If you’ve been craving something festive, elegant, and totally crowd-pleasing for the holidays, let me share my absolutely fantastic Christmas Tree Macarons Recipe with you. These little beauties are not only stunning to look at but taste like a winter wonderland in every bite. Trust me, once you make them, you’ll be hooked—my family goes crazy for these each holiday season, and I’m excited to help you nail them too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and Fun: Shaped like Christmas trees, these macarons bring holiday cheer to your dessert table.
- Light and Fluffy: The perfect balance of crisp shells and soft, creamy filling—nothing heavy or overpowering.
- Customizable Decorations: You can easily tweak colors, sprinkles, and drizzles to make these uniquely yours.
- Impresses Every Time: They may look fancy, but I’ve broken down steps so even beginners can succeed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here are straightforward but quality matters—especially the almond flour and eggs. Remember, finely ground almond flour and room temperature egg whites are your macarons’ best friends for that perfect texture.
- Powdered sugar: Twice sifted to keep the batter smooth and prevent lumps.
- Almond flour: Use blanched, finely ground for the best shell texture.
- Egg whites: Room temperature to get the fluffiest meringue possible.
- Granulated sugar: Added gradually for stable stiff peaks in your meringue.
- Cream of tartar: Helps stabilize your egg whites—a little goes a long way.
- Green gel food coloring: The vibrant, intense color you want for Christmas trees.
- Unsalted butter: Softened, to keep your filling rich but not salty.
- Powdered sugar (for filling): Sweetens the buttercream filling perfectly.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the filling flavor.
- Heavy cream: For smooth, creamy filling consistency.
- Finely crumbled snack cakes: I love using festive Christmas Tree Cakes for texture and flavor.
- Pinch of salt: Brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- White chocolate drizzle: Adds a pretty, festive touch that’s easy and delicious.
- Red and green sprinkles: For that classic holiday shimmer and texture.
- Edible gold stars (optional): Because who doesn’t want a little sparkle on their Christmas treats?
Variations
I like to play around with the colors and fillings depending on the season or mood. You can really make this Christmas Tree Macarons Recipe your own by swapping out flavors or decorations to suit your fancy.
- Peppermint Twist: Adding crushed peppermint candies to the filling is one of my favorite holiday upgrades—it adds a refreshing crunch.
- Chocolate Ganache Filling: If you’re a chocolate lover, try replacing the buttercream with a silky ganache for a richer bite.
- Vegan Version: Use aquafaba in place of egg whites and a dairy-free butter alternative for a festive vegan treat.
- Different Shapes: Feel free to pipe simple circles if piping trees feels intimidating at first—still festive and delicious!
How to Make Christmas Tree Macarons Recipe
Step 1: Prepare that Perfect Macaron Batter
Start by sifting your powdered sugar and almond flour together twice. This step is crucial—why? Because it creates a super fine, lump-free mixture that’ll give you smooth shells. Then, beat the egg whites until they’re foamy before adding cream of tartar. Slowly sprinkle in the granulated sugar and whisk until stiff peaks form—you should be able to hold the bowl upside down without a drop falling out, seriously! Mix in your green gel food coloring, and gently fold in the dry ingredients. The batter should flow like melted lava—not too runny, not too thick. This delicate balance is what makes or breaks your macarons.
Step 2: Pipe Your Christmas Tree Shapes
Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. I like to sketch tree shapes or simple circles on parchment paper lined baking trays as a guide. Pipe carefully, then tap the trays firmly against the counter to pop any air bubbles. This is one of those little tricks I learned that really helps keep your macarons smooth. Let them rest for 30 to 60 minutes—this ‘drying’ step forms a skin on top that makes the signature smooth, shiny surface. Patience here pays off big time!
Step 3: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake one tray at a time for 14 to 16 minutes, and don’t forget to rotate the tray halfway through so they bake evenly. When they’re done, the macarons should lift easily off the parchment or silicone mat—if they stick, bake a bit longer next time or check your oven temperature calibration. Cool them completely before removing to avoid cracks or sticking.
Step 4: Whip Up the Festive Filling
Beat softened butter until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Finally, carefully fold in the finely crumbled snack cakes—this adds an incredible festive texture and flavor that your friends will ask about. Transfer your luscious filling to a piping bag ready for assembly.
Step 5: Assemble and Decorate Your Masterpieces
Pair up macaron shells of similar size, then pipe a generous amount of filling on one shell and gently sandwich it with its partner. For the finishing touch, drizzle with white chocolate, sprinkle red and green accents, and if you’re feeling fancy, add those edible gold stars on top. It’s these details that take your Christmas Tree Macarons from cute to showstopper.
Step 6: Maturation is Key
Refrigerate your macarons in an airtight container for about 24 hours before digging in. This is the magic step I discovered that really helps the flavors blend and the texture become just right—soft inside with a little chew, perfect for a festive bite.
Pro Tips for Making Christmas Tree Macarons Recipe
- Room Temperature Eggs: I always let my egg whites sit out for at least 30 minutes before whipping—they beat to a higher volume and give better stability.
- Perfect Piping Consistency: The “lava” flow test is your best friend—too thick, and macarons will crack; too thin, and they’ll spread too much.
