When the twinkling lights and cozy scents of the holidays fill the air, it’s the perfect time to whip up something truly magical. Enter the world of Santa Claus Macarons—these delightful treats not only capture the essence of holiday cheer but also add a whimsical touch to your festive gatherings. Imagine vibrant red shells that are not only a feast for the eyes but also house a luscious sugar cookie buttercream filling that brings nostalgia with each bite.
I was inspired to create these festive macarons after a friendly bake-off with my neighbors, who were all vying to impress with their holiday confections. This year, I decided to go big or go home, implementing a delightful royal icing decoration that encapsulates the jolly spirit of Santa himself. Whether you’re looking to wow guests at your holiday parties or simply want to indulge in a little self-care with a cup of cocoa, these Santa Claus Macarons are the perfect blend of festive flair and sweet satisfaction. Let’s dive into the fun of making them!
Why will you love Santa Claus Macarons?
Festive Appeal: These Santa Claus Macarons bring holiday cheer with their vibrant colors and whimsical designs, making them a delightful treat for any Christmas gathering.
Unique Flavor Combo: The creamy sugar cookie buttercream filling perfectly complements the crisp macaron shell, creating a taste that embodies holiday nostalgia.
Easy to Impress: With just a few simple techniques, you can create beautiful, professional-looking macarons that will wow friends and family.
Versatile Options: Customize with various fillings and decorations to suit any festive occasion or personal taste.
Perfect Gifts: Packaged beautifully, these macarons make thoughtful gifts that will spread joy and deliciousness this holiday season!
Santa Claus Macarons Ingredients
For the Macaron Shells
- Domino® Golden Sugar – Provides a sweet foundation; can substitute with brown sugar for a hint of caramel flavor.
- Egg White Powder (optional) – Stabilizes meringue in humid conditions; skip if humidity is low.
- Egg Whites – Key for structure; use at room temperature for better volume during whipping.
- Almond Flour – Essential for texture; can be swapped for other nut flours to experiment with flavors.
- Domino® Powdered Sugar – Creates a smooth batter and adds sweetness to the shells.
- Meringue Powder – Stabilizes royal icing; cornstarch works as an alternative if needed.
- Water – Activates meringue powder for a glossy royal icing.
- Gel Food Coloring (red, black, yellow) – Adds vibrant colors to your creations; gel is best for impactful hues without adding extra liquid.
For the Buttercream Filling
- All-Purpose Flour – Heat-treated for safe eating in the buttercream filling.
- Unsalted Butter – Offers a creamy texture; vegan butter is a great substitute for a dairy-free version.
- Vanilla Extract – Boosts flavor; almond extract can also be used for a nutty twist.
For Decoration
- Desiccated Coconut – Roll the edges of the macarons to simulate a snowy finish, enhancing the festive look.
How to Make Santa Claus Macarons
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Prepare the Macaron Shells:
Preheat your oven to 300°F and line your baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats. Sift together the powdered sugar and almond flour to ensure a smooth texture. -
Melt and Whip:
In a heatproof bowl, melt the Domino® Golden Sugar and egg whites over a pot of simmering water. Once melted, transfer the mixture to a stand mixer and whip until you reach stiff peaks—this will take about 5-7 minutes. -
Fold Ingredients:
Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients and your chosen gel food coloring into the whipped egg white mixture. Keep folding until the batter flows in a thick, shiny stream. -
Pipe the Shells:
Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe uniform circles on the prepared trays, leaving space in between each. Let them rest until they feel dry to the touch, approximately 2 hours. -
Bake:
Place one tray in the oven at a time and bake for 15-20 minutes. Check for firmness; the macarons should have a foot and be slightly firm to the touch. -
Make Royal Icing:
In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water, beating until you achieve a glossy finish. Separate the icing for coloring and set aside. -
Prepare Sugar Cookie Buttercream:
Heat-treat the all-purpose flour for safety, then cream unsalted butter and both sugars together. Mix in the cooled flour and vanilla extract until well combined, adjusting with milk if necessary to achieve the right consistency. -
Assemble and Decorate:
Pipe a generous amount of the buttercream onto one macaron shell, sandwich with another, and roll the edges in desiccated coconut for a festive snowy effect.
Optional: Drizzle extra royal icing on top for a little extra flair!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Santa Claus Macarons?
Delight in a holiday feast by pairing these festive macarons with treats that complement their playful style and flavors.
- Hot Cocoa Bar: Create a cozy hot cocoa station with toppings like whipped cream and crushed candy canes to warm your spirits.
- Christmas Sugar Cookies: Classic sugar cookies add a delightful crunch and echo the sugar cookie buttercream filling, amplifying the festive flavors.
- Gingerbread Men: Their spiced flavors make a perfect balance, bringing warmth and nostalgia alongside the sweet macarons.
- Fruit Tart: A fresh fruit tart with seasonal fruits can add a refreshing contrast, cleansing the palate between the sweet bites of macarons.
- Peppermint Bark: The cool minty crunch of peppermint bark enhances the holiday spirit and meshes beautifully with the creamy macarons.
- Mulled Wine: A sip of spiced, warm mulled wine brings sophistication to your gathering, pairing wonderfully with the sweetness of the macarons.
- Eggnog: Rich and creamy eggnog not only enhances the festive atmosphere but also smoothly complements the buttery macarons.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream can provide a deliciously creamy contrast to the chewy macarons, creating a delightful dessert experience.
