Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Recipe

If you’re craving a show-stopping treat this holiday season, look no further than this delightful Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Recipe. These elegant little confections combine the delicate, crisp exterior of traditional macarons with a festive twist inspired by classic Christmas Tree Cakes. Vibrant green shells give way to a rich, buttery filling studded with crumbled snack cakes, all topped off with charming decorations that bring the spirit of the holidays to your table. Whether you’re gifting these or serving them at a festive party, this recipe promises to impress with its beautiful presentation and irresistible flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of simple but essential ingredients is the secret behind the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in this Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role to ensure your macarons turn out just right—soft, chewy, colorful, and full of festive cheer.

• Powdered sugar (175g + 150g): Provides sweetness and a smooth texture for both shells and filling.
• Almond flour (100g): Finely ground and blanched to create the classic macaron crumb that’s tender yet sturdy.
• Egg whites (3 large, room temperature): Whipped to stiff peaks, they give your shells their signature light and airy consistency.
• Granulated sugar (50g): Stabilizes the egg whites while adding extra sweetness.
• Cream of tartar (½ teaspoon): A gentle acid that helps stabilize beaten egg whites for peak volume.
• Green gel food coloring: Vibrant and concentrated, it delivers that perfect Christmas tree hue without altering the batter’s consistency.
• Unsalted butter (113g, softened): The base of the luscious filling that adds richness without overpowering.
• Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Brings warmth and depth to the buttercream.
• Heavy cream (2 tablespoons): Adds creaminess and perfect spreading texture to the filling.
• Finely crumbled snack cakes (85g): The star ingredient inside the filling, lending delightful texture and a nod to traditional Christmas tree cakes.
• Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and accentuates flavor in the buttercream.
• White chocolate drizzle: For that elegant finishing touch and added decadence.
• Red and green sprinkles: Festive embellishments to boost the holiday spirit.
• Edible gold stars (optional): Shine on top to create a magical and memorable presentation.

How to Make Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Macaron Batter

Start by sifting the powdered sugar and almond flour together twice to ensure there are no lumps—this makes the shells perfectly smooth. In a separate bowl, beat the room temperature egg whites until they become foamy. Add cream of tartar to stabilize them, then gradually stream in granulated sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. This step is key because achieving stiff, glossy peaks results in macarons that hold their shape. Gently fold in the dry mixture along with a vibrant touch of green gel food coloring until your batter flows like thick lava. This is a fun moment where your batter starts to look magical and vibrant, just like a Christmas tree!

Step 2: Pipe the Macarons

Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a plain round tip, then carefully pipe your shapes—either traditional round macarons or adorable tree shapes—onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Tap the trays on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles that might cause cracks. Allow the piped shells to rest at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes so they develop a smooth, firm skin. This resting phase is crucial for achieving that classic macaron texture with no cracks and a beautiful shine.

Step 3: Bake the Shells

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake one tray at a time for 14 to 16 minutes, rotating halfway through for even coloring. Keep an eye on them—perfectly baked shells will have a delicate crust and lift off the parchment easily once fully cooled. Patience here ensures that crack-free, tender macarons with a lovely “feet” at the bottom become a reality.

Step 4: Make the Filling

While your shells cool, whip up the filling that will set this Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Recipe apart. Beat the softened butter until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Once smooth and creamy, gently fold in the finely crumbled snack cakes to add texture and a playful surprise inside. You’re creating that rich, buttery filling with a nod to traditional festive cakes—perfectly festive and delicious.

Step 5: Assemble the Macarons

Match shells of similar size and pipe a generous swirl of filling onto one half. Sandwich it with the other shell, pressing gently to spread the filling evenly without squeezing it out. This is where your creativity starts to shine as you form those sweet little Christmas tree treats ready for decorating.

Step 6: Decorate

Drizzle white chocolate artistically over the tops of your macarons, then sprinkle them with red and green festive sprinkles. If you have edible gold stars, place one carefully on the top to really bring out the magic of the season. These final touches elevate the appearance, making them not just tasty but utterly irresistible.

Step 7: Mature for Best Flavor

For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate your assembled macarons in an airtight container for at least 24 hours before serving. This maturation time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a tender and perfectly balanced bite that celebrates everything wonderful about this Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Recipe.

How to Serve Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Recipe

Garnishes

When serving these festive macarons, a light dusting of powdered sugar can add a snowy effect if you want to double down on the winter vibes. Thin ribbons of extra white chocolate drizzle or even small edible glitter specks offer extra sparkle that impresses guests right away.

Side Dishes

Pair these delicate sweets with a warm cup of spiced tea, peppermint hot chocolate, or even a rich eggnog to create a cozy holiday feel. Fresh berries or a light citrus sorbet can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the buttercream and nutty shells.

Creative Ways to Present

For a truly memorable display, arrange the macarons on a tiered dessert stand nestled among evergreen sprigs, cinnamon sticks, or fresh cranberries. Wrapping individual macarons in cellophane with a festive ribbon also makes a charming gift for holiday hosts or coworkers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any macarons left over, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Proper storage preserves their crisp shell and soft interior for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy that perfect bite well after baking day.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled macarons for up to a month by placing them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to maintain texture and flavor integrity.

Reheating

Macarons are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is generally not recommended. Simply allow frozen or refrigerated macarons to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before enjoying to bring out their full flavor.

FAQs

Can I use different food coloring for the shells?

Absolutely! You can customize the color to any hue you prefer. Gel food colorings work best because they provide vibrant color without thinning the batter, which helps retain the macaron’s texture.

What if I don’t have Christmas Tree Cakes for the filling?

If you can’t find Christmas Tree Cakes, you can substitute with any favorite lightly flavored snack cake or cookie. Just make sure to crumble it finely so it blends well into your buttercream filling.

Why is it important to let the shells rest before baking?

Resting allows a thin skin to form on the macaron surface, which prevents cracking during baking and helps develop those signature “feet” underneath. Skipping this step usually leads to uneven, cracked shells.

How do I know when the egg whites have reached stiff peaks?

When you lift the whisk out of the egg whites, the peaks should stand straight up without drooping. The mixture should look glossy and hold its shape firmly, which is critical for good macaron structure.

Can I make these macarons vegan or dairy-free?

This traditional recipe uses egg whites and butter, but there are vegan alternatives like aquafaba for egg whites and dairy-free margarine for butter. Though results may vary, experimenting can yield delicious plant-based macarons!

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Recipe is a joyous way to bring a little festive magic to your baking this season. From the vibrant green shells to the indulgent filling and sparkling decorations, every bite feels like a celebration. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make these beautiful sweets—they’re sure to become a cherished holiday favorite for you and everyone lucky enough to try them.

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