Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I pulled the vibrant red and white Santa Claus Macarons out of the oven, the sweet scent of Sugar Cookie Buttercream filled my kitchen, instantly transporting me to a cozy holiday gathering. These Christmas macarons are not just a treat for the eyes; they offer a delightful contrast between the crisp shell and the creamy, dreamy filling, making them the perfect festive indulgence. Not only do they bring a playful twist to holiday celebrations, but they’re also surprisingly simple to master—ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs looking to impress. Ready to add a sprinkle of joy to your dessert table this season? Let’s dive into the magic of creating these lovely festive treats! Why Are Santa Claus Macarons a Must-Try? Delightful, festive appearance: These charming macarons aren’t just delicious; they bring a playful holiday spirit to any dessert table. Easy to make: With straightforward instructions, even beginners can master these festive treats! Perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Versatile flavors: Feel free to mix it up! While the Sugar Cookie Buttercream is a classic, other fillings like chocolate or peppermint can create a unique twist. Crowd-pleaser: Whether at holiday parties or cozy family gatherings, these macarons are sure to impress and delight everyone. Time-saving option: Prepare them ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a hassle-free treat during the busy holiday season. Try pairing them with hot chocolate for a cozy combination! Santa Claus Macaron Ingredients For the Macaron Shells • Domino® Golden Sugar – Adds a lovely sweetness and moisture; consider using brown sugar for a deeper flavor. • Egg White Powder – Optional for more stable meringue in humid climates; skip if the weather is dry. • Egg Whites – Essential for stability; ensure they’re at room temperature for the best results. • Almond Flour – Key for that delightful macaron texture; swap with finely ground cashews for a nut-free option. • Domino® Powdered Sugar – Essential for achieving smooth buttercream and macaron shells’ sweetness. • Meringue Powder – Used for structure in royal icing; can be replaced with extra powdered sugar if needed. • Black & Yellow Gel Food Coloring – Vital for festive decorations; adds a jolly touch to your cookies. For the Sugar Cookie Buttercream • All-Purpose Flour – Used in the buttercream; remember to heat-treat it for safety. • Unsalted Butter – Brings creaminess and richness to the buttercream; make sure it’s softened. • Vanilla & Almond Extracts – Enhance the flavor profile of your buttercream; add a delightful depth. • Milk or Heavy Cream – Adjusts the buttercream’s consistency; use as needed for creaminess. • Desiccated Coconut – Optional for rolling the sides, adding a snowy, festive effect. Empower your baking with these essential ingredients for creating delightful Santa Claus Macarons, perfect for joyful holiday gatherings! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Santa Claus Macarons Step 1: Preparation Start by gathering all your ingredients for the Santa Claus Macarons, ensuring everything is measured. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This setup will streamline your baking experience and keep your work area tidy, allowing you to focus on creating those delightful macarons. Step 2: Meringue In a bowl over simmering water, gently whisk together the Domino® Golden Sugar and egg white powder until melted and smooth. Once combined, remove from heat and quickly whip your room temperature egg whites using a stand mixer or hand mixer until stiff peaks form—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Your meringue should be glossy and hold its shape beautifully. Step 3: Macaron Shells Sift the almond flour and powdered sugar together before gently folding it into the meringue using a spatula. Aim for a consistent, thick, and slightly shiny batter that flows like molten lava when you lift the spatula—this process will take roughly 2-3 minutes. It’s crucial to achieve the right texture, which is key to your Santa Claus Macarons forming those signature feet. Step 4: Piping Transfer the macaron batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe round circles, about 1.5 inches in diameter, onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving space between them for expansion. Once piped, let them rest at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes, or until the tops feel dry to the touch—this resting time is essential to prevent cracks during baking. Step 5: Baking Place one tray of macarons in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, monitoring closely. The macarons should be firm to the touch and have feet formed at the base by the end of their time in the oven. After baking, allow them to cool completely on the sheets before attempting to remove them, ensuring they maintain their lovely structure. Step 6: Royal Icing While the shells cool, prepare the royal icing by mixing the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and a small amount of water until it reaches a