These festive Santa Claus Macarons are not only a delightful treat for your holiday gatherings but also a fun baking project that everyone can enjoy. Their charming design, featuring a Sugar Cookie Buttercream filling and whimsical royal icing decorations, makes them perfect for special occasion parties or as gifts. With their vibrant colors and unique flavor, these macarons will stand out on any dessert table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Appearance: These macarons are designed to look like Santa Claus, adding a playful touch to your holiday celebrations.
- Delicious Filling: The Sugar Cookie Buttercream provides a sweet and creamy contrast to the crisp macaron shells.
- Easy to Make: While macarons may seem challenging, this recipe breaks down each step clearly, making it accessible for all skill levels.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for special occasion, these macarons can also be enjoyed during other celebrations or as an everyday dessert.
- Impressive Gift: Homemade macarons make a thoughtful and impressive gift for friends and family during the holiday season.
Tools and Preparation
Before getting started with your Santa Claus Macarons, gather the necessary tools and equipment to ensure a smooth baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Sifter
- Silpat or parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Piping bags with round tips
- Offset spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Essential for whipping egg whites to achieve the perfect meringue texture, which is crucial for macaron success.
- Mixing bowls: Multiple bowls will help you separate ingredients easily and keep everything organized.
- Sifter: Ensures that your almond flour and powdered sugar are free of lumps, leading to smoother macaron shells.
- Piping bags with round tips: Allow you to create even-sized macaron shells for consistent baking.
Ingredients
These festive Santa Claus Macarons are filled with a Sugar Cookie Buttercream that is delicious. And feature a royal icing decoration on top to make them look like Santa.
For the Macaron Shells
- 100 grams Domino® Golden Sugar
- 4 grams egg white powder (optional, read notes)
- 100 grams egg whites
- 105 grams almond flour
- 105 grams Domino® Powdered Sugar
For the Royal Icing Decoration
- 1 1/2 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 Filling
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (63 grams)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113 grams)
- 1/4 cup Domino® Golden Sugar (50 grams)
- 1 1/4 cup Domino® Powdered Sugar (156 grams)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- 1/4 cup desiccated coconut (shredded (50 grams))
How to Make Santa Claus Macarons
Step 1: Prepare the Macaron Batter
- Start by sifting together almond flour and powdered sugar into a bowl; this will remove any lumps.
- In another bowl, whip egg whites until foamy. Gradually add in the golden sugar while continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the whipped egg whites using a spatula until fully combined.
Step 2: Pipe the Macarons
- Transfer the macaron batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
- Pipe small circles onto a baking sheet lined with Silpat or parchment paper. Leave space between each shell.
- Tap the baking sheet gently on your counter to eliminate air bubbles.
Step 3: Dry and Bake
- Let the piped macarons sit at room temperature for about 30–60 minutes until they form a skin.
- Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Bake for about 18–20 minutes until they are firm but not browned.
Step 4: Prepare Royal Icing
- In a bowl, mix together powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth. If too thick, add more water gradually.
- Divide into portions and tint as desired using gel food coloring. Use this icing to decorate your cooled macaron shells.
Step 5: Make the Sugar Cookie Buttercream Filling
- Beat together unsalted butter and golden sugar until fluffy. Gradually add in powdered sugar while mixing well.
- Stir in vanilla extract, almond extract, milk or cream until combined. Add desiccated coconut for extra flavor.
Step 6: Assemble
- Pair up macaron shells of similar sizes. Pipe filling onto one shell and sandwich with another shell on top. Repeat until all macarons are assembled.
Enjoy your festive Santa Claus Macarons as a delightful treat this holiday season!
How to Serve Santa Claus Macarons
These delightful Santa Claus Macarons make a festive addition to any holiday gathering. Their charming appearance and delicious flavor will impress your guests and add a touch of whimsy to your dessert table.
With Hot Chocolate
- Pair these macarons with a warm cup of hot chocolate for a cozy treat on chilly evenings.
As a Dessert Table Centerpiece
- Arrange them in a decorative box or tiered stand to create an eye-catching centerpiece that will draw everyone’s attention.
With Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these macarons alongside a rich coffee or soothing tea for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
As Party Favors
- Wrap individual macarons in festive packaging and give them as party favors for guests to take home.
How to Perfect Santa Claus Macarons
Creating the perfect Santa Claus Macarons can be challenging but rewarding. Follow these tips to ensure your macarons turn out beautifully every time.
- Use aged egg whites: Allow egg whites to sit at room temperature for 24 hours before using, which helps achieve the right texture.