- Rest Time Matters: Don’t skip drying your piped shells before baking; it helps develop that iconic macaron “foot” and prevents cracking.
- Oven Calibration: My biggest mistake was uneven baking until I invested in an oven thermometer—it’s a game changer for macarons.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Macarons Recipe
Garnishes
I love to keep it classic with white chocolate drizzles and holiday sprinkles, but adding a few edible gold stars really elevates the look—and they taste like little treasures. For an extra special touch, finely chopped pistachios sprinkled on top add a delightful crunch and a pop of green.
Side Dishes
These macarons pair wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced tea or peppermint coffee—it’s like bringing the whole holiday vibe together. If you’re making a holiday dessert platter, include some fresh berries and a slice of gingerbread cake for a lovely balance of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like arranging the macarons in a tree shape on a festive platter, adding fresh rosemary sprigs to mimic pine branches. Another fun idea is placing them in clear gift boxes tied with red and green ribbons to give as sweet edible gifts—they always get rave reviews!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover Christmas Tree Macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator, separated by parchment paper layers to prevent sticking. They usually stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days—though honestly, they rarely last that long in my house!
Freezing
Freezing macarons is totally doable! Just freeze your assembled macarons on a baking sheet first, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw them gently overnight in the fridge. It’s a great way to prep for big holiday parties.
Reheating
I usually just bring macarons to room temperature before serving. Avoid microwaving as it can soften the delicate shells too much. Letting them sit out for about 20 minutes restores that perfect texture.
FAQs
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Can I make Christmas Tree Macarons Recipe without almond flour?
Unfortunately, no. Almond flour is essential for the signature texture and flavor of macarons. Using other flours will change the structure drastically and likely won’t produce the delicate shells you’re aiming for.
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How long can I store macarons after assembling them?
Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your Christmas Tree Macarons will stay fresh for up to three days. For best texture and flavor, try to consume them within that window.
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Why did my macaron shells crack?
Cracking is often caused by insufficient drying time before baking, overmixing or undermixing the batter, or oven temperatures that are too high or uneven. Make sure the shells form a skin before baking and monitor your oven temperature carefully.
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What if I don’t have a piping bag?
No worries! You can use a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off for piping. Just be sure the cut is small, so you can control the shapes accurately.
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Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
Gel food coloring is preferred because it’s more concentrated and won’t alter the batter’s consistency. Liquid colors add extra moisture that might affect the smoothness and drying of your shells.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Christmas Tree Macarons Recipe turns out every single time. It’s become my go-to holiday dessert because it combines classic elegance with fun, festive spirit. If you’re a bit intimidated by macarons, don’t be—they’re all about technique and patience, but I’ve broken it down for you here step-by-step. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes a new holiday tradition for you and your loved ones!
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Christmas Tree Macarons Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 macarons
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate the holiday season with these festive Christmas Tree Cake Macarons featuring delicate almond meringue shells tinted green, filled with a creamy buttercream mixing crumbled Christmas tree snack cakes, and decorated with white chocolate drizzle, colorful sprinkles, and edible gold stars for an elegant touch.
Ingredients
Macaron Shells
- 1 3/4 cups (175g) powdered sugar
- 1 cup (100g) almond flour (finely ground, blanched)
- 3 large egg whites (about 90g), room temperature
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Green gel food coloring
Filling
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (85g) finely crumbled snack cakes (Christmas Tree Cakes or similar)
- Pinch of salt
Decoration
- White chocolate drizzle
- Red and green sprinkles
- Edible gold stars (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Macaron Batter: Sift powdered sugar and almond flour together twice to ensure a smooth mixture. Beat the room temperature egg whites until foamy, then add cream of tartar. Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Mix in green gel food coloring to achieve the desired shade. Gently fold the almond flour mixture into the egg white batter until it reaches a lava-like flowing consistency.
- Pipe the Macarons: Transfer the macaron batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe tree shapes or circles onto baking sheets lined with baking mats or parchment paper. Tap the trays firmly on the counter to release any air bubbles. Let the piped batter rest at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes until a skin forms on the surface.
- Bake the Shells: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake one tray at a time for 14 to 16 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through baking for even color and texture. Once baked, allow shells to cool completely on the mats before attempting to remove them to prevent cracking.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat softened unsalted butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, followed by vanilla extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt, mixing on low speed until creamy and smooth. Fold in finely crumbled snack cakes gently to combine evenly. Transfer the filling to a piping bag.
- Assemble the Macarons: Pair macaron shells of similar size. Pipe a generous amount of filling on one shell and sandwich it with its matching shell, pressing lightly to spread the filling to the edges.
- Decorate: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the assembled macarons. Sprinkle with red and green sprinkles for contrast and festive appeal. Add edible gold stars on top for an optional elegant holiday touch.
- Mature for Best Flavor: Place the decorated macarons in an airtight container and refrigerate for 24 hours. This maturation time allows flavors to meld and the filling to soften for the perfect texture and taste.
Notes
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature before beating for better volume and stability.
- Resting the piped macarons before baking is critical to develop the characteristic smooth skins and feet.
- Customize decorations with different sprinkles or edible embellishments to suit your holiday theme or color preferences.
- Use a fine almond flour and double sift the dry ingredients to prevent grainy shells.
- Allow macarons to come to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaron
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
