The enchanting scent of vanilla and butter wafting through my kitchen can only mean one thing: it’s time to celebrate the holidays with something truly special. Enter the Christmas Tree Cake Macarons! These whimsical little confections are not just a treat for the eyes with their festive green hue and playful shapes; they also deliver a delightful flavor reminiscent of classic holiday desserts. Picture a soft, chewy shell giving way to a rich cake-inspired filling that sings of nostalgia and joy.
With a surprisingly quick prep time of under two hours, these macarons fit perfectly into the busy holiday schedule. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone looking to impress at this year’s holiday gathering, these macarons are bound to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on this sweet journey to bring some joy and cheer to the season!
Why Are Christmas Tree Cake Macarons So Special?
Uniquely Festive: These macarons bring a joyful twist to holiday desserts, embodying the spirit of Christmas in every bite.
Flavor Fusion: The rich cake-inspired filling paired with a light macaron shell creates a delicious symphony of flavors that evokes holiday nostalgia.
Quick Preparation: With a total prep time under two hours, you can whip up these treats even amid holiday hustle and bustle.
Eye-Catching Presentation: Their vibrant green hue and charming tree shape make them perfect for impressing guests or gifting.
Versatile Delight: Feel free to customize flavors or colors, making them suitable for various festive occasions. Create a delightful holiday atmosphere with these tasty treats!
Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Ingredients
-
For the Macaron Shells
-
Powdered Sugar – Sweetness and smooth texture; ensure it’s sifted to prevent lumps.
-
Almond Flour – Provides structure and flavor; can substitute with sunflower seed flour for nut-free options.
-
Egg Whites – Essential for aeration and structure; use room temperature whites for better volume.
-
Granulated Sugar – Stabilizes egg whites and adds sweetness.
-
Cream of Tartar – Stabilizes egg whites, ensuring a sturdy meringue.
-
Green Gel Food Coloring – For a festive holiday hue; adjust quantity to achieve desired color.
-
For the Filling
-
Butter – Base for filling, contributing richness; softened for easy mixing.
-
Heavy Cream – Adds creaminess to the filling.
-
Vanilla Extract – Flavor component enhancing overall taste.
-
Salt – Balances the sweetness.
-
Crumbled Snack Cakes – For that nostalgic holiday flavor in the filling; adjust amount based on preference.
-
Optional Toppings
-
White Chocolate – For drizzling; adds elegance to the presentation.
-
Sprinkles/Edible Gold Star – Enhances visual appeal; sprinkle for holiday spirit.
These Christmas Tree Cake Macarons are not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for your taste buds, perfect for spreading festive cheer!
How to Make Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
-
Sift Together: Sift the powdered sugar and almond flour twice into a bowl. This step ensures your batter is smooth and lump-free, creating the perfect texture for your macarons.
-
Beat Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, beat room-temperature egg whites until they become foamy. Gradually add cream of tartar and granulated sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
-
Add Color: Gently fold in green gel food coloring to your egg whites, aiming for a vibrant hue. Then, carefully mix in the sifted almond flour mixture until the batter flows like lava—smooth and glossy, not too runny.
-
Pipe Shapes: Using a piping bag, pipe the batter onto lined baking sheets in tree shapes or circles, depending on your preference. Tap the trays gently against the counter to release any air bubbles, then let the macarons rest for 30-60 minutes until they form a slight skin.
-
Preheat and Bake: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the macarons for 14-16 minutes, rotating the trays halfway through for even baking. They should develop those signature “feet” and look slightly glossy.
-
Cool Completely: Once baked, allow the shells to cool completely on the baking sheet before removing them. This step is crucial to prevent breakage.
-
Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until fluffy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Finally, fold in the crumbled snack cakes for that nostalgic flavor.
-
Assemble Macarons: Pipe a generous amount of filling onto one macaron shell, then sandwich it with another shell. Press gently to create a delightful little macaron sandwich!
-
Optional Decoration: If desired, drizzle with melted white chocolate, then sprinkle with festive decorations or add an edible gold star for that extra holiday sparkle.
-
Chill for Flavor: Refrigerate your assembled macarons for at least 24 hours to allow all those wonderful flavors to meld together for the best tasting experience.
Optional: Serve with a cup of hot cocoa for a cozy pairing!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons and explore delightful twists that will leave your holiday guests in awe!
- Dairy-Free: Swap butter for a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter for a creamy filling without dairy.
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed flour in place of almond flour to make these macarons accessible to those with nut allergies. They’ll still be a festive hit!
- Flavor Infusion: Replace vanilla extract with almond or hazelnut extract in the filling for an aromatic twist that deepens the flavor profile.
- Fruity Filling: Add a layer of raspberry or cranberry puree to the filling for a fruity surprise that beautifully complements the richness of the macaron shell.
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix cocoa powder into half of the macaron batter for a chocolatey twist while keeping the filling the same for a delicious contrast!
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to the filling for a warm spice that elevates the nostalgic holiday flavors, making each bite extra comforting.
- Decorative Touch: Use colored sugar sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the macarons for a festive sparkle that adds an extra festive flair.
