As the days grow shorter and the chill of winter settles in, my thoughts drift to the warm, nostalgic flavors of the season. There’s something enchanting about the sweet, inviting aroma of ginger and cinnamon wafting from the oven, evoking memories of cozy gatherings and laughter with loved ones. This is how I found my way to these delightful Gingerbread Macarons.
One afternoon, after a long week, I decided I wanted to elevate my baking game beyond the usual cookies and treats. The result? A combination of the classic gingerbread flavors we all adore and the elegant, delicate texture of macarons. These little beauties not only bring a festive touch to any dessert table but are surprisingly easy to make, allowing you to impress guests without the stress. Picture this: crisp shells with a spiced molasses buttercream filling, topped with a drizzle of white chocolate and festive sprinkles.
Ready to indulge in this sweet seasonal delight? Let’s dive into making these show-stopping Gingerbread Macarons that are guaranteed to bring smiles all around!
Why Love These Gingerbread Macarons?
Irresistible flavor combination: Enjoy classic gingerbread spices married with sweet molasses buttercream.
Easy to make: These macarons aren’t just for professional bakers! Anyone can master this delightful treat with just a bit of patience.
Festive flair: Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter evenings, they add a charming touch to any dessert table.
Versatile toppings: Drizzle with white chocolate and jazz up your treats with gingerbread sprinkles!
Crowd-pleasing: These macarons are bound to impress family and friends, bringing smiles and sweet memories with each bite.
Gingerbread Macarons Ingredients
• Perfect for baking holiday cheer!
For the Macaron Shells
- Super fine almond flour – essential for that delicate, crispy texture.
- Confectioners’ sugar – provides sweetness and a smooth finish.
- Cinnamon – adds that warm, familiar gingerbread spice.
- Ground ginger – enhances the aromatic profile of each bite.
- Ground cloves – a small amount goes a long way in flavor.
- Egg whites – creates the airy structure needed for the shells.
- Super fine white sugar – helps achieve stiff peaks in the meringue.
- Brown gel food coloring – gives a lovely, festive hue to your macarons.
- White chocolate (optional) – for a luxurious drizzle that enhances flavor.
- Gingerbread men sprinkles (optional) – adds a fun and festive touch.
For the Molasses Buttercream
- Unsalted butter, softened – the base for a creamy, dreamy buttercream.
- Confectioners’ sugar – sweetens the buttercream to perfection.
- Fancy molasses – infuses rich, deep flavor reminiscent of traditional gingerbread.
- Vanilla – rounds out the flavors beautifully for added sweetness.
Feel free to assemble these ingredients, and get ready to enchant your kitchen with the delightful aroma of your homemade Gingerbread Macarons!
How to Make Gingerbread Macarons
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Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with a silicone baking mat, ensuring a non-stick surface for your beautiful macarons. This will help them lift off easily after baking.
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Sift 137 grams of super fine almond flour into a clean bowl, discarding any large pieces. Follow with 117 grams of confectioners’ sugar, then whisk in cinnamon, ginger, and cloves until your dry mix is beautifully combined.
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Beat 100 grams of egg whites in a stand mixer on low speed until soft peaks form, about 2 minutes. Gradually add 110 grams of super fine white sugar, increasing the speed to medium, then high, until stiff peaks form—this should take another 2 minutes. Gently mix in the brown gel food coloring until just incorporated.
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Fold the dry mixture into the meringue keeping it gentle; use a spatula and combine until the batter flows off in thick ribbons but isn’t over-mixed.
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Fill a piping bag fitted with a round tip and pipe 1 to 1 ½-inch circles onto your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between each circle for spreading.
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Tap the baking sheet firmly against your counter to remove any air bubbles, which will help the macarons develop that classic smooth top.
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Preheat your oven to 300°F. Let the macarons sit at room temperature for 8 minutes to 1 hour to form a skin; this is crucial for achieving that lovely ‘foot’ during baking.
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Bake the macarons for 15-20 minutes. Check for firm tops; they should not wobble when lightly touched.
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Cool the macarons completely on the baking mat before carefully lifting them off; this will ensure they stay intact and don’t stick.
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Optional: Melt 57 grams of white chocolate either in a double boiler or microwave. Drizzle over half of the macarons and sprinkle with gingerbread men for a festive touch. Let them set before filling.
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Combine ½ cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 ¾ cup of confectioners’ sugar, 1 tablespoon of fancy molasses, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla in a bowl. Beat until the mixture is creamy and lighter in color, creating your luscious buttercream.
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Fill another piping bag with the prepared buttercream and pipe onto the bottom half of the macaron shells. Gently place the decorated macarons on top to complete your delightful treats.
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Refrigerate the assembled macarons overnight to allow the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing each delectable bite.
Optional: Dust with extra cinnamon for grown-up elegance.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Gingerbread Macarons Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to mix things up and make these delightful treats your own!
- Nut-Free: Substitute almond flour with oat flour or sunflower seed flour for a nut-free version.
- Spice Level: Increase the warmth by adding a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick that surprises the taste buds.
- Vegan: Swap egg whites for aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) and use vegan butter for the buttercream.
- Chocolate Lovers: Replace half of the almond flour with cacao powder for chocolate-flavored macarons that pair beautifully with the molasses buttercream.
- Fruity Twist: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the buttercream to brighten up the flavors with a zesty finish.
- Savory Edge: Introduce a hint of sea salt in the buttercream to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Maple Buttercream: Use maple syrup instead of molasses for a different take on your buttercream—this gives a lovely, rich flavor.
