Standing in my kitchen, the scents of holiday spices waft through the air, stirring memories of festive gatherings. There’s something uniquely enchanting about the season, and it’s the perfect time to whip up a batch of Christmas Tree Cake Macarons that bring both joy and nostalgia to the table. These delightful little confections, shaped like Christmas trees, combine vibrant colors with a creamy filling, making them an irresistible treat for any holiday celebration. Best of all, they can be made in under two hours, ensuring your busy holiday schedule doesn’t miss out on the sweet magic of homemade desserts. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself, these festive macarons are sure to spark smiles and brighten up your dessert spread. Ready to indulge in some holiday baking fun? Let’s get started on creating these charming sweets!
Why make Christmas Tree Cake Macarons?
Festive flair: These vibrant macarons bring the holiday spirit to life with their charming tree shape and bright green color.
Quick preparation: Made in under two hours, they fit perfectly into your busy schedule, allowing you to impress guests without the stress.
Creamy indulgence: The rich, buttery filling, enhanced with crumbled snack cakes, delivers nostalgia in every bite, reminiscent of beloved holiday treats.
Versatile options: Feel free to switch up colors or flavors to match your holiday theme or even try nut-free variations with sunflower seed flour.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for holiday gatherings or as delightful gifts, these macarons will surely be a hit at any festive celebration. If you’re looking for more creative ideas, check out my Christmas Tree Cheesecake and Mini Christmas Cheesecake recipes!
Christmas Tree Cake Macaron Ingredients
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For the Shells
• Powdered Sugar – Provides sweetness and structure; ensure it’s sifted to remove lumps for a smooth batter.
• Almond Flour – Adds a nutty flavor and delicate texture; can substitute with sunflower seed flour for a nut-free option.
• Egg Whites – Essential for meringue structure; use room temperature for best results, beaten until foamy.
• Granulated Sugar – Stabilizes egg whites and adds sweetness; stir gradually until stiff peaks form.
• Cream of Tartar – Helps maintain the stability of egg whites; do not skip, as it’s crucial for proper meringue formation.
• Green Gel Food Coloring – For festive coloring; adjust the amount to achieve your desired shade of green. -
For the Filling
• Butter – Creates a creamy filling; use softened for easier mixing.
• Heavy Cream – Adds richness to the filling; ensure it’s cold for proper whipping.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor of the filling; use pure vanilla for a more authentic taste.
• Pinch of Salt – Balances sweetness in the filling; essential for flavor depth.
• Snack Cakes (crumbled) – Adds nostalgic flavor; use any favorite cake for filling to create a unique twist.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Sift the powdered sugar and almond flour together twice to ensure a lump-free mixture. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy, then add cream of tartar. Gradually mix in granulated sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form, showcasing a glossy meringue. Gently fold in the sifted almond flour mixture and green gel food coloring until the batter flows smoothly like lava, ready for piping.
Step 2: Pipe and Rest
Transfer the festive macaron batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. On lined baking sheets, pipe tree shapes or circles, creating uniform sizes for perfect sandwiches. After piping, lightly tap the sheets against the counter to release any trapped air bubbles. Allow the piped shells to rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until a skin forms, ensuring a crisp exterior upon baking.
Step 3: Bake
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) while your macarons rest. Bake one tray at a time for 14-16 minutes, turning the tray halfway through for even baking. You’ll know they’re done when they have risen and their feet have formed, with a glossy top. Once baked, let the shells cool completely on the baking mats before removing them, ensuring their delicate texture remains intact.
Step 4: Prepare Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s fluffy and creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, then add cold heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Lastly, fold in the crumbled snack cakes until everything is well combined, creating a rich filling that captures the essence of nostalgic holiday treats perfect for your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons.
Step 5: Assemble Macarons
Pair similar-sized macaron shells and pipe a generous amount of the prepared filling onto the flat side of one shell. Gently sandwich it with another shell, pressing down lightly to spread the filling evenly. For an extra festive touch, drizzle with melted white chocolate and add colorful sprinkles or decorations, creating a charming presentation that celebrates the season.
Step 6: Mature the Macarons
Place the assembled Christmas Tree Cake Macarons in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. This step allows the flavors to meld wonderfully and the textures to soften, giving you that perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience. When ready to serve, bring them to room temperature for the ultimate festive treat that’s sure to delight your holiday guests.
Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize these delightful macarons to suit your holiday flair!
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Nut-Free: Substitute almond flour with sunflower seed flour for a tasty, nut-free alternative. You’ll still enjoy that wonderful macaron texture!
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Dairy-Free: Swap butter for coconut cream and use non-dairy heavy cream for a deliciously creamy, dairy-free filling everyone will love.
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Flavor Infusion: Add peppermint extract to the filling for a refreshing twist that adds a festive kick! Consider experimenting with different flavorings.
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Color Variations: Don’t limit your artistry—try different colors such as red, blue, or yellow for a vibrant holiday display. Get the kids involved!
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Festive Sprinkles: Give your macarons a fun sprinkle by adding edible glitter or colored sprinkles on top of the filling for visual appeal.
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Chocolate Lovers: Incorporate cocoa powder into the filling for a rich chocolate macaron flavor. A melt-in-your-mouth experience awaits!
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Add Heat: For the adventurous, mix in a dash of chili powder or cayenne to the filling. A surprising warmth will contrast nicely with the sweet cookie!
