christmas Santa Claus Macarons
Picture this: a cozy kitchen filled with the warm, buttery aroma of freshly baked cookies and the playful sound of Christmas carols drifting through the air. The kitchen table sparkles with decorations, and in the center sits a delightful platter of **Christmas Santa Claus Macarons**. These little treats, with their vibrant red and white colors resembling the jolly old man himself, bring not just joy but also nostalgia as I recall the excitement of December mornings filled with festive baking with family. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch followed by a soft, creamy filling that makes you smile, evoking the magic of the holiday season.
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As you take one more look at that gorgeous plate, can’t you feel your excitement building? Making **Christmas Santa Claus Macarons** is not just about treats; it’s about creating memories, sharing laughter, and spreading joy. Invite your family into the kitchen, roll up your sleeves, and let’s spread some holiday cheer through baking! These macarons are bound to become a cherished tradition you’ll eagerly repeat each year.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Whip these up in about 2 hours, great for spontaneous holiday gatherings.
- Irresistible Flavor: The buttery sugar cookie buttercream filling is rich, creamy, and utterly delicious.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: A festive show-stopper that will impress your friends and family.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or family gatherings.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable to be gluten-free or dairy-free by swapping a few ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Domino® Golden Sugar (100 grams): Adds a warm, caramel-like sweetness, enhancing the flavor. Can be replaced with light brown sugar for a different twist.
- Egg White Powder (4 grams, optional): Helps stabilize the meringue, ensuring a better structure. You can skip this if you prefer using fresh egg whites.
- Egg Whites (100 grams): Essential for creating the meringue. Room temperature egg whites whip up best.
- Almond Flour (105 grams): Key for the signature macaron texture. If you’re nut-free, consider using sunflower seed flour.
- Domino® Powdered Sugar (105 grams + 1 1/2 cups [187 grams]): Sweetens and helps achieve the macaronine texture. Make sure to sift for a smooth batter.
- Meringue Powder (1 tbsp): Aids in stiffening the meringue, making it more stable. If not available, you can use additional powdered sugar instead.
- Water (4 tbsp): Used to hydrate the meringue powder.
- Gel Food Coloring (2 drops black, 1 drop yellow): For decorating. Ensure the use of gel, not liquid coloring, to maintain batter integrity.
- All-Purpose Flour (1/2 cup, 63 grams): Adds structure to the filling.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, 113 grams): For the buttercream; use high-quality butter for the best flavor.
- Domino® Golden Sugar (1/4 cup, 50 grams): Adds a softer sweetness to the buttercream.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): A must for flavor; use pure extract for the best taste.
- Almond Extract (1/8 tsp): This enhances the overall flavor profile; feel free to omit if nut allergies are a concern.
- Milk or Heavy Cream (1/2 tbsp): To adjust the buttercream consistency; use heavy cream for a firmer texture.
- Desiccated Coconut (1/4 cup, 50 grams): Adds a fun texture to the macarons; optional but highly recommended for a festive touch.
How to Make christmas Santa Claus Macarons
Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 300ºF for at least an hour. This will help maintain a consistent temperature, crucial for perfect macarons. Meanwhile, gather a large piping bag with a round tip and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone mat featuring a macaron template.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the almond flour and 105 grams of powdered sugar, ensuring no lumps remain. This step is vital for smooth and shinny macaron shells. Set these aside while you create the meringue base.
Whisk Egg Mixture: Place a bowl over a pot of simmering water, ensuring it doesn’t touch the water. Add the Domino® Golden Sugar and optional egg white powder. Whisk together until combined, then add the egg whites. Continue whisking until the sugar completely dissolves. Test this by rubbing a bit between your fingers; it should feel completely smooth.
Whip Meringue: Transfer your mixture to a stand mixer and whip on low for 30 seconds, then raise the speed to medium, and whip for about 10–15 minutes until stiff peaks form. Meringue should be glossy, and when you lift the whisk, peaks should stand straight up without bending.
Incorporate Dry Mix: Pour the sifted dry ingredients into the whipped meringue carefully. At this stage, add in your red gel food coloring. Using a spatula, gently fold the mixture, forming a “J” shape as you mix until everything is combined and glossy.
Pipe Macaron Shells: Transfer the batter to the piping bag. Hold the bag directly above the prepared baking sheet at a 90-degree angle and gently pipe small circles, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Each macaron should be spaced apart to allow room for spreading.
