As I stood in my kitchen amidst a flurry of flour and sugar, I felt the undeniable magic of the holiday season wrap around me. There’s something so enchanting about creating homemade delights that capture the essence of Christmas. Enter the charming Christmas Tree Cake Macarons—a festive dessert that’s as delightful to behold as it is to eat. These whimsical treats are not only visually stunning but also quick to whip up, making them perfect for busy bakers like us. With a creamy cake-inspired filling and a delightful chewy texture, each bite brings forth the warmth and joy of holiday gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a festive soirée or just craving something special, these macarons are bound to steal the show. Curious about how to make this adorable holiday treat? Let’s dive in!
Why Try Christmas Tree Cake Macarons?
Delightful and Festive: These macarons are like edible Christmas trees that not only brighten your holiday table but also make perfect gifts during this season of giving.
Quick to Make: With a total prep time of under two hours, you won’t spend all day in the kitchen, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities with friends and family.
Impressive Yet Simple: Mastering these treats is surprisingly easy, making you feel like a French pastry chef without the need for extensive baking skills.
Nostalgic Flavor: The crumbled snack cakes in the filling evoke the comforting taste of holiday desserts, reminding you of childhood Christmases.
Versatile for All Occasions: Whether you’re celebrating a cozy family dinner or a larger holiday gathering, these macarons are sure to impress any crowd.
Pair these with other delightful holiday treats like my Christmas Deviled Eggs or enjoy a slice of Pecan Pie Cheesecake for a memorable festive feast!
Christmas Tree Cake Macaron Ingredients
Get ready to create these enchanting festive treats!
For the Macaron Shells
• Powdered Sugar – Provides sweetness and smooth texture to the macaron shells.
• Almond Flour – Essential for texture, creating the macaron’s characteristic chewy bite. Note: For nut-free, substitute with sunflower seed flour.
• Egg Whites – Forms the meringue structure; room temperature helps achieve fluffy peaks.
• Granulated Sugar – Stabilizes the egg whites and adds sweetness.
• Cream of Tartar – Helps stabilize the meringue.
• Green Gel Food Coloring – Adds a festive color to the macaron shells.
For the Filling
• Butter – Creates a rich, creamy texture in the filling. Use unsalted for best flavor control.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor with aromatic notes.
• Heavy Cream – Adds smoothness and richness to the filling.
• Salt – Balances sweetness in the filling.
• Crumpled Snack Cakes – Provides a nostalgic, cake-inspired flavor in the filling.
Gather these ingredients for your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons that will delight everyone with their festive charm!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Begin by sifting powdered sugar and almond flour together twice in a large mixing bowl. This process removes any lumps and ensures a smooth macaron shell. Aim for a fine texture that will contribute to the characteristic chewiness of your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons. Set the mixture aside while you prepare the meringue.
Step 2: Prepare Meringue
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites at medium speed until they become foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar and cream of tartar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form, which should take about 5-7 minutes. The meringue should be glossy and hold its shape well, indicating it’s ready for the next step.
Step 3: Color and Combine
Gently fold in a few drops of green gel food coloring into the meringue until evenly distributed. Next, gradually incorporate the sifted almond flour mixture, using a spatula to mix until the batter flows like lava. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect consistency for your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons, giving them that signature texture.
Step 4: Pipe Shells
Transfer the macaron batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. On a lined baking sheet, pipe tree shapes, ensuring even spacing between them. Tap the baking sheet firmly on the counter to release any air bubbles and help the shapes settle properly. The visual appeal of your macaron trees begins here!
Step 5: Let Rest
Allow the piped shells to rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until a skin forms on the surface. You’ll know they are ready when they feel dry to the touch and don’t stick to your finger. This resting period is essential for creating the classic macaron “foot” during baking.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the resting macaron shells for 14-16 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through for even baking. The shells will rise slightly and develop a smooth, shiny surface. Once done, let them cool completely on the parchment paper.
Step 7: Make Filling
While the macaron shells cool, prepare the filling by beating the unsalted butter in a bowl until fluffy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Finally, fold in the crumbled snack cakes, which bring a nostalgic flavor to your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons.
Step 8: Assemble Macarons
Using a piping bag, pipe a generous dollop of filling onto the flat side of one macaron shell. Gently sandwich with another shell, pressing lightly to spread the filling evenly. For a final festive touch, consider drizzling with melted white chocolate and adding some sprinkles on top of each finished macaron.
Step 9: Mature
To enhance the flavors of your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons, refrigerate the assembled treats in an airtight container for at least 24 hours. This maturation process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a more delicious overall experience when you finally enjoy them.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
Room Temperature: Store the assembled macarons at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container to maintain their texture and flavor.
Fridge: For longer freshness, keep the macarons in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure they are in an airtight container to prevent moisture loss.
Freezer: Freeze unfilled macaron shells in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight freezer bag. They can last for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating: If frozen, allow the Christmas Tree Cake Macarons to thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor!
What to Serve with Christmas Tree Cake Macarons?
Indulge in the festive spirit with these delightful treats by pairing them with complementary holiday favorites.
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Rich Hot Chocolate: The creamy chocolate richness enhances the macaron’s festive filling and brings warmth to your sweet table.
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Peppermint Mocha: A delightful coffee twist that contrasts the sweetness of the macarons, creating a joyful balance of flavors.
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Chewy Gingerbread Cookies: Their spicy undertones complement the sugary sweetness of the macarons, offering a nostalgic holiday experience.