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Layer with Cheesecake: Crumble up a slice of cheesecake into the filling for an indulgent mashup. It’s like two desserts in one!
If you’re looking for more festive dessert inspiration, don’t forget to check out my Christmas Tree Cheesecake or Christmas Red Velvet recipes for something extra special to share at your gatherings!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Tree Cake Macarons are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to craft delicious treats in advance! You can prepare the macaron shells up to 24 hours ahead of time by piping and baking them, then storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Additionally, the creamy filling can be made up to 3 days in advance—simply refrigerate it in a sealed container. When you’re ready to serve, just assemble the macarons by filling the shells and allowing them to mature in the fridge for a few hours or overnight for the best flavor. By prepping ahead, you’ll enjoy a smooth baking process, leaving you more time to relish the holiday festivities with your loved ones!
Storage Tips for Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
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Room Temperature: Store assembled macarons in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain texture and flavor.
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Fridge: If you need to extend their freshness, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the filled macarons in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: Thaw frozen macarons in the fridge overnight and enjoy them at room temperature for the best taste experience.
What to Serve with Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
Indulging in these delightful festive treats opens up a world of delicious pairing possibilities that enhance the holiday spirit.
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Rich Hot Chocolate: The creamy richness complements the macaron’s flavors while adding a warm hug to your meal.
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Spiced Eggnog: This classic holiday drink warms your heart and elevates the cheerful vibes at any gathering.
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Gingerbread Cookies: Their spiced sweetness echoes the festive flavor notes found in the macarons, creating joy in every bite!
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Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the macarons’ vibrant filling.
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Apple Cider: Warmed or chilled, the crisp, autumnal flavor serves as a refreshing contrast, making each dessert moment feel special.
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Festive Fruit Platter: Bright fruits like pomegranates and clementines add color and a refreshing crunch, balancing the sweetness of the macarons.
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Marshmallow Fluff Dip: This sweet dip offers a fun and nostalgic way to enjoy added flavors and textures alongside your macarons.
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Peppermint Bark: The minty crunch serves as a delightful palate cleanser, allowing the holiday flavors of the macarons to shine through.
Expert Tips for Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
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Sifting is Key: Always sift the powdered sugar and almond flour twice; this ensures a smooth and airy batter, critical for perfect macarons.
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Room Temperature Egg Whites: Using room temperature egg whites allows for better aeration, leading to a more stable meringue for your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons.
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Resting Time Matters: Don’t skip the resting step! It allows the macarons to form a skin, crucial for achieving that beautiful shiny shell.
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Monitor Baking Carefully: Keep an eye on your baking time and temperature; every oven is different, and overbaking will lead to dry macarons.
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Chill Your Filling: Make sure your heavy cream is cold when whipping; this results in a lighter, fluffier filling that perfectly complements the macarons.
Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for macarons?
Absolutely! For the best results, make sure your egg whites are fresh, ideally aged for a day or two at room temperature. This helps them whip up nicely into a stable meringue. For the other ingredients, make sure the butter is softened to room temperature, and for the cream, use cold heavy cream to achieve the best texture in your filling.
How should I store Christmas Tree Cake Macarons?
After assembling your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons, store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the fridge for up to 5 days, or frozen for a lovely 3 months. Just be sure to allow them to come to room temperature after refrigerating or freezing for the perfect texture!
Can I freeze these macarons? If so, how?
Yes, you can easily freeze your macarons to enjoy later! Simply freeze the assembled macarons in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they are solid, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer bag, where they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. To thaw, place them in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy them at room temperature for the best experience.
What should I do if my macaron shells crack during baking?
Oh no, cracked shells can be a letdown! This often happens due to uneven baking or not letting the shells rest long enough before popping them in the oven. Ensure your macarons rest for 30-60 minutes to form a skin, and rotate your baking trays halfway through to promote even baking. If you’re still having issues, try lowering the oven temperature slightly.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of when making these macarons?
Very much so! It’s essential to note that these Christmas Tree Cake Macarons are suitable for vegetarians but do contain eggs and dairy. If you’re making them for guests with allergies, consider using sunflower seed flour instead of almond flour for nut-free macarons. As always, check all ingredient labels to accommodate any dietary restrictions.
Festive Christmas Tree Cake Macarons You'll Love to Make
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sift the powdered sugar and almond flour together twice to ensure a lump-free mixture. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy, then add cream of tartar. Gradually mix in granulated sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form, showcasing a glossy meringue. Gently fold in the sifted almond flour mixture and green gel food coloring until the batter flows smoothly like lava.
- Transfer the festive macaron batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. On lined baking sheets, pipe tree shapes or circles, creating uniform sizes for perfect sandwiches. After piping, lightly tap the sheets against the counter to release any trapped air bubbles. Allow the piped shells to rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until a skin forms.
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) while your macarons rest. Bake one tray at a time for 14-16 minutes, turning the tray halfway through. They’re done when they have risen and their feet have formed.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until fluffy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, then add cold heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Fold in the crumbled snack cakes until well combined.
- Pair similar-sized macaron shells and pipe a generous amount of the filling onto the flat side of one shell. Sandwich with another shell, pressing lightly. Optionally, drizzle with melted white chocolate and add sprinkles.
- Place the assembled macarons in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to meld flavors and soften textures.
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