Santa Claus Macarons

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten up your holiday season, you’ll absolutely love these Santa Claus Macarons! These charming little cookies are not only adorable but also incredibly delicious. With their festive colors and creamy Sugar Cookie Buttercream filling, they’re perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or even just a cozy night in with loved ones. Trust me, once you take a bite of these sweet delights, they’ll become a cherished part of your holiday traditions.

Baking these macarons may seem daunting at first, but I promise it’s worth every minute. The joy on your friends’ and family’s faces when they see (and taste!) these festive creations is priceless. Let’s get started on making some magical Santa Claus Macarons!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun to Make: These macarons are a great baking project to enjoy with the kids or friends. Everyone loves getting involved in the decorating!
• Festive Appeal: With their bright colors and Santa-themed design, these treats bring cheer to any gathering.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of almond flour and sweet buttercream creates an irresistible flavor that everyone will adore.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the macaron shells ahead of time and fill them just before serving for maximum freshness.
• Family-Friendly Treat: The flavors are gentle and sweet enough for everyone, from toddlers to grandparents.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create our Santa Claus Macarons! Each ingredient plays an important role in crafting these delightful cookies that will surely impress your guests.

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 Buttercream Filling

• 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 Decoration

• 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))

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to put your own twist on these Santa Claus Macarons with some creative variations.

• Change the Color Scheme: Use different gel food coloring to create macarons in other festive colors like green or blue!
• Experiment with Fillings: Swap the Sugar Cookie Buttercream for other delicious fillings such as chocolate ganache or raspberry jam.
• Add Flavor Extracts: Mix things up by adding different extracts like peppermint or lemon for unique flavor profiles.
• Top with Sprinkles: For extra fun, sprinkle festive edible glitter or colorful sprinkles on top of the icing decoration!

How to Make Santa Claus Macarons

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Start by ensuring your workspace is clean and organized. This step is crucial because a tidy area helps prevent mistakes while baking. Gather all your ingredients so everything is easy to reach when you need it.

Step 2: Make Your Macaron Batter

In a bowl, mix together the almond flour and powdered sugar, then sift them into a separate bowl. This process helps achieve that smooth texture we all love in macarons. Whip your egg whites until soft peaks form; gradually add in the golden sugar while continuing to whip until stiff peaks develop. Gently fold in the dry ingredients until combined—be careful not to overmix!

Step 3: Pipe Your Shells

Transfer your macaron batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. On parchment-lined baking sheets, pipe small circles about 2 inches wide. Leave some space between each shell! Let them sit out for about 30 minutes until they form a skin—a crucial step that helps create those lovely feet we want on our macarons.

Step 4: Bake the Shells

Preheat your oven and bake your macarons for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’ll know they’re done when they look firm and dry on top. Allow them to cool completely before removing them from the baking sheet.

Step 5: Prepare the Buttercream Filling

While your shells cool down, let’s make that sweet filling! Beat together room temperature unsalted butter with powdered sugar until fluffy. Add in vanilla extract and other flavorings as desired; mix until well combined.

Step 6: Assemble Your Macarons

Now comes the fun part—filling! Pair up similar-sized macaron shells and spread or pipe some buttercream onto one shell before gently pressing another shell on top.

Step 7: Decorate Like Santa!

Prepare royal icing using meringue powder and water according to package instructions. Use this icing to create Santa’s face on top of each macaron using gel food coloring for details like eyes, cheeks, and of course, his famous hat!

Enjoy creating these whimsical Santa Claus Macarons that will not only taste amazing but also look stunning on your holiday dessert table!

Pro Tips for Making Santa Claus Macarons

Making perfect macarons can be a bit tricky, but with these helpful tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this festive treat!

• Use aged egg whites: Letting your egg whites sit in the fridge for a day or two helps reduce moisture, leading to better meringue stability and a perfect macaron shell.

• Sift your dry ingredients: Sifting the almond flour and powdered sugar together ensures there are no lumps, resulting in a smoother batter that creates beautifully even macarons.

• Practice proper folding technique: When combining the meringue with the dry ingredients, use a gentle folding motion. This helps maintain airiness in the batter, which is key for getting those lovely feet on your macarons.

• Invest in a kitchen scale: Accurate measurements are crucial when making macarons. A kitchen scale ensures you get the perfect ratios every time, which is essential for achieving consistency in your results.

• Let them rest: Allowing your piped macarons to sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before baking forms a skin on the surface. This skin helps them rise properly and develop those iconic macaron feet.

How to Serve Santa Claus Macarons

These adorable Santa Claus Macarons not only taste divine but also make for a delightful centerpiece during your holiday gatherings. Here’s how you can present them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Dusting of powdered sugar: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and mimics the look of falling snow.
• Fresh mint leaves: Placing a small mint leaf beside each macaron introduces a pop of color and freshness that balances the sweetness perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Hot cocoa: A warm cup of rich hot cocoa complements these sweet treats beautifully and brings out their festive spirit.
• Peppermint bark: The crunchy texture and refreshing flavor of peppermint bark make it an excellent pairing alongside these macarons, enhancing their holiday theme.
• Fruit platter: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits like strawberries, oranges, and pomegranate seeds adds a fresh and vibrant contrast to the rich flavors of the macarons.
• Gingerbread cookies: These classic holiday cookies offer warmth with their spices while providing a fun variety alongside your Santa Claus Macarons.

Now that you know how to make, serve, and elevate your Santa Claus Macarons, it’s time to gather your ingredients and spread some holiday cheer! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Santa Claus Macarons are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and store them, ensuring you have a delightful treat ready for any festive occasion.

Storing Leftovers

• Place your macarons in an airtight container at room temperature.
• For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them.
• Consume within 3-5 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

• To freeze, layer the macarons in an airtight container with parchment paper between each layer.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to a month.
• Allow them to thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

• These macarons are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature; avoid reheating in the oven or microwave.
• If they’ve been frozen, let them sit out for about 30 minutes before serving to regain their original texture.

FAQs

If you have questions about making Santa Claus Macarons, you’re not alone! Here are some commonly asked questions:

Can I use different colors for Santa Claus Macarons?

Absolutely! While traditional red and white are festive, feel free to experiment with other colors that fit your holiday theme.

How do I achieve the perfect texture for my Santa Claus Macarons?

For perfect macarons, ensure your egg whites are aged and whipped to stiff peaks. Sifting almond flour and powdered sugar together is also crucial in achieving that smooth shell.

Can I make Santa Claus Macarons in advance?

Yes! These macarons can be made ahead of time. Store them properly to maintain freshness, as outlined in the storage section.

What filling can I use besides Sugar Cookie Buttercream?

While Sugar Cookie Buttercream is delicious, you can also try filling these macarons with chocolate ganache, fruit preserves, or even a rich cream cheese frosting!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe for Santa Claus Macarons brings joy and sweetness to your holiday celebrations! These little treats not only look adorable but also taste delightful. Enjoy making them with friends or family—baking together is always a wonderful way to create lasting memories. Happy baking!