There’s an undeniable thrill that comes with transforming familiar flavors into delightful new treats, and that’s exactly what I discovered with these Christmas Tree Cake Macarons. Picture this: the vibrant green of the macaron shells, piped into charming tree shapes, and filled with a creamy, nostalgic filling that reminds me of cozy holiday gatherings. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration in every bite!
When I first ventured into the world of macarons, I was intimidated by their reputation for being finicky. But let me tell you, these adorable tree-shaped delights offer a surprising ease that will impress both your guests and your taste buds. They combine the classic essence of Christmas snack cakes with the elegance of French patisserie, making them perfect for any festive occasion or simply when you’re craving something special.
So, gather your ingredients and let’s embark on this sweet adventure together—your holiday dessert tables will never be the same!
Why You'll Love This Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
- These Christmas Tree Cake Macarons are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to impress your friends and family without spending all day in the kitchen.
- The delightful combination of flavors will transport you straight to festive gatherings, making each bite a nostalgic experience.
- The vibrant green tree shapes not only make them visually appealing but also add a fun twist to your holiday dessert table.
- Finally, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser, making them a perfect addition to any celebration or a sweet treat to enjoy at home.
Christmas Tree Cake Macaron Ingredients
For the Macaron Shells
• Powdered sugar – helps create the sweet, tender structure of the macaron.
• Almond flour – gives the macarons a lovely nutty flavor and texture.
• Egg whites – ensure they are at room temperature for the best results.
• Granulated sugar – stabilizes the whipped egg whites for perfect peaks.
• Cream of tartar – adds stability to the egg whites, preventing graininess.
• Green gel food coloring – makes these delightful treats look like festive Christmas trees.
For the Filling
• Unsalted butter – provides rich creaminess, ensuring your filling stays soft and spreadable.
• Powdered sugar – sweetens the filling without adding graininess.
• Vanilla extract – adds a warm flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
• Heavy cream – adds a luscious texture to the filling.
• Finely crumbled snack cakes – incorporates that nostalgic flavor of Christmas Tree Cakes, making this a truly unique treat.
• Salt – a pinch enhances the sweetness of the filling.
For Decorating
• White chocolate drizzle – adds a touch of sweetness and elegance to your macarons.
• Red and green sprinkles – give a festive finish, adding cheer to your dessert.
• Edible gold stars – optional, but they make your macarons sparkle like holiday magic!
Get ready to create the most delightful Christmas Tree Cake Macarons that will have everyone craving more!
How to Make Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
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Sift Together: Sift the powdered sugar and almond flour together two times. This will ensure a smooth batter and is key to achieving that lovely macaron texture!
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Whip Egg Whites: Beat the egg whites in a clean bowl until foamy. Add the cream of tartar, gradually mixing in granulated sugar until you reach stiff peaks – this should take about 5 minutes!
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Color the Mixture: Gently fold in a few drops of green gel food coloring into your whipped egg whites. Aim for a vibrant green reminiscent of a Christmas tree!
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Combine Ingredients: Carefully fold the almond flour mixture into the egg whites. Do this until the batter flows like lava; remember, over-folding can lead to flat macarons, so be gentle!
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Pipe the Shells: Transfer your macaron batter into a piping bag and pipe charming tree shapes or simple circles onto lined baking sheets, keeping them about 2 inches apart.
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Rest the Shells: Tap the baking trays firmly on the countertop to release any air bubbles. Let them rest for 30 to 60 minutes until a skin forms; they should feel dry to the touch.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) while the macarons are resting. This step is essential for perfect baking!
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Bake: Bake one tray at a time for 14 to 16 minutes, rotating halfway through for even cooking. Watch for them to rise slightly and form that lovely shell!
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Cool Completely: Once baked, let the macarons cool completely before gently removing them from the mats to avoid breakage.
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Make the Filling: Beat your softened butter until fluffy, around 2 to 3 minutes. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and salt until well combined.
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Add Snack Cakes: Fold in the finely crumbled snack cakes to the fluffy filling mixture. This will add that nostalgic flavor we’re aiming for!
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Pipe Filling: Transfer the filling into a piping bag. Pair similar-sized macaron shells, and pipe a generous dollop of filling on one shell, then sandwich it with another.
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Decorate: Drizzle the assembled macarons with white chocolate, add festive sprinkles, and place edible gold stars on top if desired to finish off with a touch of magic!
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Refrigerate: Store the macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 24 hours. This helps the flavors meld beautifully, making each bite even more delightful!
Optional: Add a sprinkle of extra red and green sprinkles for a festive touch before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
Room Temperature: Store macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delightful texture and freshness.
Fridge: For longer freshness, keep your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. Just allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: To freeze, place macarons in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: If you wish to enjoy a freshly-crisp exterior, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Tree Cake Macarons are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time during the festive season! You can prepare the macaron shells up to 24 hours in advance. Simply make and bake the shells, then store them in an airtight container once cooled, ensuring they remain crisp and delicious. The filling can also be prepared up to 3 days ahead; just keep it refrigerated in a separate airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, pipe the filling onto the macaron shells, sandwich them together, and add your festive decorations. This way, you’ll have a stunning dessert ready to impress with minimal last-minute effort!
