As the first hints of holiday cheer begin to emerge, there’s nothing quite like the excitement of making festive treats that feel like magic in the kitchen. My latest delight, Christmas Tree Cake Macarons, brings together delightful textures and nostalgic flavors reminiscent of beloved holiday cakes. This recipe shines not only for its vibrant presentation but also for its quick prep time, allowing you to craft stunning, Instagram-worthy goodies in under two hours. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply indulging in some holiday spirit, these easy-to-make macarons will surely captivate your loved ones and make your season extra special. Ready to bring some cheer to your baking?
Why Are These Macarons So Special?
Festive Vibes: These Christmas Tree Cake Macarons are the epitome of holiday cheer, combining delightful flavors and a stunning presentation that will impress any guest.
Quick Prep: With a total preparation time under two hours, you can whip these up even on a busy holiday schedule.
Unique Flavor: The innovative use of crumbled snack cakes in the filling brings an unexpected nostalgic twist that adds depth and richness.
Perfect for Gifting: Beautifully wrapped, they make for a perfect homemade gift that friends and family will adore.
Versatile Options: Feel free to explore variations by using different cake flavors or colors to create custom themes, making it fun and creative every time! Whether you’re pairing them with a festive dessert platter or enjoying them with coffee, these macarons will elevate your holiday festivities. Want to try something equally delightful? Check out my Chocolate Mug Cake for a cozy treat!
Christmas Tree Cake Macaron Ingredients
• A delightful mix of festive flavors awaits!
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For the Macaron Shells
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Powdered Sugar – Provides sweetness and a smooth texture; granulated sugar can be substituted if finely ground.
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Almond Flour – Adds structure and a nutty flavor; consider sunflower seed flour for a nut-free option.
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Egg Whites – Essential for creating the meringue base with proper structure; use room-temperature egg whites for the best results.
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Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the meringue to achieve volume; no substitutions necessary for this key ingredient.
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Cream of Tartar – Stabilizes the egg whites for airiness; critical for maintaining meringue quality and no substitutions allowed.
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Green Gel Food Coloring – Achieves the festive appearance; adjust the quantity to match your desired vibrancy.
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For the Filling
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Butter – Provides richness to the filling; ensure the butter is softened for easy mixing.
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Heavy Cream – Creates a fluffy texture for the filling; necessary for creaminess with no substitutions permitted.
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Vanilla Extract – Adds depth to the filling flavor; almond extract can be a delicious alternative.
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Snack Cakes (crumbled) – Incorporates nostalgic cake flavor into the filling; any similar sweet cake can be used as a substitution if needed.
Bring festive cheer to your kitchen with these delectable Christmas Tree Cake Macarons!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
Begin by sifting together the powdered sugar and almond flour in a bowl, using a fine mesh sieve to ensure a smooth batter. This should be done twice to eliminate lumps, which helps achieve that perfect macaron texture. The mixture should be light and fluffy, ready to mingle with the meringue in the next steps.
Step 2: Make Meringue
In a clean mixing bowl, beat room-temperature egg whites with an electric mixer at medium speed until they become foamy. Gradually add the cream of tartar, then slowly incorporate the granulated sugar. Continue beating on high until the mixture forms stiff peaks, and the meringue is glossy and holds its shape—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Color and Fold
Gently fold in the green gel food coloring into the meringue until evenly distributed, creating a festive hue for your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons. Next, carefully add in the sifted almond flour and powdered sugar mixture. Use a spatula to combine until the batter flows smoothly and resembles lava—this should take about 30-40 folds, making sure not to overmix and deflate the meringue.
Step 4: Pipe Cookies
Transfer the macaron batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small, tree-shaped outlines on lined baking sheets, ensuring they are evenly spaced. After piping, gently tap the trays on the counter to release any air bubbles that may have formed. This will help the shells rise evenly and achieve that classic foot.