Rest and Bake: Let the macarons rest at room temperature until their surfaces feel firm, which usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. Once they’ve developed a skin, bake for 15-20 minutes, monitoring closely. They should develop feet and not feel jiggly when you gently touch them.
Cool and Prepare Royal Icing: Once baked, allow the macarons to cool completely before moving them. In the meantime, prepare the royal icing by mixing powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water in a stand mixer until glossy and fluffy. Divide the icing into two bowls, coloring one black and the other yellow for Santa’s belt.
Decorate Macaron Shells: Pipe a line of black icing across the center of the macaron shells for Santa’s belt. Once the icing dries slightly, use the yellow icing to draw a square for the buckle—this step brings your Santa to life!
Make Buttercream Filling: To make the sugar cookie buttercream, first, heat treat your flour by toasting it in the oven. Then, beat together the butter and sugars until creamy, mixing in the flour and extracts. Adjust sweetness and consistency as needed by adding more powdered sugar or a splash of milk.
Assembly Time: Pipe a dollop of sugar cookie buttercream onto the bottom macaron shell. Top with a decorated shell to create a sandwich. For an extra festive touch, roll the sides into shredded coconut, adding a snow-like finish.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Christmas Santa Claus Macarons at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For longer storage, feel free to freeze them for up to 1-2 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature. If you find them to be a bit soft, a quick 5-minute chill in the fridge can help refresh that delightful texture.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid over-whipping the meringue, which can lead to hollow shells.
- Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature for optimal volume and texture.
- If your macarons crack while baking, reduce your oven temperature slightly for the next batch.
- Always sift your dry ingredients to avoid lumps, ensuring a velvety consistency.
- Engage in flavor experimentation; variations with extracts or fillings can elevate this recipe.
- Make the batter a day in advance, but store piped shells in the fridge until ready to bake for the best results.
As you embrace the magic of the season with these beautiful homemade **Christmas Santa Claus Macarons**, you’ll not only be whipping up a delicious treat but also nurturing the spirit of togetherness and joy. Gather your loved ones, experiment with flavors, and enjoy the process just as much as the final product!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make the macarons gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply replace the almond flour with a gluten-free flour blend suited for baking. Just be sure to use a brand that doesn’t compromise on texture or flavor.
Can I prepare these macarons in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the macarons and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Alternatively, you can freeze them before filling—just ensure they’re well sealed.
What can I use if I don’t have meringue powder?
If you’re out of meringue powder, don’t worry! You can simply omit it. Just be sure to add an extra tablespoon of powdered sugar to maintain consistency.
How can I fix my macarons if they turn out hollow?
Hollow macarons usually indicate over-beaten meringue or under-mixed batter. If you see hollowness, try to mix less vigorously, and check the meringue for stiff peaks without overdoing it.
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📖 Recipe Card
christmas Santa Claus Macarons
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 macarons
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
These delightful christmas Santa Claus Macarons are a must-try! With a crispy shell and creamy sugar cookie buttercream filling, they blend festive flavors with fun, making them perfect for holiday gatherings and family traditions.
Ingredients
- Domino® Golden Sugar (100 grams)
- Egg White Powder (4 grams, optional)
- Egg Whites (100 grams)
- Almond Flour (105 grams)
- Domino® Powdered Sugar (105 grams + 1 1/2 cups [187 grams])
- Meringue Powder (1 tbsp)
- Water (4 tbsp)
- Gel Food Coloring (2 drops black, 1 drop yellow)
- All-Purpose Flour (1/2 cup, 63 grams)
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, 113 grams)
- Domino® Golden Sugar (1/4 cup, 50 grams)
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp)
- Almond Extract (1/8 tsp)
- Milk or Heavy Cream (1/2 tbsp)
- Desiccated Coconut (1/4 cup, 50 grams)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300ºF and prepare baking sheets.
- Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together.
- Whisk together sugar, egg white powder, and egg whites over simmering water until smooth.
- Whip meringue until stiff peaks form and glossy.
- Fold dry mixture into meringue and add gel food coloring.
- Pipe macaron shells onto baking sheets and let rest.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until firm.
- Cool and prepare royal icing for decorating.
- Make buttercream filling and assemble macarons.
Notes
Macarons can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For gluten-free options, substitute almond flour with a nut-free blend.
Ensure egg whites are room temperature for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaron
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