What to Serve with Christmas Tree Cake Macarons?
Transform your festive celebrations into something truly magical as we explore delightful pairings that elevate these enchanting treats!
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Festive Fruit Salad: This light and refreshing mix of seasonal fruits offers a burst of color and balance against the sweet richness of the macarons.
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Hot Cocoa Bar: Cozy up with a homemade hot cocoa station, complete with marshmallows and whipped cream, creating a heartwarming experience to accompany each sweet bite.
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Gingerbread Cookies: Embrace the classic holiday flavors! Crisp gingerbread cookies add a spicy crunch that perfectly complements the creamy, sweet filling of the macarons.
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Spiced Tea: A cup of warm, spiced tea, like chai or apple spice, serves as a fragrant addition, enhancing the nostalgic vibe of these Christmas delights.
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Sugar Cookies: Soft, buttery sugar cookies, adorned with festive icing, bring a playful nod to classic holiday baking, perfectly balancing both flavors and textures on your dessert table.
With every pairing, you’ll find that the delightful magic of the Christmas Tree Cake Macarons shines even brighter!
Christmas Tree Cake Macaron Variations
Explore the delightful ways you can personalize these festive macarons to suit your taste or dietary needs!
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Nut-Free: Substitute almond flour with finely ground sunflower seed flour for an equally delicious nut-free version. These will still bring that beautiful green charm!
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Vegan: Use aquafaba in place of egg whites and coconut cream instead of butter. With the same love and technique, you’ll create a festive vegan delight.
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Chocolate Twist: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the shell mixture for a rich chocolate flavor, perfect for those who crave a sweet twist on the classic.
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Peppermint Infusion: Mix crushed peppermint candies into the filling for a festive touch. This adds a minty freshness that pairs beautifully with the creamy richness.
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Caramel Drizzle: Instead of white chocolate, drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt for a sweet-savory explosion that takes these macarons to new heights.
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Citrus Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest in the filling for a bright and zesty pop that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
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Spicy Kick: Stir a pinch of cayenne pepper into the filling for a subtle heat that surprises and enchants with each delightful bite.
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Fruit Filling: Swap the snack cakes with finely chopped dried fruits, like cranberries or apricots, for a chewy texture and a burst of fruity flavor.
Let your imagination run wild with these variations and create your very own version of Christmas Tree Cake Macarons—each bite will tell a story uniquely yours!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the perfect Christmas Tree Cake Macarons, make sure to sift the powdered sugar and almond flour together at least twice to ensure a smooth batter that will rise beautifully.
- A common mistake is not allowing the macarons to rest long enough after piping; letting them form a skin for 30–60 minutes helps create that iconic macaron texture.
- When folding in the almond flour mixture, do so gently until the batter flows like lava to prevent flat shells.
- Preheating your oven to 300°F is essential for even baking, ensuring your macarons cook evenly for that delightful crunchy exterior and soft interior.
Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right almond flour for my macarons?
Absolutely, selecting good almond flour is key! Look for finely ground, blanched almond flour, as this will give you the best texture. You want it to feel soft and silky to ensure your macarons are smooth and not grainy. Avoid almond meal, as it is coarser and will lead to less than ideal results.
How should I store my Christmas Tree Cake Macarons?
For maximum freshness, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember, let them come to room temperature before enjoying to bring back their delightful texture!
Can I freeze my macarons, and if so, how?
Absolutely! Freezing macarons is a great way to make them ahead of time. To freeze your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons, lay them out in a single layer in an airtight container, making sure to separate layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, and if you’d like, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for a minute or two for that fresh-baked taste.
What should I do if my macarons crack during baking?
Very! Cracked macarons can be disheartening, but don’t worry, it often happens due to a few common mistakes. Ensure you’re not over-mixing your batter, which can create too much air and lead to cracking. Also, check your oven temperature with an internal thermometer—if it’s too hot, it might cause the shells to rise too quickly and crack. Lastly, resting the macarons to form a skin before baking is crucial, as this helps prevent cracks during the baking process.
Are these macarons safe for pets or those with nut allergies?
While these Christmas Tree Cake Macarons are a delightful treat for humans, they are not safe for pets, especially because they contain almond flour. For those with nut allergies, I recommend avoiding this recipe altogether and seeking alternative recipes that cater to nut-free diets. Always check ingredient labels for any allergen warnings!
Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sift the powdered sugar and almond flour together two times.
- Beat the egg whites until foamy, adding the cream of tartar, then gradually mix in granulated sugar until stiff peaks.
- Fold in a few drops of green gel food coloring until vibrant.
- Gently fold the almond flour mixture into the egg whites until a lava-like batter is achieved.
- Pipe tree shapes or circles onto lined baking sheets.
- Tap the trays to release air bubbles and rest for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) during resting.
- Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, rotating halfway through.
- Cool completely before removal from mats.
- Beat softened butter until fluffy, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, heavy cream, and salt.
- Fold in finely crumbled snack cakes.
- Transfer filling to a piping bag, pair macarons, pipe filling, and sandwich.
- Drizzle with white chocolate, add sprinkles and edible gold stars.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week.
- To freeze, arrange in a single layer in an airtight container.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently to enjoy.
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