As I unwrapped a peppermint macaron for the first time, I was instantly captivated. That signature crunch met my eager bite with a burst of creamy mint filling, enveloping my senses in a dance of flavors that felt like an elegant celebration in every mouthful. There’s something about making these delicate treats from scratch that invites a little magic into the kitchen, transforming a simple day into a special occasion.
Perfect for the holidays or any festive gathering, peppermint macarons are not just easy to fall in love with; they offer endless possibilities for customization. Whether you’re crafting them for a holiday brunch or just because you deserve a sweet treat, these little gems will be the pièce de résistance of any dessert table. Plus, their striking colors and impressive texture make them a surefire way to impress your friends and family, and let’s be honest—who doesn’t want to gain a reputation as the cookie magician? So grab your apron, and let’s dive into the wonderful world of making peppermint macarons!
Why You'll Love This Peppermint Macarons
- These peppermint macarons are incredibly easy to make, even for beginners, giving you a confident boost in the kitchen.
- With their delightful peppermint flavor and creamy filling, they’ll tantalize your taste buds and leave everyone wanting more.
- Their versatility allows for fun variations, whether you want to stick to classic flavors or get creative with colors and fillings.
- Visually stunning and elegant, these macarons will elevate any dessert table and impress guests at gatherings.
Peppermint Macarons Ingredients
These delightful treats are a breeze to whip up!
For the Macaron Shells
- Almond flour – a finely ground nut flour that creates a beautifully chewy texture.
- Powdered sugar – ensures the shells are sweet and smooth, giving them that signature look.
- Egg whites – must be at room temperature for optimal whipping; they help stabilize the macaron structure.
- Granulated sugar – adds sweetness and helps to create those stiff peaks in the egg whites.
- Peppermint extract – infuses the shells with refreshing flavor that makes them irresistible.
- Pinch salt – balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- Food coloring – optional, but adds a festive touch for those special occasions!
For the Buttercream Filling
- Unsalted butter – softened to ensure a creamy and easy-to-spread filling.
- Powdered sugar – combines with the butter to create a sweet, fluffy texture.
- Peppermint extract – added for that signature minty kick in your luscious filling.
These peppermint macarons are sure to be a hit, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures!
How to Make Peppermint Macarons
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Don’t forget to line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal later!
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Sift Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar. This step ensures a smooth mixture that will help your macarons achieve that perfect texture.
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Whip Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they become foamy. This sets the stage for the lofty, airy shells we’re going for!
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Add Sugar Gradually: Now, gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to whip the egg whites. Keep going until stiff peaks form, letting you know your meringue is ready.
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Fold and Flavor: Gently fold the almond flour mixture and peppermint extract into the whipped egg whites. If you’d like some pop of color, this is the moment to add a few drops of food coloring!
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Pipe the Batter: Transfer the batter into a piping bag, and pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheets. Aim for even sizes, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
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Let Them Rest: Allow the piped macarons to sit out for 30-60 minutes until a skin forms on their surface. You’ll know they are ready when they don’t stick to your finger!
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Bake: Slide the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The macarons should have a slight sheen and lift easily from the parchment paper when done.
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Cool Completely: Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheets.
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Prepare the Buttercream: While the macarons cool, beat the softened butter in a bowl until creamy. This will make your filling smooth and luscious.
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Mix the Filling: Gradually add the powdered sugar and peppermint extract to the butter, mixing until you achieve a silky and sweet buttercream.
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Assemble the Macarons: Pipe the buttercream onto half of the cooled macaron shells, then gently sandwich them with the remaining shells.
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Mature and Enjoy: For the best flavor experience, let your assembled macarons mature in the fridge for at least 24 hours before indulging!
Optional: Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top of the macarons for an extra festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Peppermint Macarons are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the festive season! You can prepare the macaron shells up to 3 days in advance. Simply follow steps 1 to 8, then store the cooled shells in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh. The filling can also be made ahead, storing it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to serve, just assemble the macarons by piping the buttercream between the shells. Allow them to mature in the fridge for at least 24 hours for that luscious flavor. This way, you can enjoy delightful Peppermint Macarons with minimal last-minute effort!
How to Store and Freeze Peppermint Macarons
Room Temperature: Store filled peppermint macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keep them away from direct sunlight to maintain their texture.
Fridge: For longer freshness, refrigerate the macarons in an airtight container. They can stay delightful for up to 5 days, but the filling may soften slightly.
Freezer: If you want to preserve your peppermint macarons for later, freeze them unfilled in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container where they can last for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy them after freezing, let the macarons thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This helps maintain their delicate texture before serving.
What to Serve with Peppermint Macarons?
