There’s something enchantingly festive about decorating confectionery treats that draws me in every holiday season. These Christmas Tree Cake Macarons have become a delightful tradition in my kitchen, bringing the spirit of Christmas to life in every bite. Just picture the vibrant green shells resembling holiday trees, each filled with a rich, nostalgic filling that channels the flavors of those beloved snack cakes we treasured as kids.
After a busy week, nothing lifts my spirits quite like creating a batch of these delicate macarons. They’re not only a feast for the eyes but also a show-stopping treat that will have everyone at your holiday gathering singing your praises. What I love most is how effortless they are to make while still delivering that wow factor—perfect for impressing friends or indulging in a cozy night at home with your family. So why not roll up your sleeves and create a batch of these festive delights? They might just become your new go-to holiday sweet!
Why are Christmas Tree Cake Macarons so special?
Festive Fun: These macarons bring the holiday spirit to life with their vibrant green color and playful decoration.
Nostalgic Flavors: Enjoy the delicious taste of childhood with the filling inspired by classic snack cakes.
Impressive Presentation: They look stunning on any dessert table, making them the perfect centerpiece for your holiday gatherings.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you’ll whip these up without feeling overwhelmed.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone will adore their unique look and delightful flavor, ensuring smiles all around!
Make-Ahead Option: Refrigerating these treats for 24 hours enhances their flavor, making them a perfect choice for busy holiday schedules.
Christmas Tree Cake Macaron Ingredients
For the Macaron Shells
• Powdered sugar – A must for that sweet, smooth texture in your macarons.
• Almond flour – Finely ground, blanched flour gives the macarons their signature chewy bite.
• Egg whites – Ensure they are at room temperature for better volume and stability.
• Granulated sugar – Helps achieve those stiff peaks for a perfect shell.
• Cream of tartar – Stabilizes the egg whites, ensuring your macarons hold their shape.
• Green gel food coloring – Adds a festive touch, turning your shells into adorable Christmas trees.
For the Filling
• Unsalted butter – Softened to ensure a creamy, dreamy filling.
• Powdered sugar – The second batch sweetens the filling, making it rich and delightful.
• Vanilla extract – A splash of flavor that elevates this macaron filling.
• Heavy cream – Adds richness and smoothness to the filling.
• Finely crumbled snack cakes – Mimics the nostalgic taste of Christmas Tree Cakes for an extra special filling.
• Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness perfectly in the filling.
For Decoration
• White chocolate drizzle – A delicious way to add elegance and flavor to your macarons.
• Red and green sprinkles – Festive sprinkles to bring that holiday joy to every bite.
• Edible gold stars – Optional, but they add a magical touch for the grand finale.
These Christmas Tree Cake Macarons are not only fun to make, but they also encapsulate the joy of the season in each delectable bite!
How to Make Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
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Sift the powdered sugar and almond flour together twice in a bowl. This ensures a smooth and airy batter for your macarons, vital for that dreamy texture!
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Beat the egg whites until they become foamy, then gently add the cream of tartar. Gradually mix in the granulated sugar and continue beating until you reach stiff peaks. Fold in a few drops of green food coloring until well blended.
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Fold in the sifted almond flour mixture gently. Be careful to create a batter that flows like lava; it should be smooth and slightly shiny without deflating the air you’ve just beaten in.
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Transfer the batter to a piping bag. Pipe tree shapes or simple circles onto the lined baking sheets, using about 1.5 inches for each. Tap the trays to release air bubbles, then let them rest for 30–60 minutes until a skin forms on top.
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Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake one tray at a time for 14–16 minutes, rotating it halfway through for even baking. Let the macarons cool completely before gently removing them from the mats.
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Beat the softened butter in a bowl until fluffy, then blend in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Carefully fold in the crumbled snack cakes for that delightful nostalgic flavor.
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Pair similar-sized macarons, pipe the filling on one half, and sandwich with the other half. Press gently to ensure they stick together.
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Drizzle white chocolate over the assembled macarons, and sprinkle with red and green sprinkles. If you’re feeling extra festive, add an edible gold star on top!
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Refrigerate the macarons in an airtight container for 24 hours. This waiting period helps the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite even more scrumptious.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a flavorful contrast.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Tree Cake Macarons are ideal for meal prep during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the macaron shells up to 3 days in advance by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their texture. Additionally, the filling can be made up to 2 days ahead, just refrigerate it in a separate container. When you’re ready to serve, simply pipe the filling onto the macaron shells and assemble them. To enhance the flavors, refrigerate the assembled macarons for 24 hours before serving; this allows the filling to meld and results in a delightful dessert that tastes just as fresh and festive as the day you made them!
Expert Tips for Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
Use Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature; this helps achieve the perfect volume and texture for your macaron shells.
Sift Twice: Don’t skip sifting the powdered sugar and almond flour together twice. This step prevents lumps and promotes a smooth, airy batter.
Monitor Baking: Keep a close eye on your macarons while baking. If they start to brown, lower the temperature to prevent overbaking and ensure soft, chewy shells.
Pipe with Precision: When piping, steady hands make a big difference! Aim for even shapes and sizes to ensure consistent baking and a beautiful presentation of your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons.
Wait to Eat: After making, refrigeration for 24 hours is key. This allows the flavors to develop, resulting in a delicious and cohesive treat.
Practice Patience: Macarons can be tricky, so don’t get discouraged if your first batch isn’t perfect. Every attempt brings you closer to mastering the art of these delightful treats!
What to Serve with Christmas Tree Cake Macarons?
Imagine a delightful holiday gathering where your feast mirrors the joy of the season, with these beautiful macarons as a centerpiece.
