Festive Christmas Tree Macarons

These Festive Christmas Tree Macarons are a whimsical and delicious way to celebrate the holidays! With their crisp, chewy shells and creamy filling, they’re decorated to look like little Christmas trees, making them the perfect addition to your holiday dessert table. Light, elegant, and bursting with flavor, these macarons will impress your guests and fill your kitchen with holiday cheer.

Ingredients

For the Macaron Shells:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup almond flour
• 3 large egg whites (at room temperature)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Green gel food coloring

For the Buttercream Filling:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• Red gel food coloring (for decoration)
• Green sprinkles or edible glitter (for decoration)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Macaron Shells

1. Sift the Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, sift together the powdered sugar and almond flour. This ensures that the shells are smooth and free of lumps.
2. Whip the Egg Whites:
   In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until they begin to foam. Once foamy, gradually add the granulated sugar, a little at a time, and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. The meringue should be glossy and hold its shape.
3. Color the Meringue:
   Add a few drops of green gel food coloring to the meringue and gently fold it in until the desired shade is achieved. Be careful not to deflate the meringue.
4. Fold in the Dry Ingredients:
   Gently fold the sifted almond flour and powdered sugar mixture into the meringue, using the “macaronage” technique (folding in a circular motion). The mixture should flow like molten lava when you lift the spatula. Be careful not to overmix or undermix—aim for a smooth, glossy batter.
5. Pipe the Macaron Shells:
   Transfer the macaron batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles (about 1.5 inches in diameter) onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them. Tap the baking sheet on the counter to release any air bubbles.
6. Rest the Macaron Shells:
   Let the piped shells sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, or until a skin forms on the surface. You should be able to lightly touch the surface without the batter sticking to your finger.
7. Bake the Macarons:
   Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the macaron shells for 12-15 minutes, or until they have risen and formed a “foot” at the bottom. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before removing them.

Step 2: Make the Buttercream Filling

1. Beat the Butter:
   In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the Powdered Sugar:
   Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until the buttercream is light and fluffy.
3. Add Vanilla and Cream:
   Stir in the vanilla extract, followed by the heavy cream (or milk) to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
4. Color the Buttercream:
   If desired, add a drop of red food coloring to create a festive pink or red buttercream, perfect for adding little details like ornaments or a star for the tree top.

Step 3: Assemble the Macarons

1. Pair Up the Macaron Shells:
   Once the macaron shells have cooled, pair them up based on size and shape.
2. Fill the Macarons:
   Pipe a small amount of buttercream onto the flat side of one macaron shell. Gently press the matching shell on top to form a sandwich.
3. Decorate the Macarons:
   Use additional green buttercream or royal icing to pipe a tree shape on top of each macaron. You can make the tree triangular, with layers of frosting. Decorate with red sprinkles for ornaments, edible glitter for a sparkling effect, and a small star at the top.
4. Chill the Macarons:
   Allow the macarons to sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours to let the flavors meld together and the filling set.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

Once your Festive Christmas Tree Macarons have had time to chill, they’re ready to be served! Enjoy the light, crisp shells with the rich, creamy filling and the festive decorations that are sure to make these macarons a holiday favorite.

Tips for Success:

• Macaron Troubleshooting: If your macarons are cracked or uneven, it could be due to overmixing the batter or insufficient resting time before baking.
• Coloring Tips: Be careful not to add too much food coloring, as it can affect the texture of the batter. Gel food coloring is best because it won’t add excess liquid.
• Decoration Options: You can get creative with the decorations! Try using different colored sprinkles, mini chocolate chips for ornaments, or edible pearls for a more glamorous touch.

These Festive Christmas Tree Macarons are the perfect holiday treat to add a touch of elegance and fun to your Christmas celebrations. Their light texture, festive look, and delicious flavor are sure to make them a hit at any holiday gathering!