- Sift dry ingredients: Sifting almond flour and powdered sugar together eliminates lumps and ensures a smooth batter.
- Properly mix the batter: Fold the mixture until it reaches a lava-like consistency; this prevents overmixing while achieving the desired smooth surface.
- Rest before baking: Let the piped macarons rest for at least 30 minutes before baking. This forms a skin that helps them rise perfectly in the oven.
Best Side Dishes for Santa Claus Macarons
Santa Claus Macarons can be elevated with some delightful side dishes. Here are some tasty options that pair well with these festive treats.
- Fruit Platter: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits like strawberries, oranges, and kiwis adds freshness and balance.
- Cheese Board: Include soft cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits for a savory contrast to the sweetness of the macarons.
- Chocolate Fondue: A rich chocolate fondue allows guests to dip fruits or even extra macaron halves into melted chocolate.
- Mini Pastries: Offer an array of mini pastries like eclairs or puff pastries to complement the macarons’ flavors.
- Cookie Assortment: Provide a variety of holiday cookies alongside to cater to different tastes and preferences.
- Pecan Pie Bites: These bite-sized treats add a nutty sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the lightness of the macarons.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Santa Claus Macarons turn out perfectly, be mindful of these common mistakes.
- Bold Ingredients: Using incorrect ingredient measurements can lead to failed macarons. Always weigh your ingredients for accuracy.
- Bold Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can cause flat macarons. Mix until you achieve the right consistency—smooth and flowing.
- Bold Skipping Rest Time: Not allowing the macarons to rest before baking can prevent the formation of a proper shell. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Bold Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature may result in cracked or undercooked macarons. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate readings.
- Bold Neglecting Aging Egg Whites: Fresh egg whites may not whip up properly. Allow them to age for a day or two before using.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Santa Claus Macarons in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Santa Claus Macarons
- Place macarons in a single layer on a baking sheet before freezing.
- Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating Santa Claus Macarons
- Bold Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
- Bold Microwave: Heat on low power for no more than 10 seconds to avoid melting.
- Bold Stovetop: This method is not recommended as it can ruin the texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Santa Claus Macarons.
Can I use different colors for the Santa Claus Macarons?
Yes! Feel free to use various gel food colorings to create unique designs and themes.
What can I substitute for almond flour?
You can use finely ground sunflower seeds or oat flour if you have nut allergies or want an alternative.
How do I know when my macarons are done baking?
Macarons are ready when they form a firm shell and easily lift off the baking sheet without sticking.
Are Santa Claus Macarons suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! These festive treats make wonderful gifts during the holiday season, beautifully packaged in a festive box.
How long do I need to age egg whites for macarons?
Aging egg whites for about 24-48 hours will improve their stability when whipped into meringue.
Final Thoughts
These Santa Claus Macarons are delightful treats that bring festive cheer to any occasion. Their customizable nature allows you to play with flavors and colors, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or special gifts. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make these festive delights your own!
Santa Claus Macarons
Create festive Santa Claus Macarons filled with a delightful Sugar Cookie Buttercream that will impress your guests this holiday season. These whimsical treats not only boast a charming design but also offer a deliciously sweet and creamy filling that perfectly complements the crisp macaron shells. Ideal for special occasion parties, as gifts, or simply as a festive indulgence, this recipe is easy to follow, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. With vibrant colors and fun decorations, these cookies are sure to stand out on any dessert table.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 macarons 1x
Ingredients
- 100 grams golden sugar
- 4 grams egg white powder (optional)
- 100 grams egg whites
- 105 grams almond flour
- 105 grams powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for royal icing)
- 1 tbsp meringue powder
- 4 tbsp water
- 2 drops black gel food coloring
- 1 drop yellow gel food coloring
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup golden sugar
- 1 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for buttercream)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- 1/4 cup desiccated coconut
Instructions
- Prepare the macaron batter by sifting almond flour and powdered sugar into a bowl. In another bowl, whip egg whites until foamy, gradually adding golden sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the dry ingredients.
- Pipe small circles onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each shell. Let them sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes.
- Bake at 150°C (300°F) for about 18–20 minutes until firm.
- For the royal icing, mix powdered sugar with meringue powder and water until smooth; tint as desired.
- Make the Sugar Cookie Buttercream by creaming butter and golden sugar; add powdered sugar, extracts, milk or cream, and desiccated coconut.
- Assemble the macarons by pairing shells and piping in the filling.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaron
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Use aged egg whites for better meringue stability. Experiment with different gel food colors for unique designs. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.