Looking to create a delightful dessert spread that will charm your guests? The combination of flavors and textures is key to elevating your peppermint macarons!
- Rich Hot Chocolate: The creamy sweetness of hot chocolate pairs perfectly with the delicate mintiness, creating a cozy indulgence.
- Coffee or Espresso: A strong coffee provides a lovely contrast to the sweetness, highlighting the refreshing peppermint flavor in your macarons.
- Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: The rich chocolate and juicy strawberries add a touch of romance and balance the minty notes beautifully.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop beside your macarons for a cool, creamy treat that enhances the peppermint without overwhelming it.
- Berry Compote: A tart berry compote offers a burst of freshness that complements the sweetness of your macarons, adding a vibrant splash of color.
- Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites deliver a decadent richness that works wonderfully alongside the refreshing taste of peppermint.
- Champagne or Prosecco: Sparking wines elevate your dessert experience, adding a touch of celebration to the enchanting flavors of the macarons.
- Peppermint Tea: Continue the peppermint theme; this soothing beverage will cleanse the palate between sweet bites, making it an ideal companion.
Peppermint Macarons Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists and substitutions to make your peppermint macarons your very own!
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Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle it over the assembled macarons for a rich, decadent finish.
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Nut-Free: Substitute almond flour with finely ground oatmeal or sunflower seed flour to make this treat nut-free while still delicious.
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Different Extracts: Swap out peppermint extract for almond or vanilla for a different, yet equally delightful flavor experience.
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Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing citrus twist that brightens the minty flavor.
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Dusting Sugar: Lightly dust the cooled macarons with powdered sugar before serving for a lovely, snowy effect that enhances their visual appeal.
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Fruit Fillings: Experiment with fillings by adding fruit jams or curds, like raspberry or lemon, to create a vibrant burst of flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into the buttercream for a surprising and delightful heat with every bite.
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Matcha Macarons: Fold in 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder to the shell batter for a trendy flavor and a beautiful green hue!
Let your creativity soar as you make these variations your own, turning each batch of peppermint macarons into a unique celebration of flavors!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making peppermint macarons, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature as this helps achieve the necessary volume and stability in your meringue.
- One common mistake is overmixing the batter after folding in the almond flour and peppermint extract; be gentle to maintain the lightness of your macaron shells.
- Invest in a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for almond flour and powdered sugar, as accuracy is key to perfect texture.
- Lastly, remember to check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer, as even slight variations can impact baking time and the final result of your macarons.
Peppermint Macarons Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right almond flour for macarons?
When selecting almond flour, look for finely ground almond flour that feels soft and powdery. I often recommend brands that specifically label their flour as “macaron” quality, as they tend to provide the best texture for your shells. Avoid almond meal, as it has a coarser texture that may lead to grainy macarons.
How should I store my peppermint macarons?
Store filled peppermint macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, move them to the fridge where they can stay fresh for about 5 days. Just keep in mind that the filling may become a bit softer over time, but they’ll still be delicious!
Can I freeze peppermint macarons?
Absolutely! To freeze peppermint macarons, I recommend doing it unfilled to preserve the texture. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and they will last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for the best results.
What if my macaron shells crack while baking?
If your peppermint macarons crack, it may be due to overmixing the batter or not letting them rest long enough before baking. Ensure you fold in the almond flour mixture gently and fully allow time for a skin to form. This allows moisture to escape and will help keep the shells intact during baking.
Are peppermint macarons safe for those with nut allergies?
Unfortunately, peppermint macarons contain almond flour, making them unsuitable for those with nut allergies. If you need an alternative, consider using a finely ground oat flour or a nut-free blend that can often be found in stores. Just be aware that this may alter the texture slightly, so keep an eye on those delicate macarons!
Can I substitute peppermint extract with other flavors?
The more the merrier! While peppermint extract is classic, you can absolutely experiment with flavors like vanilla, almond, or even citrus extracts for a refreshing twist. Just adjust the quantity to your taste, and remember that some extracts may have a stronger flavor profile, so start small and adjust as needed!
Peppermint Macarons
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar.
- In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the almond flour mixture and peppermint extract into the whipped egg whites.
- Transfer the batter into a piping bag and pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Allow the piped macarons to sit out for 30-60 minutes until a skin forms on their surface.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until macarons have a slight sheen and lift easily from the parchment.
- Let them cool completely on the baking sheets.
- Beat the softened butter until creamy in a bowl.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and peppermint extract to the butter, mixing until silky.
- Pipe the buttercream onto half of the cooled shells, then sandwich with remaining shells.
- For best flavor, let assembled macarons mature in the fridge for at least 24 hours.
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