- Mini Macarons: Make smaller versions by piping the batter in mini shapes, perfect for bite-sized treats that are great for sharing at holiday gatherings.
Each variation opens a world of possibilities, making your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons unique and memorable for every festive occasion!
Storage Tips for Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
Fridge: Store assembled macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh while the flavors continue to develop.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the macarons in an airtight container, separated by parchment paper, for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
Reheating: If stored in the fridge, let the macarons come to room temperature before enjoying. This enhances their delightful texture and flavor.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the macaron shells in advance and fill them just before serving for optimal freshness and visual appeal!
Expert Tips for Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
- Sift Carefully: Always sift the powdered sugar and almond flour together twice. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth batter, essential for perfect Christmas Tree Cake Macarons.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Use egg whites that are at room temperature for better aeration. This helps achieve those coveted stiff peaks for a sturdy shell.
- Resting Time: Don’t skip the resting period before baking. Allowing the macarons to rest for 30-60 minutes forms a skin on the surface, crucial for the perfect macaron.
- Batter Consistency: Keep an eye on the batter— it should flow easily but not be too runny. A proper texture is key to getting that lovely “foot” on your macarons.
- Mature for Flavor: Let the assembled macarons refrigerate for at least 24 hours. This step enhances the flavor, making the Christmas Tree Cake Macarons even more delicious.
What to Serve with Christmas Tree Cake Macarons?
Complete your holiday celebration with delightful pairings that elevate your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons experience.
- Hot Cocoa: Rich and creamy, a cup of hot cocoa perfectly complements the sweet flavors of the macarons while adding a cozy warmth to your festivities.
- Festive Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like pomegranate and citrus balances the sweetness, bringing a burst of color and tang to your holiday spread.
- Sparkling Cider: The bubbly nature of sparkling cider provides a fun, celebratory touch that heightens the festive atmosphere and pairs beautifully with the rich macaron filling.
- Gingerbread Cookies: Elevate the holiday spirit further by incorporating spicy gingerbread cookies; their warmth enhances the nostalgic vibe of the macarons, making for a delightful treat combination.
- Creamy Eggnog: This classic holiday drink lends a rich creaminess that fits seamlessly with the flavors in the macarons, ensuring each bite is even more indulgent.
- Chocolate Mint Mousse: The fresh mint and rich chocolate flavors create an exciting contrast that perfectly dances with the cheerful sweetness of the macarons, making dessert even more enjoyable.
- Spiced Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in a warm cup of spiced chai tea enhance the flavor profile of the macarons, providing an inviting contrast that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Brownie Bites: Pairing macarons with fudgy brownie bites adds a decadent touch, creating a playful dessert platter that showcases a variety of flavors to impress your guests.
- Winter Berry Tart: A tart filled with seasonal berries offers a slight tartness that cuts through the sweetness of the macarons, creating a balanced and beautiful dessert table.
- Peppermint Milkshake: This exciting twist takes dessert to the next level, blending festive flavors that pair wonderfully with the macaron’s nostalgic cake-inspired filling.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Tree Cake Macarons are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can make the macaron shells up to 3 days in advance; simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Additionally, the filling can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 2 days—just ensure it’s in a tightly sealed container to maintain its fluffy texture. When you’re ready to assemble, simply pipe the filling between cooled macaron shells and chill them for at least 24 hours before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring each bite is just as delightful as if you made them fresh!
Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Recipe FAQs
What type of almond flour should I use for Christmas Tree Cake Macarons?
I recommend using finely ground blanched almond flour for the best texture and flavor in your macarons. If you need a nut-free option, sunflower seed flour is a great substitute!
How should I store my Christmas Tree Cake Macarons?
You can store your assembled macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This helps maintain their freshness and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Can I freeze Christmas Tree Cake Macarons?
Absolutely! To freeze, place the assembled macarons in an airtight container, separated by layers of parchment paper, for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight for the best texture.
Why didn’t my macarons develop “feet”?
There could be several reasons! Make sure to allow them to rest for 30-60 minutes before baking so a skin forms. Also, you can check that your batter isn’t too runny—aim for a consistency that flows like lava. Finally, ensure your oven temperature is accurate because baking at too high a heat can impede foot development.
Are these macarons suitable for those with allergies?
The Christmas Tree Cake Macarons do contain nuts, specifically almond flour. If you’re preparing them for someone with nut allergies, you can swap almond flour with a nut-free alternative like sunflower seed flour. Just be sure to double-check all other ingredients for potential allergens.
Jaw-Dropping Christmas Tree Cake Macarons You Must Try!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sift powdered sugar and almond flour twice into a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add cream of tartar and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold in green gel food coloring to egg whites, then mix in the sifted almond flour mixture until smooth.
- Pipe batter onto lined baking sheets in tree shapes or circles, tap to release air bubbles, and let rest for 30-60 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake for 14-16 minutes, rotating trays halfway through.
- Cool the shells completely on the baking sheet before removing.
- Beat softened butter until fluffy. Mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Fold in crumbled snack cakes.
- Pipe filling onto one macaron shell and sandwich it with another shell.
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate and add decorations if desired.
- Refrigerate assembled macarons for at least 24 hours before serving.