Get ready to impress your holiday guests with these delightful Christmas Macarons filled with Sugar Cookie Buttercream! These vibrant treats combine the classic charm of macarons with the festive flavors of the season. In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step through crafting these delicious bites. From the perfect macaron batter to the fluffy buttercream filling, you’ll discover tips and tricks to make your holiday baking a hit. Let’s spread the cheer with sweet flavors!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Festive Touch: These macarons add a delightful and festive touch to any holiday gathering, making them a perfect treat for celebrations.
- Customizable Colors: The option to use red and green gel food coloring allows for creative expression and personalization for your holiday theme.
- Decadent Filling: The sugar cookie buttercream is rich and indulgent, providing a delicious contrast to the light and airy macaron shells.
- Gift-Worthy: These macarons make for a charming homemade gift, beautifully presented in a decorative box or wrapped in cellophane.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Macarons
– 1 cup almond flour
– 1¾ cups powdered sugar
– 3 large egg whites (room temperature)
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
– Red and green gel food coloring (optional)
Ingredients for Sugar Cookie Buttercream
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3-4 cups powdered sugar (to taste)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– 2 tablespoons milk
– Sprinkles for decoration (optional)
In making these macarons, I focus on using high-quality, fresh ingredients. Almond flour gives the cookies a nutty taste and a perfect texture. The powdered sugar sweetens the mix, giving macarons their delightful crunch. Room temperature egg whites whip up best for a fluffy meringue. Granulated sugar adds stability, while vanilla extract enhances flavor.
For the sugar cookie buttercream, using softened butter is key. It blends easily with the sugar, making it smooth and creamy. The extracts add a nice touch, while milk helps achieve the right consistency. Sprinkles bring a festive feel, making these macarons perfect for the holidays.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Baking Sheets
– Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
– Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
– Optionally, use a macaron template for even sizing.
Making the Macaron Batter
– Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together.
– Whip egg whites until foamy, gradually adding granulated sugar.
– Incorporate vanilla extract and fold in the almond mixture gently.
Piping and Baking
– Fill a piping bag with macaron batter.
– Pipe small circles on lined baking sheets, leaving space between each.
– Allow macarons to rest until they form a dry skin, about 30-60 minutes.
– Bake macarons for 15-18 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through.
Preparing the Buttercream
– Cream softened butter in a mixing bowl until smooth.
– Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until it is well combined.
– Add vanilla, almond extract, and milk, and whip until fluffy.
Assembling the Macarons
– Match macaron shells by size for a neat look.
– Pipe a generous amount of sugar cookie buttercream between two shells.
– Optionally, sprinkle additional decorations before topping with the second shell.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfect Macarons
– Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements. This helps get the right texture.
– Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for optimal whipping. This makes them fluffy.
– Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent collapsing. Gentle folding is key to keeping air in.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Not allowing macarons to rest properly before baking can lead to cracks. Give them 30-60 minutes.
– Baking at inconsistent temperatures can ruin macarons. Use an oven thermometer to check.
– Over or under-whipping egg whites affects the structure. Aim for stiff peaks but don’t go too far.
Presentation Suggestions
– Arrange on festive platters for holiday gatherings. A colorful display attracts attention.
– Package in clear boxes tied with ribbon for gifting. This adds a personal touch and looks lovely.
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Egg Whites: This helps achieve a better meringue structure, resulting in lighter and airier macarons.
- Don’t Skip the Drying Step: Allowing the macarons to dry before baking helps form a skin, which is crucial for developing the characteristic “feet”.
- Experiment with Colors: Have fun with gel food coloring! Create a festive look by swirling red and green hues into the batter.
- Proper Storage: Store macarons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for longer freshness.
Variations
Flavor Variations
You can have fun with flavors. Try adding extracts like peppermint or orange. This gives your macarons a festive twist. If you like chocolate, mix in a hint of cocoa powder. Chocolate macarons are rich and tasty.
Color Variations
Color can make your macarons pop! Use different gel food colors to create festive designs. You can even pipe swirled colors into the batter. This creates a beautiful marbled effect.
Filling Ideas
While sugar cookie buttercream is great, feel free to switch it up! You can use chocolate ganache or fruit preserves instead. These options add a new layer of flavor. You can also make different flavored buttercreams. This way, each macaron can be a surprise.
Storage Info
Storing Macarons
To keep your macarons fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This method helps maintain their delicate texture. Enjoy your macarons for up to 5 days. After that, they may lose their charm and flavor.
Freezing Instructions
For long-term storage, you can freeze your assembled macarons. Make sure to separate each layer with parchment paper. This step prevents them from sticking together. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months.
Thawing Guidelines
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen macarons, allow them to thaw. Let them come to room temperature before serving. This way, they regain their lovely texture. Avoid refreezing thawed macarons, as this can alter their quality.
FAQs
What are macarons?
Macarons are sweet meringue-based cookies made from egg whites, almond flour, and sugar. They have a smooth shell and a soft chewy center. People often confuse macarons with macaroons. Macaroons are dense, coconut-based treats. Macarons are light and delicate, perfect for a fancy dessert.
Why did my macarons crack?
Cracking can happen for several reasons. One common cause is not letting the macarons rest before baking. Always let them sit for 30-60 minutes until dry. Another reason can be overmixing the batter, which makes it too runny. Ensure you mix gently when folding in the almond flour. Lastly, uneven oven heat can cause cracks. Use an oven thermometer to check the temperature.
Can I make macarons without almond flour?
Yes, you can use different flours, but it will change the texture. Some options are hazelnut flour or coconut flour. However, these flours have different moisture levels. They may need adjustments to the recipe. Almond flour gives macarons their classic flavor and chewy texture.
How do I know when macarons are done baking?
Look for a few key signs. Properly baked macarons will have feet, the little ruffled edges at the bottom. They should not be sticky to the touch. Gently tap the top; it should feel firm. If they wiggle, they need more time. Bake them for 15-18 minutes for the best results.
In this blog post, we covered how to make macarons and sugar cookie buttercream. We detailed the key ingredients and provided step-by-step instructions. Additionally, we shared tips for perfect results and suggested fun variations.
Baking can feel hard, but with practice, you’ll master these treats. Enjoy making delicious macarons to impress your family and friends. Happy bakin