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Cranberry Orange Salad: Light and refreshing, this tart salad provides a zesty contrast that brightens up your dessert spread.
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Spiced Eggnog: Creamy and spiced, this classic holiday drink offers a luxurious pairing that enhances the macarons’ festive flavors.
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Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The smooth and creamy texture adds a decadent touch while its subtle flavor complements the macarons beautifully.
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Holiday Fruit Platter: Assorted fruits add a burst of freshness and color, enhancing your table and offering a light counterbalance to the rich sweets.
Embrace the joyful season with these delightful pairings and make your dessert table a feast for the senses!
Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Variations
Get creative and personalize your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons with these fun and festive ideas!
- Red Gel Food Coloring: Swap the green for vibrant red to create a striking twist and embrace a classic Christmas color scheme.
- Peppermint Extract: Replace vanilla with peppermint extract in the filling for a refreshing flavor that perfectly complements the holiday spirit.
- Nut-Free: Substitute almond flour with sunflower seed flour for a nut-free version, ensuring everyone can enjoy these festive treats.
- Coconut Flakes: Mix shredded coconut into the filling for a delightful tropical twist that adds a chewy texture and a hint of flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Top your macarons with a decadent drizzle of melted dark chocolate to elevate the festive look and add richness.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, cozy flavor that pairs beautifully with the holiday season.
- Mini Macarons: Pipe smaller trees for a cute bite-sized treat that’s perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or cookie platters.
- Layered Filling: Create a layered filling by alternating between two flavors, like chocolate ganache and the original cake-inspired filling for a delightful surprise.
For even more delightful holiday ideas, pair your macarons with these fantastic treats: savor a slice of Christmas Stuffed Pasta or add a festive flair to your table with Puff Pastry Pesto Trees.
Expert Tips for Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
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Perfect Meringue: Ensure your bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of grease to help achieve stable, whisked egg whites for flawless meringue.
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Flow Like Lava: When folding your powdered sugar and almond flour mixture, stop when the batter flows smoothly; overmixing can lead to flat, dry macaron shells.
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Resting is Key: Don’t skip the resting period! Allow the piped shells to form a skin for a beautiful, defined shape and that signature macaron “foot.”
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Watch the Bake Time: Macarons are delicate; keep an eye on them in the oven. They should be firm on the outside but slightly soft inside when perfectly baked.
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Flavor Maturity: For the best-tasting Christmas Tree Cake Macarons, don’t rush! Refrigerate them for at least 24 hours to let the flavors meld and deepen beautifully.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Tree Cake Macarons are perfect for meal prep! You can make the macaron shells up to 3 days in advance by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature, ensuring they remain crisp and flavorful. The filling can also be prepared up to 2 days ahead; simply refrigerate it in a sealed container. When you’re ready to assemble, pull out the chilled filling and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before piping. Once assembled, the macarons should mature in the fridge for at least 24 hours, which not only enhances the flavors but also allows the shells to soften slightly, resulting in a delightful treat that’s just as delicious as fresh!
Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right almond flour for the shells?
Absolutely! When selecting almond flour, look for finely ground options that are blanched for the best results. This will create that light, chewy texture we all love in macarons. If you’re nut-free, don’t hesitate to use sunflower seed flour as a substitute!
How should I store the assembled macarons and for how long?
The assembled Christmas Tree Cake Macarons can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. For extended freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week, ensuring they’re well-sealed to prevent moisture loss.
Can I freeze the macarons, and how should I do it?
Yes, you absolutely can freeze these delightful treats! To freeze unfilled macaron shells, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet for about an hour to firm them up. Then, transfer the shells to an airtight freezer bag. They can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the shells overnight in the fridge.
What should I do if my macaron shells are cracking?
If your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons are cracking, it could be due to a few reasons. Firstly, make sure your batter has the right consistency; it should flow like lava without being too runny. Secondly, ensure that the resting time is adequate—about 30-60 minutes—so the shells can form a protective skin before baking. Lastly, check your oven temperature! A temperature that’s too high can cause the macarons to puff up and crack.
Are these macarons suitable for people with allergies?
When it comes to allergies, it’s important to note that these Christmas Tree Cake Macarons contain almond flour and dairy products. If you’re accommodating someone with nut allergies, I recommend using sunflower seed flour instead of almond flour. Always double-check all ingredient packaging for potential allergens, especially since some brands may process their products differently.
How long should I let the macarons mature after assembling?
Maturing your macarons is key for the best flavor! After assembling your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste and texture when you’re ready to enjoy them!
Delicious Christmas Tree Cake Macarons for Festive Cheer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by sifting powdered sugar and almond flour together twice in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
- Beat the egg whites at medium speed until foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar and cream of tartar, beating until stiff peaks form (about 5-7 minutes).
- Gently fold in green gel food coloring, then gradually incorporate the sifted almond flour mixture until the batter flows like lava.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag and pipe tree shapes on a lined baking sheet. Tap the baking sheet to release air bubbles.
- Let the piped shells rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until dry to the touch.
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake the shells for 14-16 minutes. Cool completely on parchment paper.
- Beat unsalted butter until fluffy, then mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, heavy cream, salt, and crumbled snack cakes.
- Pipe filling onto one macaron shell, sandwich with another, and optionally drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkles.
- Refrigerate the assembled macarons for at least 24 hours to mature the flavors.
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