- Seasonal Sprinkle: Swap out gingerbread men sprinkles for festive holiday-themed sprinkles or edible glitter to add extra cheer to your macarons.
What to Serve with Gingerbread Macarons?
As you prepare to delight in these festive treats, consider complementing them with the perfect pairings to elevate your dessert experience.
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Creamy Hot Chocolate: This rich beverage brings warmth and sweetness, perfectly matching the spiced flavors of the macarons.
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Spiced Chai Latte: A cozy cup of chai with its aromatic spices mirrors the ginger and cinnamon, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream balances the crunch and sweetness of the macarons in a delightful way.
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Caramel Sauce Drizzle: A warm drizzle of caramel adds a touch of decadence, enhancing the molasses flavor in each macaron.
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Fresh Berries: A side of tart raspberries or strawberries provides a refreshing contrast, brightening up the rich sweetness.
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Nutty Biscotti: For a textural contrast, serve with almond or hazelnut biscotti, perfect for dipping alongside your macarons.
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Savory Cheese Platter: The saltiness of a cheese platter balances the sweetness and makes for an elegant accompaniment.
These pairing suggestions will ensure your Gingerbread Macarons shine even brighter on your dessert table, creating a delightful experience for all!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Gingerbread Macarons are a fantastic choice for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the macaron shells up to 24 hours in advance; simply bake and let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. For the molasses buttercream, make it ahead and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days—just bring it to room temperature and give it a quick whip before piping. On the day you’re ready to serve, assemble the macarons and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully—ensuring each bite is just as delicious as freshly made. Enjoy the ease and flavors of these homemade treats!
Expert Tips for Gingerbread Macarons
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Proper Measurements: Use a kitchen scale for accurate ingredient measurements. Small discrepancies can lead to macarons that don’t rise properly.
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Egg Whites: Ensure egg whites are at room temperature to achieve the best meringue stability. Cold egg whites can hinder the whipping process.
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Fold Gently: When incorporating the dry ingredients into the meringue, fold carefully. Over-mixing can result in a runny batter, leading to flat Gingerbread Macarons.
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Skin Formation: Allow macarons to sit until a skin forms before baking—this helps them maintain their shape and develop that signature foot.
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Baking Time: Keep an eye on the macarons as they bake; every oven is different. Test for doneness early to avoid over-baking.
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Cooling Time: Let macarons cool completely on the mat; they should easily lift off when ready. Cooling them too soon may result in cracks or breaks.
How to Store and Freeze Gingerbread Macarons
Room Temperature: Store unfilled macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, ensuring they remain crisp and fresh.
Fridge: If filled with molasses buttercream, refrigerate in an airtight container for 4-5 days. This keeps the flavors melded and preserves the creamy filling.
Freezer: To freeze, layer unfilled macarons between parchment paper in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months; let them thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating: Avoid reheating macarons as it may ruin their texture. Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature for the best experience.
Gingerbread Macarons Recipe FAQs
What type of almond flour should I use?
Absolutely, using super fine almond flour is key! It gives your macarons that delicate and airy texture we all love. Be sure to pick up a high-quality brand, as this can make a world of difference in the final product.
How should I store my Gingerbread Macarons?
If you’re storing unfilled macarons, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps them remain crisp. However, if you’ve filled them with your molasses buttercream, pop them in the fridge! They’ll keep well for about 4-5 days, preserving that creamy goodness.
Can I freeze Gingerbread Macarons?
Yes, you can! To freeze your unfilled macarons, layer them gently between parchment paper in an airtight container. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to indulge, allow them to thaw in the fridge for a few hours before enjoying. This helps retain their beautiful texture!
What can I do if my macarons don’t form a foot?
Very often, this issue comes from not allowing the macarons to rest long enough to form a skin before baking or from over-mixing the batter. Make sure to let them sit for at least 30 minutes (or even up to an hour) until they form a skin after piping. A gentle folding technique while mixing in the dry ingredients is also crucial to avoid losing that lovely airy quality!
Are these macarons suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, indeed! Since the main ingredient is almond flour, these Gingerbread Macarons are naturally gluten-free, making them a delightful treat for those looking to enjoy a gluten-free dessert. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients, like confectioners’ sugar and any optional sprinkles, are labeled gluten-free if that’s a concern.
Can I make these macarons ahead of time?
You can! These well-loved treats can be made a day or two in advance. Just be sure to refrigerate them after filling, and let those flavors meld overnight. It’s a delightful way to save time, especially if you’re preparing for a holiday gathering!
Irresistible Gingerbread Macarons with Molasses Buttercream
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with a silicone baking mat.
- Sift the almond flour and confectioners' sugar into a bowl, then whisk in cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
- Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Gently mix in the brown gel food coloring until just incorporated.
- Fold the dry mixture into the meringue gently until the batter flows off in thick ribbons.
- Fill a piping bag and pipe 1 to 1 ½-inch circles onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Tap the baking sheet to remove any air bubbles.
- Preheat the oven to 300°F and let the macarons sit to form a skin.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until firm tops are achieved.
- Cool the macarons completely on the mat.
- Melt the white chocolate and drizzle over half of the macarons, adding sprinkles if desired.
- Combine butter, confectioners' sugar, molasses, and vanilla, then beat until creamy.
- Pipe the buttercream onto the bottom half of the macaron shells and sandwich with the decorated tops.
- Refrigerate the assembled macarons overnight to meld flavors.