Step 5: Rest
Allow the piped macarons to rest for 30-60 minutes at room temperature, until they develop a skin on the surface. You’ll know they are ready when you can lightly touch the tops without any batter sticking to your finger. This step is crucial for achieving those perfect, smooth tops and helps the macaron feet to form during baking.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) while the macarons rest. Once ready, bake one tray at a time for 14-16 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through to ensure even baking. The shells should rise and form a delicate crust. When done, the macarons will not wiggle when gently nudged and will have a nice shine on top.
Step 7: Prepare Filling
As your shells cool, prepare the filling by beating softened butter in a mixing bowl until fluffy and creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar followed by heavy cream, vanilla extract, and crumbled snack cakes until well merged. This tasty filling should be light and easy to pipe, evoking the flavors of festive cake.
Step 8: Assemble
Once the macaron shells are completely cooled, pipe a generous dollop of filling onto the flat side of half the shells. Top each filled shell with another half, pressing gently to create a sandwich. This step allows the delicious filling of your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons to be blissfully encased within the crisp shells.
Step 9: Decorate (Optional)
For a fun finishing touch, melt some white chocolate and drizzle it over the assembled macarons. Sprinkle with festive toppings like red and green sprinkles or edible gold stars to embody the holiday spirit. These decorations not only enhance the visual appeal but also add delightful textures to your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons.
Step 10: Mature
To amplify the flavors of your completed macarons, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for 24 hours. This maturation process allows the filling to meld beautifully with the macaron shells, ensuring every bite of your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons is a delightful explosion of flavors.
Expert Tips for Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
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Perfect Egg Whites: Ensure egg whites are at room temperature and free from yolk to achieve the maximum volume for your meringue.
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Gentle Folding: Be cautious while folding in the almond flour mixture; overmixing can deflate the meringue and lead to flat macarons.
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Rest for Success: Allow piped macarons to rest until they form a skin—it’s key for creating smooth tops and perfect rising during baking.
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Even Baking: Rotate your baking tray halfway through the baking time to ensure all macarons cook evenly, yielding perfect texture and color.
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Full Cool Down: Let the macaron shells cool completely before attempting to remove them from the baking mat; this prevents any breakage and maintains their delicate structure.
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Enhancing Flavor: For the best experience, refrigerate the assembled Christmas Tree Cake Macarons for 24 hours before serving to let flavors meld beautifully.
What to Serve With Christmas Tree Cake Macarons?
Elevate your festive gatherings with these delightful treats that pair beautifully with a variety of flavors and textures.
- Creamy Hot Chocolate: The rich, chocolatey warmth complements the sweet, nutty flavors of the macarons, creating a cozy drink experience.
- Sparkling Apple Cider: A bubbly, refreshing choice that enhances the holiday spirit while balancing the sweetness of the macarons.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool, creamy profile contrasts with the crisp macaron shells, offering a delightful textural experience in every bite.
- Fruit Salad: Light and refreshing, a medley of fresh fruits cuts through the sweetness, providing a colorful and wholesome addition to your dessert table.
- Gingerbread Cookies: Pairing these two festive treats brings a wonderful blend of flavors—spicy, sweet, and seasonal, perfect for the holidays.
- Peppermint Latte: The minty notes of this coffee drink beautifully complement the festive vibes of the macarons, making it a cozy afternoon indulgence.
- Cheesecake Bites: These rich little nibbles enhance the dessert experience with their creamy texture and tanginess, creating an indulgent display when served together.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: For an elegant touch, these sweet and juicy berries provide a contrasting flavor that complements the macarons remarkably well.
- Eggnog: The creamy, spiced beverage brings a nostalgic holiday twist, pairing effortlessly with the Christmas Tree Cake Macarons to delight your palate.
- Mixed Berry Tart: The tartness of mixed berries provides a perfect balance to the sweetness of the macarons, making for an elegant dessert presentation.
Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Variations
Feel free to get creative with these festive macarons and explore delicious adaptations or substitutions!
