As the holidays approach, the smell of freshly baked treats fills my kitchen, transforming it into a festive wonderland. This year, I decided to create something truly special: Santa Claus Macarons. With their vibrant red shells and luscious Sugar Cookie Buttercream filling, these delightful confections not only satisfy my sweet tooth but add a whimsical touch to any holiday gathering. I stumbled upon this recipe while seeking a fun, festive dessert that wouldn’t keep me tied to the oven for hours.
Imagine serving a platter of these elegant macarons at your next Christmas party! Each bite delivers a delicate crunch followed by a chewy center, all wrapped in the charm of the season. With a sprinkle of desiccated coconut to evoke a snowy feel, and a simple royal icing decoration to bring Santa to life, these macarons are sure to impress your guests and elevate your holiday spirit. Ready to add some magic to your dessert table? Let’s dive into this deliciously festive recipe!
Why will you love these Santa Claus Macarons?
Irresistible Festivity: These Santa Claus Macarons are a delectable way to infuse your holiday celebrations with whimsy and cheer.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The sweet Sugar Cookie Buttercream provides a delicious filling that harmonizes beautifully with the vibrant macaron shells.
Showstopper Appearance: Their eye-catching red color, complemented by a snowy coconut trim and charming royal icing accents, makes them a true centerpiece on any dessert table.
Easy to Make: Despite their fancy look, this recipe is approachable, even for home bakers with basic skills.
Versatile Treat: You can easily customize flavors and colors to fit your festive theme, making these macarons as unique as your holiday spirit!
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Bring smiles to family and friends with each delicate bite, perfect for gifting or sharing at gatherings.
Santa Claus Macaron Ingredients
For the Macaron Shells
• Domino® Golden Sugar – Provides the necessary sweetness; brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.
• Egg White Powder (optional) – Helps stabilize the meringue; omit if baking in low humidity.
• Egg Whites – Key for creating a strong meringue; fresh eggs yield the best results.
• Almond Flour – Gives texture; ground walnuts or a gluten-free blend can be used if needed.
• Domino® Powdered Sugar – Ensures a smooth macaron texture; essential for the perfect consistency.
For the Sugar Cookie Buttercream
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; switch to gluten-free flour if desired.
• Unsalted Butter – Adds rich creaminess; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Vanilla Extract – Delivers fantastic flavor; opt for pure vanilla for the best results.
• Almond Extract – Adds aroma and flavor; it’s optional but enhances the taste.
For Decoration
• Royal Icing – Creates stunning designs; mix with meringue powder and water for glossy decoration.
• Desiccated Coconut – Sprinkled for a festive “snow” effect that completes the look of your Santa Claus macarons.
How to Make Santa Claus Macarons
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). This ensures even baking, creating those lovely feet on your macarons that everyone adores.
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Sift Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the Domino® Powdered Sugar and Almond Flour. This vital step removes lumps, ensuring a smooth texture in your macaron shells.
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Whip Egg Whites: In a heatproof bowl, combine Egg Whites and Domino® Golden Sugar. Place over a pot of simmering water and stir until sugar is melted. Then, beat until you reach stiff peaks.
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Fold Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the whipped egg whites using a spatula. Add your red food coloring and stir until just combined. Don’t over-mix; a thick batter is perfect!
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Pipe Rounds: Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe uniform rounds onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Aim for 1.5-inch circles to ensure they match in size.
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Rest the Shells: Let the piped macarons rest at room temperature for 60-120 minutes, or until the tops are dry and no longer sticky. This crucial step helps prevent cracking during baking.
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Bake: Bake one tray of macarons at a time for 15-20 minutes. They’re ready when they develop feet and feel firm to the touch. Cool completely on the baking sheet.
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Make Royal Icing: Whip together Royal Icing ingredients until glossy and smooth. Feel free to color it with gel food coloring for a festive touch!
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Prepare Buttercream: Beat together Unsalted Butter and sugars, mixing in the cooled, baked All-Purpose Flour along with vanilla and almond extracts. Adjust with milk for your desired consistency.
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Assemble: Spread Sugar Cookie Buttercream on half of the macaron shells. Sandwich them with the remaining shells, then roll the edges in desiccated coconut and decorate with royal icing.
Optional: Dust with extra desiccated coconut for a snowy effect!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Santa Claus Macarons are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the bustling holiday season! You can prepare the macaron shells up to 24 hours in advance; simply bake and cool them, then store in an airtight container at room temperature. The Sugar Cookie Buttercream can also be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days; just give it a quick mix before assembling. To maintain their quality, avoid stacking the shells until just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy. When ready to delight your guests, assemble the macarons with buttercream, roll in desiccated coconut, and decorate with royal icing for a festive touch!
What to Serve with Santa Claus Macarons?
The festive cheer is in the air, and your dessert table deserves an equally delightful spread alongside these whimsical treats.
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Rich Hot Cocoa: A warm cup brimming with chocolatey goodness complements the sweet, chewy macarons perfectly, creating a cozy pairing for winter nights.
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Creamy Eggnog: This classic holiday beverage enhances the festive spirit, its spiced flavors echoing the rich notes found in the cookie buttercream.
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Sparkling Cranberry Punch: This refreshing drink’s tartness cuts through the sweetness of the macarons, providing a delightful contrast that guests will love.
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Gingerbread Cookies: The spiced flavor of gingerbread resonates beautifully with the sweetness of the macarons, creating a seasonal flavor explosion.
