in the filling
- White chocolate drizzle: decorates and adds a touch of sweetness contrast
- Red and green sprinkles: create colorful, playful holiday decoration
- Edible gold stars: for a special finishing touch if you want to elevate appearance
How to Make It
- Prepare the Macaron Batter:
- Sift powdered sugar and almond flour twice to remove any lumps and ensure a fine powder that makes shells smooth and shiny. Beat egg whites in a clean bowl until foamy, then add cream of tartar to stabilize. Slowly add granulated sugar while whipping on medium-high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form. Add green gel food coloring and gently incorporate until evenly distributed. Fold in the sifted almond flour mixture carefully but thoroughly until the batter is thick and flows slowly like lava when lifted. Avoid overmixing to maintain air bubbles.
- Pipe the Macarons:
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. On baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats, pipe the batter into tree shapes or classic rounds about one and a half inches wide. Tap the trays firmly on the counter a few times to release air bubbles that could cause cracked shells. Let the piped batter rest at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes until a thin skin forms on the surface. This resting step is essential to get the signature smooth top and prevent cracking during baking.
- Bake the Shells:
- Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius). Bake one tray at a time for 14 to 16 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through the baking time for even color and cooking. The macarons should develop feet and be firm to the touch but not browned. Allow them to cool completely on the baking mats before removing to avoid cracks or breaking.
- Make the Filling:
- In a bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt while continuing to mix. Add heavy cream a little at a time until the filling reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency suitable for piping. Gently fold in the crumbled Christmas Tree Cakes or similar snack cakes for texture and flavor boosts.
- Assemble the Macarons:
- Sort the baked shells by size and pair them accordingly. Pipe a dollop of filling onto one shell and sandwich it with its matching partner. Press lightly to spread the filling evenly but do not overfill or the macarons may lose their shape.
- Decorate:
- Drizzle melted white chocolate over the assembled macarons in playful patterns. Quickly add red and green sprinkles while the drizzle is still wet so they stick well. Place edible gold stars on top for an optional luxurious touch.
- Mature for Best Flavor:
- Store the macarons in an airtight container and refrigerate for 24 hours before serving. This resting period allows flavors to meld and textures to soften into perfect harmony.
One holiday, my niece carefully picked off each little gold star before tasting, reminding me how even the smallest decorations can make baking into a treasured family memory.
Flavor Boosters
Serving Suggestions: Serve with a cup of spiced tea or coffee to balance richness. Pair with fresh berries for bright acidity contrast. Arrange on a festive platter surrounded by peppermint sticks for holiday presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Cultural Context: Macarons originated in France and are prized for their delicate balance of texture and flavor. Holiday-themed macarons like these Christmas Tree Cake versions add seasonal charm to traditional patisserie elegance.
Creative Twists
Seasonal Adaptations: Use red food coloring and fruit-flavored fillings to make Christmas tree berries for Valentine's Day. Swap sprinkles for pastel colors and edible flowers to create spring versions. Incorporate pumpkin spice or cinnamon into batter for cozy winter versions outside the holidays.
These macarons combine festive charm with exceptional texture for a holiday treat that delights every time.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is the best way to achieve smooth macaron shells?
Sift the powdered sugar and almond flour twice to ensure a fine mixture. Fold the dry ingredients gently into stiff egg whites until the batter flows smoothly.
- → Why is resting the batter important before baking?
Resting allows the surface to dry and form a skin, which prevents cracking and helps develop the characteristic smooth, glossy shells.
- → How do I make the green color vibrant without overpowering flavor?
Use gel food coloring sparingly and mix gently into the batter to maintain flavor while achieving the desired festive hue.
- → Can I customize the decoration on these macarons?
Absolutely! You can add white chocolate drizzle, red and green sprinkles, or even edible gold stars for a festive touch.
- → How does maturing the macarons enhance the taste?
Refrigerating the assembled macarons for 24 hours allows the flavors to meld and softens the texture for a harmonious bite.
- → What is the role of cream of tartar in the batter?
Cream of tartar stabilizes the egg whites, helping them whip to stiff peaks and maintain structure during baking.