Christmas Tree Cake Macarons That Spark Joy

Every holiday season, my kitchen transforms into a winter wonderland, filled with the sweet scents of baking and laughter. One of my absolute favorite treats to make are Christmas Tree Cake Macarons. They bring back the cherished memories of my childhood, when I’d eagerly wait for the first snow, dreaming of the festive goodies that would come with it. These delightful little cookies, inspired by those iconic Christmas tree cakes, are not only stunning to look at but are packed with a creamy, nostalgic filling that takes me back to those joyful times spent with family.

Perfect for holiday gatherings, these macarons add a touch of elegance to any dessert table. They’re the kind of festive treat that sparks joy in both kids and adults alike. So let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this delicious recipe. I promise, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie, making Christmas Tree Cake Macarons will be a fun and rewarding experience that fills your home with warmth and cheer!

Why You’ll Love "Christmas Tree Cake Macarons"

Benefits

• Festively fun and visually stunning, perfect for holiday celebrations.
• Quick prep time of just 30 minutes, making them a great last-minute treat.
• Minimal ingredients mean you can whip these up without a trip to the store.
• Family-friendly — kids love helping with the decoration and filling!
• Freezer-friendly, so you can make them ahead of time and enjoy fresh macaron magic later.
• Indulges your sweet tooth with a delightful creamy filling that brings back childhood memories.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups (175g) powdered sugar
• 1 cup (100g) almond flour (finely ground, blanched; Bob's Red Mill is a great brand)
• 3 large egg whites (about 90g), room temperature (let them sit out for about 30 minutes)
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon cream of tartar (helps stabilize the egg whites)
• Green gel food coloring (you can use your favorite brand; just a few drops for that festive hue)
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened (make sure it's really soft for easy mixing)
• 1 ½ cups (150g) powdered sugar (for filling)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (pure extract makes a big difference)
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream (adds that perfect creamy texture)
• ½ cup (85g) finely crumbled snack cakes (Christmas Tree Cakes or similar, for that nostalgic flavor)
• Pinch of salt (for filling, to balance the sweetness)
• White chocolate drizzle (for decoration; melt it gently to avoid burning)
• Red and green sprinkles (to add that extra holiday cheer)
• Edible gold stars (optional, for a touch of glam)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

1. First things first, let’s get that oven preheated! Set it to 300°F (150°C) and let it warm up while you prepare your macaron batter. This way, it’ll be nice and ready when it’s time to bake.

Prepare the Macaron Batter

1. In a large bowl, sift together the powdered sugar and almond flour. This step is super important because it helps create that lovely smooth texture we all love in macarons.
2. In another bowl, whisk those egg whites until they’re frothy. Once they start to foam, gradually add in the granulated sugar while continuing to whisk. You want to whisk until you reach those stiff peaks — it should look glossy and hold its shape when you lift the whisk.
3. Add in the cream of tartar and just a few drops of green gel food coloring to the egg whites, mixing well until you achieve that festive green hue. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect — it’ll look beautiful once baked!
4. Now comes the fun part! Gently fold the almond flour mixture into the egg whites. This is where patience is key. You want to fold until the mixture is well combined and flows like lava. If it seems too runny, keep folding — but be careful not to overmix!

Pipe the Macarons

1. Grab a piping bag fitted with a round tip and fill it with that beautiful macaron batter. I like to use a cup to hold the bag while I fill it — makes things less messy!
2. On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, pipe small circles (about 1.5 inches in diameter) leaving some space in between each one. You can use a template under the parchment if you want them to be perfectly uniform.

Bake and Cool

1. Let the piped macarons sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until a skin forms on top. You’ll know they’re ready when you can lightly touch them and your finger comes away clean.
2. Now it’s time to bake! Place the macarons in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You want them to rise and form that lovely “foot” at the bottom. Keep an eye on them, and if they start to brown, it’s time to take them out!
3. Once baked, let the macarons cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Patience is key here — they’ll be easier to handle once they’re completely cool!

Make the Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s creamy and smooth. This step is crucial to achieving that luscious filling!
2. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until everything is combined and fluffy. You want it to be spreadable but still hold its shape.
3. Now, fold in the finely crumbled snack cakes. This gives your filling that nostalgic flavor reminiscent of the Christmas Tree Cakes we all adore. Add a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness, and mix until combined.

Assemble the Macarons

1. Take half of your cooled macarons and spread a generous amount of that delicious filling onto each one. You can use a knife or a piping bag for this — whatever you’re more comfortable with!
2. Gently place the other half of the macarons on top to create a sandwich. Press down slightly to help the filling ooze out just a bit — that’s the good stuff!

Decorate the Macarons

1. For the finishing touch, melt some white chocolate and drizzle it over the assembled macarons. You can do this with a fork or a piping bag for more control.
2. Now, sprinkle on the red and green sprinkles, and if you’re feeling extra festive, add those edible gold stars for a touch of glam!
3. Let the decorations set for a few minutes before serving or storing. These macarons are sure to impress, so get ready for the compliments!

Variations

Creative Twists

• Try using different gel food coloring for pastel shades or even a wintery white.
• Substitute the almond flour with finely ground oats for a gluten-free option.
• Add peppermint extract to the filling for a minty twist that screams holiday cheer.
• Use chocolate ganache instead of buttercream for a richer filling.
• Incorporate crushed candy canes into the filling for added texture and flavor.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

These macarons are best served at room temperature. Arrange them on a festive platter to showcase their beauty. They’re perfect for holiday parties, coffee dates, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy with loved ones. Feel free to pair them with a warm cup of cocoa for that cozy vibe!

Storage

Store your macarons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to a month. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!

Helpful Notes

Additional Tips

• For best results, use room temperature egg whites for maximum volume.
• If you don’t have almond flour, try finely ground hazelnuts or sunflower seed flour for a nut-free option.
• Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the filling by adding more or less powdered sugar.
• Macarons can be a bit finicky, so don’t be discouraged if they don’t turn out perfect the first time!
• Consider adding a splash of peppermint extract for a festive twist or using different colored sprinkles for variety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the macarons?

Yes, you can freeze the macarons! Just make sure they are completely cooled and store them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to a month.

What can I substitute for almond flour?

If you need a substitute for almond flour, you can use finely ground hazelnuts or sunflower seed flour for a nut-free option. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

How do I know when my macarons are done?

You’ll know your macarons are done when they’ve formed a slight “foot” and don’t wobble when you gently touch them. They should also be dry to the touch on top. If they’re browning, it’s time to take them out!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to whip up these Christmas Tree Cake Macarons! They not only look beautiful but taste like a joyful holiday hug in cookie form. As you gather around the table with family and friends, I can already picture the smiles and laughter they’ll bring. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with your decorations or flavors — that’s what makes baking so much fun! So tie on that apron, let the holiday spirit fill your kitchen, and enjoy every moment of this sweet adventure. Happy baking!

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