Description
Festive Christmas Macarons are vibrant, holiday-themed treats with a crisp shell, chewy interior, and luscious buttercream filling. Perfect for gifting, dessert tables, or cookie swaps, these colorful macarons are a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season.
Ingredients
Macaron Shells:
- Powdered sugar
- Almond flour
- Egg whites
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Red and green food coloring
Buttercream Filling:
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Milk
- Red and green food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Sift powdered sugar and almond flour into a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until frothy. Gradually add granulated sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into meringue in batches, avoiding deflation.
- Divide batter into two portions; color one red and the other green.
- Pipe 1 ½-inch rounds onto baking sheets, spacing apart.
- Tap sheets to release air bubbles, then let rest 30-60 minutes until a skin forms.
- Bake 15-18 minutes until shells develop “feet.”
- For filling, beat butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Divide and color portions red and green.
- Pipe buttercream onto one shell’s flat side and sandwich with another.
- Refrigerate macarons for 24 hours to enhance flavor.
Notes
- Resting the macarons before baking is essential for proper texture.
- Sift dry ingredients thoroughly for smooth shells.
- Experiment with seasonal flavors like peppermint extract or alternative fillings like ganache.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Resting Time: 30-60 minutes (plus 24 hours resting)
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
