Santa Claus Macarons

Nothing says festive fun quite like Santa Claus Macarons! These whimsical treats are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the taste buds. Imagine delicate almond cookies filled with creamy buttercream, all decked out in Santa’s iconic colors. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply looking to spread some cheer, these macarons are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Plus, they make for an impressive gift or holiday treat that your friends and family will rave about!

Why make this recipe

Reasons to try it

You might wonder, what sets Santa Claus Macarons apart from other festive desserts? For starters, they meld elegance with playfulness, making them the perfect conversation starter at any holiday gathering. Not to mention, these delicious confections are deceptively simple to make, allowing both seasoned bakers and novices to join in on the fun.

Here’s a glowing review from one of our satisfied bakers:

"I made these macarons for our holiday party, and they were a hit! They looked like they were from a fancy bakery, but the recipe was easy to follow. Everyone loved the taste!"

Combining the charm of Christmas with a classic French pastry, these macarons are far from ordinary. They are perfect for holiday potlucks, cookie exchanges, or simply indulging in a bit of festive spirit at home. Their beautiful presentation and delightful flavors will surely impress!

How to make Santa Claus Macarons

The cooking process explained

Creating these festive macarons is an enjoyable experience that follows several simple steps. You’ll start with crafting the macaron shells, followed by making the royal icing for decoration, and finally whipping up the sugar cookie buttercream filling. It might seem like a lot, but I assure you, each step flows seamlessly into the next.

Here’s how it all comes together:

1. Prepare your macaron batter.
2. Pipe the Santa faces onto parchment paper.
3. Bake the shells to perfection.
4. Decorate with royal icing.
5. Prepare the filling and assemble.

You’re in for a delightful baking journey that will fill your home with divine aromas!

Ingredients

What you’ll need

Gather these items to create your Santa Claus Macarons:

• For the Macaron Shells:
  • 100 grams Domino® Golden Sugar
  • 4 grams egg white powder (optional)
  • 100 grams egg whites
  • 105 grams almond flour
  • 105 grams Domino® Powdered Sugar
• For the Decorations:
  • 1 ½ cups Domino® Powdered Sugar (187 grams)
  • 1 tbsp meringue powder
  • 4 tbsp water
  • 2 drops black gel food coloring
  • 1 drop yellow gel food coloring
• For the Sugar Cookie Buttercream:
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (63 grams)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (113 grams)
  • ¼ cup Domino® Golden Sugar (50 grams)
  • 1 ¼ cups Domino® Powdered Sugar (156 grams)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/8 tsp almond extract
  • ½ tbsp milk or heavy cream
  • ¼ cup desiccated coconut (shredded, 50 grams)

Feel free to get creative with ingredients – you could use different extracts or food coloring to personalize your macarons!

Directions

Step-by-step instructions

Now, let’s dive into the specifics of preparing these adorable treats:

1. Prepare Egg Whites:

   • In a bowl, combine egg whites and whip until foamy. Gradually add the Domino® Golden Sugar until stiff peaks form.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients:

   • Sift together almond flour and powdered sugar. If using, mix in the egg white powder.

3. Fold the Mixture:

   • Gently fold the dry ingredients into the whipped egg whites. Be careful not to over-mix; you want a smooth batter.

4. Pipe the Macarons:

   • Transfer the batter into a piping bag and pipe Santa faces onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
   • Let them sit for 30-60 minutes to form a skin.

5. Bake:

   • Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake the macarons for 15-18 minutes. Allow them to cool completely before removing from the sheet.

6. Prepare Royal Icing:

   • Beat together the meringue powder, water, and confectioner’s sugar until smooth. Use this to decorate the cooled shells.

7. Make the Buttercream:

   • Cream the unsalted butter and sugars until fluffy. Mix in the vanilla, almond extract, and milk until well combined.

8. Assemble:

   • Fill half of your macaron shells with the buttercream and replace with the other half.

How to serve Santa Claus Macarons

Best ways to enjoy them

Presentation is key with these delightful treats! Arrange your Santa Claus Macarons on a festive platter, garnished with a sprinkle of desiccated coconut for a snowy effect. Pair them with a warm cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea for a cozy holiday vibe.