glossy, piping consistency. Dyes can be added for festive flair when decorating your shells. Carefully pipe faces and details onto your cooled macaron shells, allowing the icing to set for a few minutes. Step 7: Buttercream Now, it’s time to create the Sugar Cookie Buttercream! First, heat-treat the all-purpose flour for safety by briefly baking it at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. Once cooled, beat the softened unsalted butter and all other buttercream ingredients together until creamy and smooth, adjusting the milk or cream to your desired consistency. Step 8: Finishing Touch Pipe a generous amount of the Sugar Cookie Buttercream onto the bottom of half of your macaron shells. Sandwich them with the remaining shells to form delightful little treats. For an extra festive touch, roll the sides of the assembled macarons in desiccated coconut to create a snowy effect that will bring joy to your holiday gatherings! Expert Tips for Santa Claus Macarons • Perfect Meringue: Use room temperature egg whites for a stable meringue; cold egg whites can lead to flat macarons. • Resting Time: Don’t skip resting the piped shells! It helps form a skin, preventing cracks during baking for flawless Santa Claus Macarons. • Sifting Matters: Sift together your almond flour and powdered sugar well to avoid lumps, ensuring a smooth batter for better texture. • Oven Accuracy: Invest in an oven thermometer; baking temperatures can vary, and an accurate temp ensures the perfect rise and texture. • Color Intensity: For vibrant decorations, add gel food coloring sparingly to the meringue; too much can affect the macarons’ texture. How to Store and Freeze Santa Claus Macarons Fridge: Keep your Santa Claus Macarons in an airtight container; they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. Layer them carefully to avoid sticking. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze macarons in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can last for 1-2 months. Thawing: To enjoy frozen macarons, thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving for the best texture and flavor. Reheating: There’s no need to reheat; simply enjoy them chilled or allow them to come to room temperature for a delightful treat! Make Ahead Options These Santa Claus Macarons are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to ease holiday baking! You can prepare the macaron shells up to 24 hours in advance. Simply bake and cool the shells, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness. Additionally, the Sugar Cookie Buttercream can be made up to 3 days ahead; keep it in the fridge in an airtight container. When you’re ready to assemble, just beat the buttercream to restore its creamy texture before piping it onto the macaron shells. By prepping ahead, you’ll save precious time and still enjoy delicious, festive treats that are sure to impress your guests! Santa Claus Macarons: Customizable Festive Treats Embrace your creativity and experiment with these delightful macarons that bring joy to your holiday celebrations! Gluten-Free: Substitute almond flour exclusively for the macaron shells, ensuring a gluten-free treat that’s just as delicious. Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter and almond milk to create a lovely dairy-free Sugar Cookie Buttercream without compromising on taste. Minty Fresh: Swap the Sugar Cookie Buttercream for a peppermint filling, infusing your macarons with refreshing holiday vibes. Choco-Lovers: Try a chocolate ganache filling by melting dark chocolate with a splash of cream, offering a rich alternative for the sweet tooth. Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the buttercream for a warm spice that dances on the palate. Vibrant Colors: Boost the festive feel by using a rainbow of gel food colorings to create multi-colored Santa hats and faces on your macarons. Texture Play: Crushed candy canes sprinkled on the filling will give an exciting crunch, making each bite memorable. Nut-Free Twist: Use sunflower seed flour instead of almond flour for a nut-free macaron shell, allowing those with nut allergies to join in on the fun. For more tips, consider making these festive macarons gluten-free by using almond flour or pairing them with a warm beverage like hot chocolate for an irresistible holiday treat! What to Serve with Santa Claus Macarons Elevate your holiday gatherings by pairing these festive treats with delightful accompaniments that perfectly complement their sweet charm. Rich Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of rich hot chocolate brings out the sweetness of the macarons while providing a cozy, indulgent experience. Spiced Cider: This aromatic drink, with hints of cinnamon and cloves, adds a delightful spiciness that balances the sweetness of the macarons. Creamy Eggnog: Enjoy this classic holiday drink; its creamy texture and nutmeg flavor beautifully enhance the festive macarons. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream offers a cool contrast to the sweet macarons, creating a delightful textural experience. Gingerbread Cookies: Pairing these with gingerbread cookies adds a spicy twist, bringing out the holiday spirit in every bite. Pecan Pie: The nutty richness of pecan pie complements the macarons’ sweetness, making for a delightful dessert duo. Festive Cheesecake: Adding a slice of cheesecake, perhaps with a berry topping, creates a balance of rich and sweet flavors on your dessert table. Holiday Punch: A festive drink like cranberry punch can brighten your gathering, perfectly refreshing alongside the indulgence of the macarons. Coffee or Tea: Whether it’s a robust coffee or fragrant tea, both beverages enhance the flavors of the macarons while offering a comforting warmth. Santa Claus Macarons Recipe FAQs How do I know if the egg whites are ripe for meringue? Absolutely! Egg whites should be at room temperature to whip up into a stable meringue. Fresh, undamaged egg whites without any yolk contamination are ideal. For a common visual cue, look for egg whites that hold stiff peaks—this indicates they are ready for your macaron batter. What are the best storage methods for Santa Claus Macarons? Store your Santa Claus Macarons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure they are layered with parchment paper to avoid sticking. If you want to keep them longer, they can also be frozen for 1-2 months in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container, and they will maintain their delightful flavor! Can I freeze Santa Claus Macarons? Yes, you can! To freeze your Santa Claus Macarons, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them into an airtight, freezer-safe container. Be sure to consume them within 1-2 months for the best texture and flavor. What common troubleshooting tips should I follow? If your macarons crack while baking, it could be due to not resting the piped shells long enough before baking. It’s crucial to let them dry until they form a skin to prevent cracks. Additionally, make sure you are folding your batter to the correct consistency—aim for a glossy mixture that can flow smoothly but still holds its shape when piped. If your macarons are hollow, consider reducing the mixing time during the macaronage process. Are there any dietary considerations for Santa Claus Macarons? While traditional Santa Claus Macarons contain gluten from the all-purpose flour in the Sugar Cookie Buttercream, you can make them gluten-free by using only almond flour for the shells. Keep in mind that almond flour may not work well for those with nut allergies. For a vegan option, substitute the egg whites with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) and ensure the butter in the buttercream is plant-based. Santa Claus Macarons: Joyful Holiday Treats to Brighten Up Christmas These Santa Claus Macarons are a delightful treat bringing festive spirit to any celebration. Their crisp shells hide a creamy, dreamy filling, making them a perfect holiday indulgence. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 18 minutes minsResting Time 45 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 33 minutes mins Servings: 24 macaronsCourse: DessertsCuisine: FrenchCalories: 100 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Macaron Shells1 cup Domino® Golden Sugar Adds sweetness and moisture; brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.1 tbsp Egg White Powder Optional for stable meringue in humid climates.3 large Egg Whites Ensure they're at room temperature.2 cups Almond Flour Can substitute with finely ground cashews for nut-free.2 cups Domino® Powdered Sugar Essential for smooth buttercream and sweetness.1 tbsp Meringue Powder Used for structure in royal icing.1 tbsp Black & Yellow Gel Food Coloring For festive decorations.Sugar Cookie Buttercream1 cup All-Purpose Flour Heat-treat for safety.1 cup Unsalted Butter Must be softened.2 tsp Vanilla Extract1 tsp Almond Extract3 tbsp Milk or Heavy Cream Use as needed for consistency.1 cup Desiccated Coconut Optional, for rolling. Equipment Stand mixerpiping bagbaking sheetsparchment paperOven Method PreparationGather all ingredients and preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line baking sheets.MeringueWhisk together sugar and egg white powder over simmering water until melted. Whip egg whites until stiff peaks form.Macaron ShellsSift almond flour and powdered sugar, then fold into meringue until a thick batter forms.PipingTransfer batter to piping bag and pipe circles on prepared sheets. Let rest until tops feel dry, about 30-60 minutes.BakingBake for 15-18 minutes until firm to touch. Let cool completely.Royal IcingMix powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until glossy. Pipe faces on cooled shells.ButtercreamHeat-treat flour, then beat with butter and other ingredients until smooth.Finishing TouchPipe buttercream on half of the shells and sandwich with remaining shells. Optionally roll in desiccated coconut. Nutrition Serving: 1macaronCalories: 100kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 20mgSugar: 10gVitamin A: 100IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg NotesThese macarons can be prepared in advance. Store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