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Festive Fruit Platter: A vibrant assortment of seasonal fruits adds freshness and color to your dessert table, balancing the richness of the macarons.
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Chocolate Fondue: The decadence of melted chocolate for dipping creates an interactive dessert experience, perfect for holiday gatherings with family and friends.
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Nutty Biscotti: These crunchy cookies offer a great texture contrast to the macarons, providing a satisfying crunch with every delightful dip into your hot beverage.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream brings about a classic dessert pairing, perfect for those who love the combination of cold and sweet textures.
Santa Claus Macarons Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and make these Santa Claus Macarons uniquely yours for the festive season!
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Chocolate Delights: Swap the Sugar Cookie Buttercream for chocolate ganache for a richer twist. The indulgent taste will delight chocolate lovers!
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Peppermint Twist: Infuse your buttercream with peppermint extract for a refreshing holiday flavor. A bite of these will bring winter wonderland vibes to your table.
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Nutty Adjustments: Substitute almond flour with finely ground hazelnuts or pistachios for a nutty flavor profile that adds depth to your macarons.
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Vibrant Color Options: Use natural food coloring like beet powder for red or matcha for green. This colorful touch not only looks great but adds a unique flavor dimension.
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Spicy Surprise: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to your buttercream for a warm, spice-infused filling that’s perfect for cozy winter evenings.
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Dairy-Free Delight: Utilize coconut cream instead of butter for the buttercream. This offers a lighter, vegan-friendly dessert while maintaining a luscious texture.
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Fill It Up: Consider adding a layer of fruit preserves or curds, like raspberry or lemon, between the buttercream layers for a zesty kick. The tartness nicely contrasts with the sweetness!
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Royal Icing Variations: Instead of traditional royal icing, brush melted white chocolate over the macarons for a different decorating style. It adds a silky finish and delightful sweetness.
How to Store and Freeze Santa Claus Macarons
Fridge: Store your Santa Claus Macarons in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This will keep them fresh while maintaining their delightful texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze macarons in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can last in the freezer for 1-2 months.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, transfer the frozen macarons to the fridge for several hours or let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Reheating: It’s best to enjoy macarons cold, but if needed, a quick 5-second zap in the microwave can help revive their lovely chewiness.
Tips for the Best Santa Claus Macarons
- Achieve the Right Texture: Ensure your macaron batter is the right consistency—pouring slowly from the spatula but holding its shape. Over-mixing can lead to flat shells.
- Rest, Rest, Rest: Do not skip the resting time before baking! It’s crucial for developing the dry skin that prevents cracking, ensuring perfect Santa Claus Macarons.
- Temperature Matters: Keep all ingredients at room temperature, especially eggs. This promotes better whipping and volume for a fluffy meringue.
- Humidity Check: Baking on a humid day? Consider using egg white powder for added stability in your meringue, or wait for a drier day to bake.
- Personalize Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different extracts or colored shells to suit your holiday theme while keeping the joyous spirit of these festive macarons!
Santa Claus Macarons Recipe FAQs
What type of almond flour should I use for Santa Claus Macarons?
For the best results, use finely ground almond flour as it provides the ideal texture for macarons. If you have nut allergies or prefer a gluten-free option, you can substitute it with a gluten-free blend or even ground walnuts.
How long can I store Santa Claus Macarons?
You can store your Santa Claus Macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh while maintaining the delightful texture, it’s best to place parchment paper between layers in the container to prevent sticking.
Can I freeze Santa Claus Macarons?
Absolutely! To freeze your macarons, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about an hour until solid. Afterwards, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for 1-2 months. Just be sure to thaw them in the fridge before enjoying!
What should I do if my macarons crack while baking?
Cracking can often be prevented by ensuring that the shells have fully rested before baking, forming a dry skin on the surface. Additionally, monitor your oven temperature; if it’s too hot, the shells might rise too quickly and crack. Using a dehumidifier on humid days can also help stabilize the meringue.
Are Santa Claus Macarons safe for pets or people with allergies?
Santa Claus Macarons contain ingredients like almonds and egg whites that may not be suitable for some pet diets or certain allergies. Always check for specific allergies among your guests or family members, as nuts and eggs are common allergens. It’s best to avoid giving these treats to pets, too.
Can I change the filling for Santa Claus Macarons?
Certainly! This recipe’s Sugar Cookie Buttercream can be easily swapped for other delightful fillings like peppermint buttercream or chocolate ganache. Just make sure to adjust the flavors to keep the holiday spirit alive!
Charming Santa Claus Macarons with Sugar Cookie Buttercream
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Sift together the Domino® Powdered Sugar and Almond Flour.
- Combine Egg Whites and Domino® Golden Sugar in a heatproof bowl. Place over simmering water and stir until sugar is melted, then beat until stiff peaks.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the whipped egg whites. Add red food coloring and stir until just combined.
- Transfer the batter into a piping bag and pipe uniform rounds onto parchment-lined sheets aiming for 1.5-inch circles.
- Let the piped macarons rest at room temperature for 60-120 minutes, until tops are dry.
- Bake one tray at a time for 15-20 minutes until they develop feet and feel firm.
- Whip together Royal Icing ingredients until glossy and smooth.
- Beat together Unsalted Butter and sugars with cooled All-Purpose Flour, vanilla and almond extracts. Adjust with milk as needed.
- Spread Sugar Cookie Buttercream on half of the macaron shells. Sandwich with remaining shells, roll edges in desiccated coconut, and decorate with royal icing.