Christmas Macarons

These festive Christmas Macarons are a delightful treat that combine the elegance of classic French macarons with a holiday twist. Colorful shells and creamy fillings create a delicious combination perfect for celebrating the season. Decorate them in traditional red, green, or even gold to make them festive and fun!

Ingredients:

For the Macaron Shells:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup almond flour
• 3 large egg whites, room temperature
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Gel food coloring (red, green, and/or white for festive colors)

For the Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: Red and green food coloring for a festive touch
• Optional: 1 tbsp peppermint extract or orange zest for a seasonal flavor

Instructions:

1. Prepare Baking Sheets:
   • Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. If desired, use a macaron template to ensure even sizes.
2. Sift the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, sift together the powdered sugar and almond flour to eliminate any lumps.
3. Make the Meringue:
   • In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they start forming soft peaks.
   • Gradually add the granulated sugar, about a tablespoon at a time, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. The meringue should be glossy and hold its shape.
   • Add vanilla extract and mix in gently.
4. Add Color:
   • Divide the meringue into separate bowls if using different colors. Add a few drops of gel food coloring to each and gently fold until the color is evenly distributed.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
   • Gently fold the sifted almond flour and powdered sugar into the meringue using a spatula.
   • Be careful not to overmix, but ensure the batter is smooth and flows like lava. This is key to getting the proper texture and “feet” on your macarons.
6. Pipe the Macarons:
   • Transfer the batter to piping bags fitted with round tips.
   • Pipe small circles (about 1.5 inches in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheets.
   • Tap the baking sheets on the counter a few times to release air bubbles and flatten the batter slightly.
7. Rest the Macarons:
   • Let the piped macarons sit at room temperature for about 30–60 minutes until a skin forms and they are no longer sticky to the touch. This step helps form the signature “feet” on the macarons.
8. Bake the Macarons:
   • Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
   • Bake the macarons for 12–15 minutes, or until they easily peel off the parchment paper.
   • Let them cool completely on the baking sheets before removing.
9. Make the Filling:
   • While the macaron shells cool, beat the softened butter in a bowl until creamy.
   • Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt.
   • Optional: Add peppermint extract, orange zest, or a few drops of food coloring to the filling for an extra festive touch.
10. Assemble the Macarons:

• Once the macaron shells are cool, flip half of them over and pipe a dollop of filling onto each shell.
• Gently press the other shells on top to form a sandwich.

11. Decorate (Optional):

• Decorate your macarons with edible glitter, colored sugar, or sprinkles for extra festive flair. You could also pipe small designs or use edible paint for intricate designs.

12. Serve or Store:

• Allow the macarons to rest for 24 hours in the fridge for the best flavor and texture. Bring them to room temperature before serving.

Tips for Success:

• Macaronage Technique: Make sure to fold the batter gently but thoroughly. Overmixing can cause the macarons to spread too much, while undermixing can result in cracks.
• Use a Template: If you’re new to macarons, a template can help you achieve uniform sizes for your shells.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavor fillings such as peppermint buttercream, eggnog, or spiced cranberry for a seasonal twist.
• Resting Time: Don’t skip the resting step before baking. It’s essential for the macaron shells to develop the right texture.

These Christmas Macarons will add a touch of elegance and fun to your holiday dessert table. With their vibrant colors and festive flavors, they’re sure to impress your guests and make your celebration even more special!