As I was prepping my holiday dessert table last year, I stumbled upon a delightful idea that transformed my festive gathering: Christmas Tree Cake Macarons! Shaped like charming green Christmas trees, these treats wow guests not just with their appearance but with their sweet almond flavor and creamy buttercream filling. The beauty of these Christmas Tree Cake Macarons lies in their simple preparation—perfect for busy holiday schedules—and their crowd-pleasing appeal. Whether you’re looking to impress family or add a special touch to your holiday spread, these macarons are sure to bring joy. Ready to make some magical memories in the kitchen? Let’s dive into this festive recipe! Why Are These Macarons So Special? Unique, festive design: Each macaron is shaped like a Christmas tree, making them an eye-catching centerpiece for your holiday dessert table. Delicious almond flavor: The combination of almond flour and sweet buttercream filling creates a delightful taste that both kids and adults love. Simple preparation: This recipe is surprisingly easy, allowing you to whip up a batch even during your busiest holiday season. Versatile options: With just a few adjustments, you can customize the color and flavor of your buttercream, making these macarons uniquely yours. Crowd-pleaser: Whether for a family gathering or a festive party, these Christmas Tree Cake Macarons are sure to impress and delight your guests. Looking for more ways to elevate your holiday desserts? Check out my Oreo Cheesecake Savor or consider adding some Mexican Street Corn Casserole to your menu! Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Ingredients These whimsical treats are both fun to make and tasty to eat! For the Macaron Shells Almond Flour – Provides structure and a nutty flavor; substitute with sunflower seed flour for a nut-free option. Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth batter without lumps. Egg Whites – Essential for the macaron’s airy structure; make sure they’re at room temperature for best results. Granulated Sugar – Stabilizes the egg whites to form stiff peaks. Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor, enhancing the overall taste. Almond Extract – Enhances the almond flavor that complements the entire macaron experience. Green Food Coloring – Used for a festive appearance; adjust to your desired hue. For the Buttercream Filling Butter – Softened for easy mixing; this forms the creamy base of your filling. Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the filling and gives it a smooth texture. Milk – Adjusts the consistency of the buttercream; add more for a slightly thinner frosting that’s easy to spread. Flavoring (optional) – Customize with peppermint extract or other flavorings that align with the festive spirit. For the Decoration Sprinkles – Optional decoration for added festive flair that makes your macarons sparkle. These delightful Christmas Tree Cake Macarons are perfect for your holiday gatherings, ensuring every bite is a cheerful celebration! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will ensure your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons bake evenly. Prepare your pastry bag fitted with a round tip for piping the macaron batter later. Keep this setup close as it will be handy once your batter is ready. Step 2: Sift the Dry Ingredients In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar, ensuring there are no lumps. This step is crucial for achieving that smooth macaron texture. The sifted mixture should be airy and fine, resembling a soft powder. Set it aside while you prepare the egg whites, as this will help incorporate the dry ingredients seamlessly later on. Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites In a separate bowl, begin beating your egg whites using an electric mixer at medium speed. Once they become frothy, gradually add in the granulated sugar while increasing to high speed. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form, and the mixture appears glossy. This process should take about 4-5 minutes, and achieving the right consistency is key for your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons to stand tall. Step 4: Combine Ingredients Gently fold the sifted almond flour mixture into the whipped egg whites using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the egg whites; your mixture should remain light and airy. After about 15 folds, add in the vanilla and almond extracts, along with a few drops of green food coloring until the desired shade is achieved. The batter should flow smoothly but maintain its shape. Step 5: Pipe the Macarons Transfer the macaron batter into your prepared pastry bag and begin piping tree shapes onto the lined baking sheets. Aim for about 2 inches in height, giving each tree a slight taper to mimic the holiday theme. Leave some space between each piped macaron, as they will expand slightly during baking. Once piped, let them sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes. Step 6: Bake the Macarons Once the shells have formed a delicate skin (they should not stick to your finger), place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on your oven, until the macarons have risen and developed a firm outer shell. They should not be brown; instead, they should maintain a vibrant green color. Step 7: Cool and Fill After baking, allow the macarons to cool