The sweet scent of freshly baked macarons filled the air as I stood in my kitchen, flipping through festive recipe ideas. Nothing says “holiday cheer” like these charming Christmas Tree Cake Macarons. With their vibrant green hue and nostalgic creamy filling, they are sure to become the centerpiece of your holiday dessert table. The best part? You can whip up these delightful treats in just under two hours, making them the perfect solution for busy schedules during the holiday rush. Plus, they’re vegetarian-friendly, ensuring that everyone can join in on the celebration. Are you ready to impress your friends and family with a festive twist on a classic French pastry? Let’s embark on this delightful baking adventure together!
Why Are These Macarons So Special?
Festive Vibes: These Christmas Tree Cake Macarons are not just a dessert; they capture the essence of holiday joy with every bite!
Impressive Presentation: With their tree-shaped design and vibrant green coloring, they’re a visual delight that will brighten any gathering.
Nostalgic Filling: The creamy filling, paired with crumbled snack cakes, evokes fond holiday memories, making them perfect for sharing.
Quick and Easy: You’ll love how these come together in under two hours, making them a stress-free option amidst holiday preparations.
Versatile Delight: Feel free to customize with different flavor extracts or sprinkles to match your holiday theme!
These macarons are sure to win over any crowd, combining festive charm with a touch of gourmet elegance. If you’re looking for more delightful holiday treats, check out my Strawberry Cheesecake Bars or the delightful Pistachio Carrot Cake for your dessert table!
Christmas Tree Cake Macaron Ingredients
• Get ready to create these delightful Christmas Tree Cake Macarons with this essential ingredient list!
For the Macaron Shells
• Powdered Sugar – Provides sweetness and a smooth texture; no substitutes recommended for optimal results.
• Almond Flour – Gives structure and a nutty flavor; substitute with sunflower seed flour for nut-free options.
• Egg Whites – Essential for the macaron’s structure; must be at room temperature for the best results.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the meringue and stabilizes the egg whites; crucial for achieving stiff peaks.
• Cream of Tartar – Stabilizes egg whites during whipping; can be omitted if unavailable.
• Green Gel Food Coloring – Used to achieve festive color; alternative colors can be used for different themes.
For the Filling
• Butter – Creates a creamy filling; must be softened for easy mixing.
• Heavy Cream – Adds richness to the filling; substitute with milk for a lighter option.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor in the filling; use almond extract for a different profile.
• Snack Cakes (crumbled) – Imparts a nostalgic holiday flavor; optional to use; can substitute with cake crumbs.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
Step 1: Sift Ingredients
Begin by sifting the powdered sugar and almond flour together twice in a bowl. This step is crucial for achieving smooth Christmas Tree Cake Macarons, as it removes any lumps and aerates the mixture. Use a fine-mesh sieve and ensure the dry ingredients are well combined before moving on.
Step 2: Beat Egg Whites
In a clean mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature egg whites with an electric mixer until they become foamy. Gradually add the cream of tartar and then the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, continuing to beat until you achieve stiff peaks that stand tall. This process takes about 5-7 minutes and provides the airy texture essential for the macaron shells.
Step 3: Color and Combine
Gently fold in the green gel food coloring into the meringue until fully incorporated. Gradually add the sifted almond flour mixture, using a spatula to fold carefully. The batter should resemble the texture of flowing lava; this means it’s ready for piping once the ingredients are fully mixed and the color is even.
Step 4: Pipe Shapes
Transfer the macaron batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. On lined baking sheets, pipe tree shapes or circular disks about 1.5 inches in diameter, making sure to leave space between each. Tap the baking sheets firmly on the counter to release any air bubbles trapped in the batter, which helps in creating smooth shells without cracks.
Step 5: Rest
Allow the piped macaron shells to rest for 30-60 minutes at room temperature. This crucial step enables them to form a skin on the surface, which helps achieve that signature macaron texture. You’ll know they’re ready when they are no longer sticky to the touch and have a slightly hardened exterior.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the macaron shells for 14-16 minutes, rotating the trays halfway through to ensure even baking. Watch for the cookies to puff up slightly and develop a smooth, shiny surface. Once done, let them cool on the baking sheets completely before handling.
Step 7: Make Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until fluffy and light in color, taking about 2-3 minutes. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, beating until smooth. Finally, fold in the crumbled snack cakes for that nostalgic flavor, creating a creamy filling perfect for your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons.
Step 8: Assemble Macarons
Once the shells are cool, pipe a generous amount of the filling onto the flat side of one shell. Gently press another shell on top to create a sandwich. For an extra festive touch, drizzle the assembled macarons with melted white chocolate and sprinkle with festive decorations like edible stars or colored sprinkles before serving.
Make Ahead Options
These festive Christmas Tree Cake Macarons are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the hectic holiday season! You can prepare the macaron shells up to 24 hours in advance by baking them and storing them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness. For the filling, you can mix it up to 3 days ahead; just be sure to keep it refrigerated in a sealed container to preserve its creamy texture. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the macarons by piping the filling onto the shells and sandwiching them together. This way, you can enjoy these delightful treats with minimal hassle while still delivering impressive holiday magic!
Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Variations
Feel free to let your imagination run wild as you customize these festive macarons with delightful twists!
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Nut-Free: Swap almond flour for sunflower seed flour to create a nut-free version that everyone can enjoy. These creamy treats can bring people together, no matter their dietary needs.
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Peppermint Infusion: Substitute vanilla extract with peppermint extract for a refreshing minty flavor. With this simple swap, you can create a winter wonderland that dances on your taste buds.
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Colorful Sprinkles: Use different colored sprinkles or edible glitter to match your holiday theme. This tiny touch can transform your macarons into eye-catching festive delights, perfect for parties.
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Chocolate Bliss: Add cocoa powder to the almond flour for chocolate-flavored macaron shells. Mixed with creamy filling, they create a rich chocolate experience that will entice cocoa lovers.
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Coconut Delight: Fold in shredded coconut to the filling for a tropical twist. The added texture and flavor will transport you to festive shores, offering something new and exciting during the holiday season.
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Spiced Flavors: Mix ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter or filling for a warm, spiced profile. This cozy addition embodies the spirit of the holidays and creates a deliciously unique treat.
These variations are just a few ideas to inspire creativity in the kitchen! While you’re at it, why not try your hand at whipping up some lovely festive snacks like Cookies & Cream Cheesecake or indulging in Buttermilk Pancakes for weekend brunch? The holiday season is a wonderful time to explore new flavors!
What to Serve with Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
Indulge in a whimsical holiday spread alongside these festive treats, creating a magical atmosphere for your gatherings.
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Hot Cocoa Bar: A cozy hot cocoa station allows guests to personalize their drinks. Pair sweet toppings like marshmallows with these macarons for an irresistible combination.
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Peppermint Bark: This classic holiday confection echoes the flavors of winter and adds a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy macarons.
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light counterpart. Citrus and berries bring a brightness that balances the richness of the macarons.
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Christmas Cookies: Offer a variety of sugar cookies decorated with festive icing. The different textures and flavors celebrate the holiday spirit, making the macarons shine even more.
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Eggnog: A creamy, spiced drink that complements the flavors of the macarons while evoking holiday nostalgia, making each bite even more delightful.
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Charcuterie Board: Include a selection of meats, cheeses, and dried fruits for a savory touch. The saltiness of the cheese pairs surprisingly well with the sweet macarons.
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Gingerbread Cake: Serve a slice of moist gingerbread cake as a perfect pairing. The warm spices enhance the festive experience, making your dessert table a delicious journey through the holidays.
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Coffee or Espresso: A strong cup of coffee or espresso not only balances the sweetness of the macarons but also adds an elegant touch to your holiday dessert presentation!
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
Fridge: Store assembled Christmas Tree Cake Macarons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze macarons for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
Thawing: To enjoy your frozen macarons, thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving. This helps retain their delicious texture and flavor.
Reheating: It’s not necessary to reheat macarons, but if you prefer them slightly warm, allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes after removing from the fridge.
Expert Tips for Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
- Room Temperature Egg Whites: Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature for optimal meringue consistency, leading to lighter macarons.
- Monitor Resting Time: Don’t skip the resting step! Allow shells to form a skin before baking to prevent cracks, ensuring perfect Christmas Tree Cake Macarons.
- Piping Technique: Use a steady, consistent pressure when piping to achieve uniform shapes. Don’t be afraid to practice a few times before committing to the final batch.
- Cooling Procedure: Be patient and let macarons cool completely on the baking sheet before handling to avoid breakage.
- Flavor Infusion: Allow assembled macarons to mature in the fridge for 24 hours to enhance the flavors, making them even more delightful!
Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my egg whites are at the right consistency?
Absolutely! Room temperature egg whites should be foamy and fluffy after beating, ultimately forming stiff peaks that stand tall when you lift the whisk. This texture is crucial for creating light and airy macaron shells.
How should I store my assembled macarons?
I recommend storing your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help maintain their freshness and chewy interior while preventing them from drying out or absorbing odors.
Can I freeze the macarons?
Yes, you can freeze your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons for up to 3 months. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent sticking. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to preserve their texture and shape.
What should I do if my macarons develop cracks during baking?
Very! Cracks often occur due to insufficient resting time or overmixing the batter. Ensure you let the piped macarons rest for 30-60 minutes until they form a skin. Also, make sure you’re folding the almond flour mixture gently to retain air in the meringue.
Are these macarons safe for those with nut allergies?
If you’re looking for a nut-free version, you can substitute almond flour with sunflower seed flour, which works beautifully and maintains that essential texture. Always check your ingredient labels to ensure they’re safe for everyone at the gathering!
Holiday Magic: Christmas Tree Cake Macarons to Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sift the powdered sugar and almond flour together in a bowl.
- Beat egg whites until foamy, then gradually add cream of tartar and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in green gel food coloring, then gradually add the sifted almond flour mixture.
- Pipe tree shapes or circular disks on lined baking sheets.
- Allow the piped macaron shells to rest for 30-60 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake the macaron shells for 14-16 minutes.
- Beat the softened butter until fluffy, then mix with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream.
- Pipe the filling onto one shell and sandwich with another shell.