Christmas Macarons: Festive & Colorful Holiday Treats
Macarons, the iconic French pastry, have become a beloved treat worldwide, especially during the holidays. Their delicate, crispy shells and rich fillings offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making them an ideal dessert to share during festive celebrations. With Christmas just around the corner, why not add a little color and flavor to your holiday table with Christmas macarons? These vibrant, colorful treats not only look beautiful but are a joy to make (and eat!). Whether you go for classic red, green, or even a snowy white design, they are sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients (Makes approximately 20 macarons)
Macaron Shells:
- 110 g (1 cup) powdered sugar
- 55 g (½ cup) almond flour
- 40 g (3 tbsp) egg whites (aged 24 hours at room temperature for the best results)
- 40 g (3 tbsp) granulated sugar
- Gel food coloring: Red, green, or any other festive colors of your choice
Filling Options:
- Buttercream Filling:
- 60 g butter, softened
- 80 g powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tsp milk (depending on desired consistency)
- Chocolate Ganache Filling:
- 50 g dark chocolate
- 30 g cream, melted and cooled
Decoration:
- Edible glitter, sprinkles, or any other festive decoration to garnish your macarons.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Macaron Shells
- Sift Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the powdered sugar and almond flour. Sifting ensures a smooth texture for the shells and removes any lumps.
- Whip the Egg Whites:
- In a clean, dry bowl, start whipping the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until they form soft peaks. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat the egg whites at high speed. Keep whipping until stiff peaks form, and the mixture looks glossy. Be careful not to overbeat!
- Add Food Coloring:
- Add a few drops of gel food coloring to the egg whites at this stage, and mix gently to incorporate. You can go bold with colors like red, green, or a combination of festive hues.
- Fold in the Dry Ingredients:
- Gently fold the sifted almond flour and powdered sugar mixture into the whipped egg whites using a spatula. Use a technique called macaronage, which involves folding the batter until it reaches the consistency of flowing lava. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should fall off the spatula slowly and form a thick ribbon.
- Pipe the Macaron Shells:
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Pipe small circles (about 1.5 inches wide) onto the sheet, leaving some space between each one.
- Rest the Macaron Shells:
- Let the piped macarons rest at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes, until they form a skin and no longer stick to your finger when lightly touched. This resting step helps achieve the signature “feet” of macarons.
- Bake the Macarons:
- Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Bake the macarons for 15-20 minutes, or until they have set and the shells easily lift off the parchment paper. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Buttercream Filling:
- Beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk to reach the desired consistency.
Chocolate Ganache Filling:
- Heat the cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer (but not boil).
- Pour the hot cream over the dark chocolate and let it sit for a minute. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Let it cool before using.
Step 3: Assemble the Macarons
- Match up your macaron shells in pairs of similar sizes.
- Pipe a small amount of your chosen filling (buttercream or ganache) onto the flat side of one shell.
- Gently press the other shell on top to form a sandwich. Be careful not to press too hard; you want to preserve the delicate structure of the macaron.
History & Formation of Macarons
The macaron’s journey dates back to the 16th century, with origins in Italy before being refined and popularized in France. The modern macaron, as we know it today, was perfected in Paris in the early 20th century by the famous French patisserie Ladurée. Over time, macarons have evolved from a simple almond-based cookie to a versatile pastry that comes in countless colors, flavors, and fillings. Their light, airy texture, paired with rich fillings, has made them a staple of French baking and a favorite in many countries around the world.
Macarons are traditionally made from egg whites, almond flour, and sugar, with a filling sandwiched between two crisp cookies. The key to their success lies in the careful preparation of the meringue (egg whites) and the folding process that gives macarons their signature “feet”—a ruffled edge at the bottom of the shell.
Conclusion
These Christmas macarons bring an extra touch of elegance and festive cheer to your holiday celebrations. With their crisp, chewy texture and variety of fillings, they are sure to delight your friends and family. Whether you prefer the rich indulgence of chocolate ganache or the sweet creaminess of buttercream, these colorful little treats will add a fun and delicious flair to your holiday gatherings. As you take a bite, you’ll not only taste the flavors of Christmas but also the love and care that went into creating each little macaron.
Macarons also make a perfect gift—beautifully packaged, they are a wonderful way to share your holiday spirit with others.
Lovers of Macarons
Anyone who loves delicate pastries, vibrant colors, and delicious fillings will be smitten by these Christmas macarons. From experienced bakers to beginners who enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, macaron-making is a fun and rewarding process. And for those who just love to eat macarons (let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), these holiday-themed treats will undoubtedly steal the show!