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✨ Introduction
There’s something magical about the holidays — twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked treats filling the air. Among the most elegant desserts you can make this season are Christmas Macarons — crisp on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and bursting with festive color.
This guide walks you through creating perfectly festive red and green macarons that will wow your family, impress your guests, and sparkle on your dessert table. Whether you’re a first-time baker or a seasoned pro, these French-inspired cookies are your ticket to holiday baking success.
💕 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🌈 Festive & Elegant: Red and green hues make them perfect for Christmas parties or edible gifts.
- 🍰 Crisp, Chewy, and Creamy: Delicate shells meet luscious buttercream filling.
- 🎁 Gift-Ready: Beautifully packaged, they’re an unforgettable homemade present.
- 🧑🍳 Beginner-Friendly: Includes troubleshooting tips to help you master the technique.
⏱️ Quick Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Rest Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 1 hr 10 mins | 24 macarons | Intermediate |
🧂 Ingredients
Macaron Shells:
- 1 cup (100g) finely ground almond flour
- 1 ¾ cups (200g) powdered sugar
- 3 large egg whites, room temperature
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring (red and green)
Buttercream Filling:
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (170g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp heavy cream (adjust for consistency)
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Almond Flour: Use blanched, finely ground almond flour for smooth shells — not almond meal.
- Egg Whites: Age them overnight (cover loosely in fridge) for better stability.
- Food Coloring: Always use gel or powdered food colors — liquid colors make the batter too runny.
- Filling Options: Swap buttercream for ganache, peppermint, or cranberry cream for festive variations.
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prep & Preheat
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together twice to remove clumps. This ensures a silky batter and smooth macaron tops.
3. Make the Meringue
In a clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed until frothy. Gradually add granulated sugar.
Continue whipping until glossy stiff peaks form (about 4–5 minutes). Add vanilla extract and mix to combine.
4. Color the Batter
Divide meringue into two bowls. Add red gel food coloring to one and green to the other.
Using a spatula, gently fold (not stir!) the almond flour mixture into each bowl in batches. The batter should flow like lava — thick but pourable.
💡 Pro Tip: When you can draw a figure “8” with the batter without it breaking, it’s ready.
5. Pipe the Shells
Transfer each batter color into separate piping bags. Pipe 1-inch circles onto the prepared trays, spacing them evenly.
Tap the trays on the counter several times to release air bubbles.
6. Rest the Shells
Let them rest at room temperature for 30–45 minutes, or until the tops feel dry to the touch. This creates the signature macaron “feet.”
7. Bake
Bake for 15–17 minutes, rotating halfway through. The shells are done when they lift easily from the parchment.
Allow to cool completely before removing.
8. Make the Buttercream
Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
9. Assemble
Match shells by size. Pipe a small dollop of buttercream onto the flat side of one shell and sandwich it with another.
🍬 Nutrition Facts (per macaron)
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85 | 4g | 9g | 1g | 7g |
(Values are estimates.)
🎄 Festive Flavor Variations
- Peppermint Chocolate: Add ¼ tsp peppermint extract to the shell batter; fill with chocolate ganache.
- Cranberry Cream: Use cranberry jam folded into buttercream for a tart-sweet twist.
- Eggnog Delight: Add nutmeg + cinnamon to shells, and fill with rum-flavored buttercream.
- Gingerbread Spice: Add ground ginger and cloves for a warm, spiced aroma.
🍽️ How to Serve Christmas Macarons
🎉 As a Dessert Table Centerpiece
Arrange red and green macarons on a gold or white tiered stand. Add rosemary sprigs, cranberries, or edible glitter for holiday sparkle.
☕ With Holiday Drinks
Pair with hot cocoa, peppermint mocha, or mulled wine. The sweet-crisp texture complements cozy winter flavors perfectly.
🎁 As Edible Gifts
Place macarons in festive tins or boxes lined with tissue. Add ribbons, pine sprigs, or handwritten gift tags for a personal touch.
🧠 Troubleshooting Guide
| Issue | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Cracked shells | Overmixed batter or oven too hot | Reduce mixing, use oven thermometer |
| No “feet” | Batter too thick or humid environment | Mix a bit longer, let rest longer |
| Hollow shells | Overbeaten meringue | Stop beating once stiff peaks form |
| Sticky bottoms | Underbaked | Add 2–3 more minutes baking time |
❄️ Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store filled macarons in an airtight container up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Unfilled shells freeze up to 1 month — thaw in fridge overnight before assembling.
- Mature: For best flavor and texture, refrigerate assembled macarons 24 hours before serving.
🧁 Expert Baking Tips
- Always weigh ingredients — precision matters.
- Sift twice for ultra-smooth shells.
- Age egg whites for stronger meringue.
- Use a silicone mat for even heat distribution.
- Let macarons mature overnight before serving — they’ll taste even better!
💬 FAQs
1. Can I make macarons without almond flour?
Not traditionally — but you can use sunflower seed flour as a nut-free alternative.
2. Why are my macarons cracked on top?
This usually happens if they didn’t rest long enough or the oven is too hot. Allow proper drying time.
3. Can I use liquid food coloring?
Avoid it. Liquid coloring changes batter consistency — stick to gel or powder.
4. How long should I rest my macarons before baking?
30–45 minutes, depending on humidity — the tops should be dry, not sticky.
5. How do I achieve glossy macaron shells?
Use fresh, room-temperature egg whites and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Baking Christmas macarons is more than a recipe — it’s a joyful holiday ritual. Their festive colors, crisp shells, and creamy centers bring magic to every celebration. Whether you serve them at a Christmas brunch or gift them to loved ones, these delicate delights embody the spirit of the season — sweet, elegant, and full of cheer.
Written with love by Emily
Founder of NRRecipes — where every recipe is tested, tasted, and perfected to make your kitchen a little warmer and your holidays a little brighter.