completely on the baking sheets for at least 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once they’re cool, match up pairs of shells by size and fill the flat side of one with your prepared buttercream. Gently press the second shell on top, creating delightful little Christmas Tree Cake Macarons that are ready to enchant your guests! Step 8: Decorate and Serve To enhance your festive treat, decorate the filled macarons with colorful sprinkles on top. This adds a cheerful flair that makes each of your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons even more inviting. Allow the flavors to meld together for a few hours before serving; they are best enjoyed after resting. Enjoy the delight they bring to your holiday celebrations! Christmas Tree Cake Macarons: Fun Twists Get creative with your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons and make them uniquely yours! Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed flour instead of almond flour. This makes them accessible for those with nut allergies while keeping the structure intact. Swapping out flour not only caters to dietary needs but also adds a different flavor profile that everyone will enjoy. Flavored Buttercream: Experiment with fun flavors like peppermint or mocha in your frosting. These variations will spice things up for holiday gatherings! A hint of peppermint brings a festive twist, while mocha adds a cozy richness that pairs beautifully with the almond taste. Colorful Touch: Swap the green food coloring for red or white to create candy cane-themed macarons. You can even layer colors for a striped effect! This not only keeps things visually exciting but also sparks conversations at any holiday dinner! Gluten-Free: Replace almond flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour. Everyone can cherish these delightful treats without compromising on flavor! A gluten-free option ensures that no one misses out on the festive fun, making these macarons perfect for everyone at the party. Add Texture: Consider adding crushed candy canes or holiday sprinkles into the buttercream filling for a delightful crunch. This added texture enhances flavor while giving your festive treats that joyous holiday vibe! Lemon Zest: Add fresh lemon zest to the buttercream for a refreshing citrus note. It brightens the overall flavor and makes these treats stand out. A little zesty surprise can lift spirits and add an unexpected twist that will keep everyone guessing. Spicy Kick: Mix in a touch of cinnamon or ginger to your buttercream for a warm spice note. This twist captures the essence of the holiday season! These warming spices create a cozy atmosphere and remind you of the comforting flavors of holiday baking. There’s no wrong way to enjoy these Christmas Tree Cake Macarons! Feeling festive? Dive into other delightful recipes like my Sugar Cookie Cake or indulge in the comfort of Mexican Street Corn for some culinary inspiration this season! How to Store and Freeze Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Room Temperature: Enjoy your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons fresh for optimal flavor; they are best consumed within the same day of preparation. Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Allow the flavors to meld together for a delightful taste experience. Freezer: If you want to prepare ahead, freeze unfilled macaron shells in an airtight container for up to 2 months; this way, you can fill them later with buttercream whenever a sweet craving hits! Reheating: For filled macarons, let them come to room temperature before serving. Avoid microwaving, as they are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. What to Serve with Christmas Tree Cake Macarons? Create a festive dessert table to wow your holiday guests with delightful pairings that elevate your macaron experience! Hot Cocoa: A warm, rich beverage that perfectly contrasts the sweet almond flavor, making each bite of macarons even more indulgent. Spiced Apple Cider: The aromatic spices in this comforting drink enhance the flavors of the macarons and evoke cozy holiday nostalgia. Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, it adds a creamy texture that complements the rich buttercream filling and makes each bite feel luxurious. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: The sweetness and slight tartness of strawberries pair beautifully with the rich almond cookies, creating a fresh burst of flavor. Mini Cheesecake Bites: These creamy, luscious bites offer a dessert contrast while still being light enough to enjoy after macarons. Gingerbread Cookies: Infused with warming spices, these classic cookies tie in the festive spirit, accentuating the holiday theme of your dessert spread. Mix and match these delights to create a memorable holiday treat experience that friends and family will cherish! Make Ahead Options These delightful Christmas Tree Cake Macarons are perfect for meal prep, making your holiday baking a breeze! You can prepare the macaron shells up to 24 hours in advance. After piping the batter onto baking sheets, simply cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain freshness. The buttercream filling can also be made up to 3 days ahead; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before piping. When you’re ready to serve, fill the macarons and decorate them with