Additionally, consider providing a variety of flavors at holiday gatherings or gifting a beautifully packaged box of these macarons – they’ll surely bring joy to anyone who receives them!

How to store

Storage and reheating tips

To keep your Santa Claus Macarons fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them for up to a week. For extended freshness, you can freeze the unfilled macaron shells for up to a month, allowing you to whip up fresh butterflies just in time for the holiday rush.

Tips to make

Pro chef tips

Here are some extra tips to enhance your macaron-making experience:

• Aging Egg Whites: For the best results, use aged egg whites (let them sit uncovered in the fridge overnight).
• Avoid Humidity: Macarons are sensitive to moisture, so try to bake on a dry day.
• Lift Test: If lightly tapping the bottom of a macaron doesn’t make it budge, they’re ready to come out of the oven!

Variations

Creative twists

While Santa Claus Macarons are a holiday must, consider these variations for different occasions:

• Flavor Change: Infuse your buttercream with peppermint extract for a refreshing twist.
• Color Variations: Use different food coloring to create a winter wonderland theme.
• Texture Additions: Add crushed candy canes to your buttercream for a crunchy surprise!

FAQs

Common questions

• How long does it take to make Santa Claus Macarons?
  Expect about 2 to 3 hours from start to finish, including baking and cooling times.

• Can I use different food colors?
  Absolutely! Get creative with your color combinations and designs to reflect your personal style.

• What if my macarons crack?
  Cracked shells typically indicate overbaking or too much moisture. Ensure to dry your macarons sufficiently before baking, and keep an eye on the temperature.

Now, roll up your sleeves and get ready to delight in making these charming and delicious Santa Claus Macarons – perfect for festive celebrations and sweet holiday memories! Happy baking!

Santa Claus Macarons

Delightful almond cookies filled with creamy buttercream, adorned in festive red and white, perfect for holiday celebrations.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2 hours hrs

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 18 minutes mins

Course Baked Goods, Dessert

Cuisine French, Holiday

Servings 24 pieces

Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Macaron Shells

• 100 grams 100 grams Domino® Golden Sugar
• 4 grams 4 grams egg white powder (optional) Omit if not using
• 100 grams 100 grams egg whites Use aged egg whites for best results
• 105 grams 105 grams almond flour
• 105 grams 105 grams Domino® Powdered Sugar

For the Decorations

• 187 grams 1 ½ cups Domino® Powdered Sugar
• 1 tablespoon 1 tbsp meringue powder
• 4 tablespoons 4 tbsp water
• 2 drops 2 drops black gel food coloring
• 1 drop 1 drop yellow gel food coloring

For the Sugar Cookie Buttercream

• 63 grams ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 113 grams ½ cup unsalted butter
• 50 grams ¼ cup Domino® Golden Sugar
• 156 grams 1 ¼ cups Domino® Powdered Sugar
• 1 teaspoon 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon 1/8 tsp almond extract
• ½ tablespoon ½ tbsp milk or heavy cream
• 50 grams ¼ cup desiccated coconut (shredded) For garnish

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a bowl, combine egg whites and whip until foamy. Gradually add the Domino® Golden Sugar until stiff peaks form.
• Sift together almond flour and powdered sugar. If using, mix in the egg white powder.
• Gently fold the dry ingredients into the whipped egg whites. Be careful not to over-mix; you want a smooth batter.
• Transfer the batter into a piping bag and pipe Santa faces onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them sit for 30-60 minutes to form a skin.

Baking

• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake the macarons for 15-18 minutes. Allow them to cool completely before removing from the sheet.

Decoration

• Beat together the meringue powder, water, and confectioner’s sugar until smooth. Use this to decorate the cooled shells.

Buttercream Filling

• Cream the unsalted butter and sugars until fluffy. Mix in the vanilla, almond extract, and milk until well combined.

Assembly

• Fill half of your macaron shells with the buttercream and replace with the other half.

Notes

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week. You can freeze unfilled macaron shells for up to a month for later use. Consider aging egg whites for best results and avoid baking on humid days.

Keyword Dessert Recipes, Festive Baking, holiday treats, Macarons, Santa Claus Macarons