- Gluten-Free: Replace almond flour with finely ground oats to make these macarons gluten-free and just as delightful.
- Vibrant Colors: Use different gel food coloring, like red or blue, for a mix of holiday-themed macarons that brighten up your table.
- Alternative Fillings: Experiment with cake flavors like chocolate or red velvet for the filling to add a fun twist to the classic taste.
- Flavor Infusions: Try adding a hint of peppermint extract to the buttercream for a refreshing holiday burst.
- Texture Twists: Fold in mini chocolate chips or crushed candy canes into the filling to add a delightful crunch and festive flair.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter in the filling with coconut cream, providing a rich and creamy texture without dairy.
- Nostalgic Add-ins: Blend in crushed graham crackers with the snack cake filling for a fun, nostalgic twist reminiscent of childhood treats.
- Fun Sprinkles: Top with edible glitter or themed sprinkles to give your macarons a celebratory touch that’s perfect for the holiday season.
These variations not only elevate your macarons but also make baking them a fun experience! And if you’re looking for more delightful recipes, consider trying my Coffee Cake Cinnamon or check out these delicious Coffee Cake Muffins. Happy baking!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Tree Cake Macarons are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the busy holiday season! You can make the macaron shells up to 3 days in advance; simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness. The filling can also be prepared a day ahead—mix the ingredients and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble. When it’s time to enjoy, simply pipe the filling between the shells and let the assembled macarons mature in the fridge for 24 hours before serving. This maturation enhances the flavors, ensuring your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons are just as delicious as if they were made fresh!
Storage Tips for Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
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Room Temperature: Store assembled macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their delightful texture and flavor.
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Fridge: If you prefer a longer shelf life, refrigerate the macarons in an airtight container for up to 1 week. This helps the flavors to blend beautifully.
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Freezer: For extended storage, freeze the macarons for up to 3 months. Layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container to prevent sticking.
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Reheating: If enjoying them after freezing, allow the macarons to thaw in the fridge overnight. This preserves their delicate flavors and textures, making each bite as delightful as fresh.
Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Recipe FAQs
What kind of almond flour should I use for the macarons?
You should use finely ground almond flour for the best texture. If you need a nut-free option, sunflower seed flour works well as a substitute while still providing a similar structure.
How do I store my assembled macarons?
Assembled macarons should be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to enjoy them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week to help the flavors meld together beautifully!
Can I freeze Christmas Tree Cake Macarons?
Absolutely! To freeze your macarons, layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container, ensuring they don’t stick together. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight for the best taste.
What should I do if my macaron shells don’t have feet?
If your macaron shells lack feet, it might be due to insufficient resting time before baking, or possibly your oven temperature was too high. Always ensure that they rest for at least 30-60 minutes until a skin forms, and consider using an oven thermometer to maintain accurate baking temperatures.
Can I make these macarons ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making macarons ahead allows their flavors to mature beautifully. Once assembled, refrigerate them for 24 hours before serving for the best taste experience.
What if I have allergies to nut products?
If you’re allergic to nuts, consider using finely ground oats instead of almond flour to create a gluten-free version of these delightful Christmas Tree Cake Macarons. Enjoy experimenting with flavors while keeping your dietary needs in mind!
Delicious Christmas Tree Cake Macarons You Can Make Today
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sift the powdered sugar and almond flour together in a bowl twice to ensure a smooth batter.
- Beat egg whites until foamy, then gradually add cream of tartar and granulated sugar. Beat until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in the green gel food coloring until evenly distributed, then carefully fold in the sifted mixture.
- Pipe small, tree-shaped outlines on lined baking sheets, then allow to rest for 30-60 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake for 14-16 minutes, rotating halfway through.
- Beat softened butter until fluffy, then mix in powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and crumbled snack cakes.
- Once cooled, pipe filling onto half of the shells and top with remaining halves.
- Decorate with melted white chocolate and festive toppings as desired.
- Refrigerate assembled macarons for 24 hours to allow flavors to meld.
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