sprinkles, allowing the flavors to meld for at least a couple of hours. This way, your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons will taste just as delicious and perfectly festive, saving you precious time during the busy holiday season! Expert Tips for Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Stiff Peaks Necessary: Ensure egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks for that perfect macaron structure; otherwise, your macarons may deflate. Sift Thoroughly: Sift almond flour and powdered sugar to avoid lumps—this creates a smooth batter and an even texture for your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons. Resting Time Counts: Allow piped macarons to rest for 30-60 minutes before baking; this forms a skin that will prevent cracking during the bake. Cool Completely: Make sure macarons cool fully before filling; this prevents the buttercream from melting and keeps them beautifully intact. Fill Ahead: For best flavor, fill the macarons a few hours before serving; this lets the buttercream blend with the macaron shells, enhancing their taste. Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Recipe FAQs How do I know if my egg whites are the right consistency? You’ll want to beat the egg whites until they reach stiff peaks, which means they should hold their shape and stand upright without drooping. To test, simply lift the whisk or mixer; if the tips of the egg whites form a firm peak that stays upright, you’re good to go! This typically takes about 4-5 minutes on high speed. What should I do if my macarons crack while baking? Cracking often happens due to not resting the piped macarons long enough before baking. Make sure to let them sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until a skin forms. If you notice cracks regardless, check your oven temperature; too hot can lead to quick rising and cracking. How should I store my Christmas Tree Cake Macarons? For optimal freshness, store these lovely macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It helps to let them rest for a few hours after filling for the flavors to meld beautifully. This slight wait amplifies their taste, making each bite absolutely delightful. Can I freeze my macarons, and how? Absolutely! To freeze unfilled macaron shells, place them in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to use, let them thaw in the fridge before filling with buttercream, ensuring you avoid microwaving—macarons are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of? Yes, these Christmas Tree Cake Macarons are vegetarian, but keep in mind if you’re catering to allergies. If nut allergies are a concern, substitute almond flour with sunflower seed flour. Always check the labels on your extracts and food coloring for potential allergens when preparing these festive treats! Delicious Christmas Tree Cake Macarons to Brighten Your Holidays These Christmas Tree Cake Macarons are charming, festive, and full of delightful almond flavor, perfect for holiday celebrations. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsResting Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins Servings: 12 macaronsCourse: DessertCuisine: FrenchCalories: 100 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Macaron Shells1 cup Almond Flour Substitute with sunflower seed flour for nut-free option.1 cup Powdered Sugar Helps create a smooth batter without lumps.2 large Egg Whites Must be at room temperature for best results.1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Stabilizes the egg whites.1 tsp Vanilla Extract Enhances the overall taste.1 tsp Almond Extract Enhances the almond flavor.a few drops Green Food Coloring Adjust to your desired hue.For the Buttercream Filling1/2 cup Butter Softened for easy mixing.2 cups Powdered Sugar Sweetens the filling.2 tbsp Milk Adjusts the consistency.optional Flavoring Can use peppermint extract or other flavors.For the Decorationas desired Sprinkles Optional decoration for added flair. Equipment OvenBaking sheetsParchment PaperMedium mixing bowlelectric mixerSpatulaPastry bagRound piping tip Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.Sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar in a medium mixing bowl to ensure there are no lumps.Beat egg whites using an electric mixer until frothy, gradually add granulated sugar, and whip until stiff peaks form.Gently fold the sifted almond flour mixture into the whipped egg whites, then add vanilla and almond extracts, and green food coloring.Pipe tree shapes onto the baking sheets, aiming for about 2 inches in height. Let them sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes.Bake the macarons for 15-20 minutes until risen and firm but not browned.Allow macarons to cool completely on baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack.Match up pairs of shells by size and fill with buttercream, then sandwich together.Decorate with colorful sprinkles and let flavors meld for a few hours before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1macaronCalories: 100kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 1gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 30mgSugar: 8gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg NotesThese macarons are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 2 months as unfilled shells. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
