Sweeten Your Holidays: Irresistible Christmas Macaron Recipes with Festive Fillings

Quick Overview Section

Recipe Rating: ★★★★★ (Based on reader feedback)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12 macarons
Calories: Approximately 70 per macaron

Introduction

There’s a certain magic in the air during the holiday season, and what better way to celebrate than with delightful Christmas macarons? Every year, I look forward to crafting these delicate and colorful treats, which have become a treasured tradition in my family. The light, airy texture combined with luscious festive fillings makes them the perfect holiday treat—not to mention that they are gluten-free!

In this blog post, you’ll discover a couple of irresistible recipes featuring peppermint chocolate ganache and spiced orange buttercream fillings. Let’s dive into these sugary delights that will sweeten your holidays!

Ingredients List

For the Macaron Shells:

• Almond Flour: 2 cups
• Powdered Sugar: 2 cups
• Egg Whites: 4 large
• Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup
• Food Coloring: Red and green (gel)

For the Peppermint Chocolate Ganache Filling:

• Dark Chocolate: 4 oz (chopped)
• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup
• Peppermint Extract: 1 teaspoon

For the Spiced Orange Buttercream Filling:

• Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (softened)
• Powdered Sugar: 2 cups
• Orange Zest: 1 tablespoon
• Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon
• Milk: 2-3 tablespoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

For the Macaron Shells:

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line Baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Sift together almond Flour and powdered sugar into a large bowl to ensure a smooth texture.
3. In a clean mixing bowl, whip egg whites using a stand mixer until frothy.
4. Gradually add granulated sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
5. Gently fold in the almond Flour mixture using a spatula until just combined.
6. Add food coloring and mix lightly to achieve desired color.
7. Pipe small circles onto the prepared Baking sheets, leaving space in between for spreading.
8. Tap the trays against the counter to release any air bubbles.
9. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes until slightly dry to the touch.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the macarons have a hard shell.
11. Cool completely before removing from the parchment paper.

For the Peppermint Chocolate Ganache Filling:

1. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it begins to simmer.
2. Pour over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes before stirring until smooth.
3. Add peppermint extract and mix well. Allow to cool before using.

For the Spiced Orange Buttercream Filling:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing continuously.
3. Stir in orange zest, cinnamon, and milk until a smooth consistency is reached.

Tips and Tricks Section

• Macaron Troubleshooting: If your macarons crack, it could be due to excess moisture. Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature and that you don’t over-mix your batter.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to customize the fillings with different extracts like vanilla, almond, or hazelnut for unique flavors.
• Storage: Store macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week for the best texture.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 70 kcal
Macronutrients:

• Protein: 1 g
• Fat: 3 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g

Micronutrients:

• Fiber: 0 g
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 15 mg

Recipe Notes

• Make sure to use aged egg whites for better results, as they whip up better and yield a more stable meringue.
• The macarons can be made a day in advance and filled just before serving.

FAQs

1. How do I store leftover macarons?
   Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

2. Can I freeze macarons?
   Yes! Freeze unfilled shells in an airtight container, and they can last up to a month.

3. What can I substitute for almond Flour?
   You can use hazelnut Flour for a different flavor profile, but the texture might vary slightly.

4. How do I reheat macarons?
   Rather than reheating, enjoy macarons at room temperature. If they are too cold, let them sit out for a few minutes.

5. Can I make these vegan?
   For a vegan version, you can use aquafaba instead of egg whites.

Please Give Us Your Feedback

We love hearing from you! If you try these Christmas macaron recipes, please leave a comment below, rate the recipe, and feel free to share your holiday Baking experiences with us on social media.

Recipe Card: Christmas Macarons

Servings: 12 macarons
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• Almond Flour: 2 cups
• Powdered Sugar: 2 cups
• Egg Whites: 4 large
• Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup
• Food Coloring: Red and green (gel)
• Dark Chocolate: 4 oz (chopped)
• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup
• Peppermint Extract: 1 teaspoon
• Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (softened)
• Orange Zest: 1 tablespoon
• Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon
• Milk: 2-3 tablespoons

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line Baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Sift together almond Flour and powdered sugar.
3. Whip egg whites until frothy, add granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
4. Fold in almond Flour mix and food coloring.
5. Pipe onto Baking sheets; let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes; cool completely.
7. Prepare fillings as detailed above.

Happy Baking and enjoy your festive treats!

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