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Rich Hot Chocolate: The warm, velvety embrace of hot chocolate complements the airy texture of the macarons and adds a cozy seasonal touch.
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Crisp Festive Salad: A light salad with pomegranate seeds and citrus dressing balances the sweetness, refreshing your palate between bites.
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Cheesecake Bites: Miniature cheesecake bites provide a creamy contrast that beautifully pairs with the crunchy macarons, adding variety to your dessert spread.
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Coffee or Espresso: A robust cup of coffee enhances the rich flavors of the macarons, creating a delightful ending to your holiday meal.
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Spiced Mulled Wine: The warmth of spiced mulled wine infuses the air with festive aromas, making it a perfect companion to your sweet treats.
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Gingerbread Cookies: Classic gingerbread cookies echo the holiday spirit and offer a crunchy texture that pairs deliciously with the soft macarons.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream serves as a cool and smooth contrast to the macaron’s texture, creating an indulgent dessert duo.
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Christmas Sugar Cookies: Festively decorated sugar cookies add a colorful touch to your table and keep the holiday cheer alive in every bite!
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Chocolate Peppermint Bark: This crunchy chocolate treat adds a layer of flavor that harmonizes perfectly with your sweet macarons, making it a festive treat!
Creating a harmonious meal with these pairings ensures your celebration is delightful and memorable, leaving everyone with cheerful hearts.
Storage Tips for Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
Room Temperature: Enjoy your macarons the same day for the best texture, but they can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days in a cool, dry place.
Fridge: After the initial 24-hour refrigeration, you can keep the filled macarons in an airtight container for up to 5 days, ensuring they stay fresh and flavorful.
Freezer: To freeze your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons, place them in an airtight container separated by parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: While macarons are typically best enjoyed fresh, if you prefer them slightly softened, allow them to sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes after removing them from the fridge.
Christmas Tree Cake Macaron Variations
Feel free to personalize your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons with these fun twists that bring out different flavors and styles.
- Gluten-Free: Replace almond flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a similar texture.
- Chocolate Lover’s: Add cocoa powder to the almond flour for a chocolatey base. Pair with a chocolate ganache filling for a rich treat.
- Minty Fresh: Incorporate a few drops of peppermint extract into the filling for a refreshing holiday twist. This can elevate your flavors and add a seasonal touch!
- Nut-Free: Use ground sunflower seeds or oat flour in place of almond flour to craft a nut-free version that’s equally delightful.
- Colorful Fun: Swap the green gel color with red or blue, creating a rainbow of festive macarons. Kids will especially love choosing their favorite colors!
- Extra Crunchy: Add finely chopped nuts or crushed candy canes into the filling for extra texture and flavor. These delightful bits add an irresistible surprise with every bite.
- Spicy Warmth: Introducing a pinch of cinnamon or ginger into your filling brings in a festive flavor reminiscent of gingerbread. Perfect for cozy holiday gatherings!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter and heavy cream with coconut cream for a plant-based treat that’s still indulgent.
Let your creativity shine and enjoy these macarons your way!
Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right ingredients for my Christmas Tree Cake Macarons?
Absolutely! For the best macarons, choose fresh ingredients. Look for almond flour that’s finely ground and blanched—this will ensure a smooth texture. Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature; this step is crucial for achieving stiff peaks. As for the powdered sugar, try to use freshly opened bags to avoid clumping, which can affect your macaron’s texture.
What is the best way to store Christmas Tree Cake Macarons?
Very! Store your macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If they’re filled, keeping them refrigerated is key. After the initial 24-hour setting in the fridge, they can last for another 5 days. Just make sure the container is airtight to maintain that delightful chewiness!
Can I freeze Christmas Tree Cake Macarons?
Yes, indeed! To freeze your macarons, layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. This way, you can keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply transfer them to the fridge for a few hours or let them sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes. Enjoying them perfectly thawed will give you that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
What if my macaron shells crack during baking?
A common troubleshooting tip! Cracked shells can result from overmixing or underbaking. Ensure that when folding in the almond flour mixture, you’re gentle yet thorough; the batter should flow like lava but not be overly runny. Additionally, if your oven’s temperature is too high, it can lead to cracks. Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy; that way, your macarons come out beautifully smooth!
Are Christmas Tree Cake Macarons safe for people with allergies?
Considerate question! These macarons are made with almond flour, so they are not suitable for those with nut allergies. For celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals, rest assured that almond flour is gluten-free. However, if you have any concerns regarding allergies, always double-check the labels of your ingredients for any cross-contamination.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the filling?
Absolutely, feel free to experiment! If you find the buttercream filling too sweet, consider reducing the powdered sugar slightly or adding a touch of sea salt for balance. Alternatively, you can increase the amount of heavy cream for a richer, less sugary profile. Just remember to adjust the consistency carefully to retain that creamy texture!
Delicious Christmas Tree Cake Macarons for Holiday Cheer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sift the powdered sugar and almond flour together twice in a bowl.
- Beat the egg whites until foamy, add cream of tartar, and gradually mix in granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in green food coloring.
- Gently fold in the sifted almond flour mixture until smooth and shiny.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag, pipe tree shapes or circles on lined baking sheets, and let rest for 30-60 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake for 14-16 minutes.
- Cool completely before removing from mats.
- Beat the softened butter until fluffy, blend in powdered sugar, vanilla, heavy cream, and salt, then fold in crumbled snack cakes.
- Pair similar-sized macarons, pipe the filling on one half, and sandwich with the other half.
- Drizzle white chocolate, sprinkle with red and green sprinkles, and optionally top with edible gold star.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for 24 hours to enhance flavors.