Santa Claus Macarons

Santa Claus macarons are festive, whimsical treats that combine the delicate texture of classic macarons with a playful holiday design. These charming cookies are filled with sweet buttercream or ganache, making them a perfect centerpiece for holiday dessert spreads or a thoughtful homemade gift.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines the elegance of macarons with festive holiday cheer.
• Perfect for parties, gifting, or a fun family baking project.
• Crisp shells with a soft, chewy interior and flavorful filling.
• Fully customizable with flavors and colors.
• A delightful way to spread holiday joy!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Macaron Shells:

• Almond flour
• Powdered sugar
• Egg whites (room temperature)
• Granulated sugar
• Red gel food coloring

Filling:

• Unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Heavy cream or milk

Decorations:

• White royal icing or melted white chocolate (for the beard and hat trim)
• Mini marshmallows or white sprinkles (for the hat pompom)
• Black and red food markers or icing (for the eyes and nose)

Directions

this recipe

1. Prepare the Macaron Shells

• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
• Sift the almond flour and powdered sugar together into a bowl. Set aside.
• In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
• Add red gel food coloring to the meringue and gently fold in the dry ingredients in three additions. Mix until the batter flows like lava and forms ribbons that disappear into the batter after about 10 seconds.
• Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe 1.5-inch circles onto the prepared baking sheets.
• Tap the baking sheets firmly on the counter to release air bubbles. Let the macarons rest for 30-60 minutes, or until the tops are dry to the touch.
• Bake for 15-18 minutes, rotating the trays halfway through. Allow the shells to cool completely before removing them from the baking sheets.

2. Make the Filling

• Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
• Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag.

3. Assemble the Macarons

• Pair the macaron shells by size. Pipe a small amount of buttercream onto the flat side of one shell, then gently press the matching shell on top to create a sandwich.

4. Decorate the Macarons

• Use white royal icing or melted white chocolate to add a beard and hat trim to the macaron shells.
• Attach a mini marshmallow or white sprinkle to the top of the hat for the pompom.
• Draw eyes and a red nose using food markers or icing. Allow the decorations to set before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 20 macarons
• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Rest Time: 30-60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 48 minutes

Variations

• Flavor Options: Add peppermint, almond, or chocolate extract to the filling for a festive twist.
• Green Macarons: Make elf macarons using green shells and similar decorations.
• Chocolate Filling: Use ganache instead of buttercream for a richer flavor.
• Nut-Free Option: Substitute almond flour with sunflower seed flour for a nut-free alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store assembled macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfilled shells for up to 3 months. Thaw and fill before decorating and serving.
• Reheating: Serve macarons chilled or at room temperature; no reheating required.

FAQs

1. Can I use liquid food coloring?

No, liquid food coloring can alter the macaron batter consistency. Use gel food coloring for vibrant color without affecting texture.

2. Why do my macarons have cracks?

Cracks can occur if the batter wasn’t rested long enough or if the oven temperature was too high.

3. Can I skip the almond flour?

For nut-free macarons, substitute almond flour with finely ground sunflower seed flour.

4. Why are my macarons hollow?

Hollow shells may result from over-mixing the batter or baking at the wrong temperature.

5. Can I make the shells ahead of time?

Yes, unfilled shells can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container.

6. How do I pipe perfect circles?

Use a macaron template under parchment paper or silicone mats for consistent sizing.

7. Can I use store-bought royal icing?

Yes, pre-made royal icing works well for decorations.

8. How do I achieve shiny macaron shells?

Properly sift the dry ingredients and avoid over-mixing the batter. Resting the macarons also helps create smooth, shiny tops.

9. Are macarons hard to make?

While macarons require precision, following the steps carefully will yield great results.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but it’s recommended to make one batch at a time for best results.

Conclusion

Santa Claus macarons are a delightful combination of holiday spirit and indulgent flavor. With their festive design and delicate texture, these cookies are a show-stopper for any holiday gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying macarons for the first time, this recipe is sure to bring joy and deliciousness to your celebrations. Bake a batch today and spread some holiday cheer!

Print