- Nutty Cheese Platter: Serve with a selection of soft cheeses and nuts; their savory notes create an unexpected yet enjoyable balance to the sweet macarons.
Tips for the Best Santa Claus Macarons
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Perfect Meringue: Ensure egg whites are at room temperature before whipping; this leads to maximum volume and stability in your macaron shells.
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Humidity Awareness: In humid weather, use egg white powder to stabilize the meringue; this can prevent your Santa Claus Macarons from becoming soggy.
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Resting Time: Don’t skip the resting step! Letting the piped macaron batter sit for at least 2 hours helps form a skin, essential for creating that perfect foot.
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Oven Calibration: Every oven is different, so use a thermometer to verify your oven’s temperature. This prevents under or overbaking your delicate macarons.
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Colors Matter: Use gel food coloring for vibrant shades. Liquid coloring can add excess moisture, affecting the texture of your Santa Claus Macarons.
How to Store and Freeze Santa Claus Macarons
Fridge: Keep your Santa Claus Macarons in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This helps maintain their chewy texture and prevents them from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the macarons for up to 2 months. Arrange them in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container to avoid crushing while frozen.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, move the frozen macarons to the fridge for a few hours to gently thaw. This preserves the filling’s creamy goodness.
Reheating: If you prefer a fresh taste, warm filled macarons briefly in the microwave for about 5 seconds to soften slightly before serving.
Santa Claus Macarons Variations & Substitutions
Get creative with your festive baking by customizing these macarons to suit your tastes!
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Nutty Delight: Substitute almond flour with hazelnut flour for a deliciously earthy twist. The unique flavor pairs beautifully with the sugar cookie filling!
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Minty Fresh: Replace the sugar cookie buttercream with peppermint cream for a refreshing holiday treat. This cool filling offers a delightful contrast to the sweet shell.
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Chocolate Lovers: Swap in a rich chocolate ganache filling to satisfy the cravings of any chocolate fanatic. The deep, decadent flavor will make these macarons irresistible!
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Citrus Zest: Incorporate orange or lemon zest into the buttercream for a bright, citrusy burst. This lively addition will balance the sweetness and add an aromatic note.
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Festive Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles into your buttercream or on top of the macarons for a fun, festive flair. It brings a cheerful pop to each bite and makes them even more inviting.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in a hint of cinnamon or ginger to your filling for a warm, spicy surprise. These spices evoke the comforting flavors of holiday treats and can elevate your macarons to a whole new level.
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Dairy-Free: Use vegan butter in the buttercream to create a dairy-free version of these delightful treats. It ensures everyone can enjoy the spirit of the season!
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Royal Icing Art: Experiment with different decorations using royal icing. Change the holiday theme by using alternative colors, shapes, and designs—snowmen or Christmas trees offer fun variations on the classic Santa!
Make Ahead Options
These Santa Claus Macarons are perfect for busy holiday preparations! You can prepare the macaron shells up to 24 hours in advance; simply follow the recipe instructions and let them cool completely after baking. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness. The sugar cookie buttercream filling can also be made up to 3 days ahead—just keep it chilled in the fridge and re-whip it before using to restore its creamy texture. When you’re ready to assemble, pipe the buttercream between the shells and roll them in desiccated coconut for a festive finish. This convenient prep allows you to enjoy the holiday merriment without all the last-minute stress!
Santa Claus Macarons Recipe FAQs
What’s the best way to select ripe egg whites for macarons?
Absolutely! For the best results, use room temperature egg whites to achieve maximum volume when whipping. It’s recommended to separate the whites a day in advance and let them sit covered in the fridge. Using aged egg whites is ideal as they can whip to a higher volume, creating a more stable meringue.
How long can I store Santa Claus Macarons, and what’s the best method?
Store your Santa Claus Macarons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh and chewy, ensure they are well-sealed to prevent air exposure. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months—just remember to place a layer of parchment paper between the layers to avoid sticking!
Can I freeze Santa Claus Macarons, and how should I do it?
Yes, you can freeze these macarons! Start by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container, layering with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge for a few hours to maintain their delightful texture.
What are some common troubleshooting tips if my macarons don’t turn out?
Very good question! If your macarons are not forming feet, this could be due to under-mixing or not letting them rest long enough. Make sure the batter flows in a thick, shiny stream, and let the piped shells sit until they form a skin, approximately 2 hours. If they crack during baking, it may be too hot—consider lowering your oven temperature to prevent over-baking.
Are there any dietary considerations for making Santa Claus Macarons?
Of course! If you’re making these macarons for someone with dietary restrictions, you can substitute the unsalted butter with vegan butter for a dairy-free option. Also, if allergies to nuts are a concern, you can experiment with alternative flours, though the texture may vary. Always double-check ingredients like colors or fillers for allergens and keep your furry friends safe by ensuring the macaron ingredients are pet-friendly.
Festive Santa Claus Macarons with Delightful Buttercream
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 300°F and line your baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats.
- Sift together the powdered sugar and almond flour to ensure a smooth texture.
- Melt the Domino® Golden Sugar and egg whites over simmering water; whip until stiff peaks are formed.
- Fold the sifted dry ingredients and gel food coloring into the whipped egg whites.
- Pipe uniform circles on the trays and let them rest until dry, about 2 hours.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, checking for firmness.
- Make royal icing by combining powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until glossy.
- Prepare the buttercream by creaming butter and sugars, then mix in the cooled flour and vanilla.
- Assemble by piping buttercream on one macaron and sandwich with another; roll edges in desiccated coconut.