As I mixed the bright red batter, the fragrant notes of vanilla and almond wafted through my kitchen, instantly transporting me to memories of holiday baking with loved ones. These Santa Claus Macarons, filled with a luscious Sugar Cookie Buttercream, are more than just festive treats—they capture the spirit of Christmas in every bite. Perfect for gifting or adding a sprinkle of cheer to your holiday gatherings, these delightful macarons promise to impress with their stunning appearance and delectable flavor. With a crunchy exterior and smooth, creamy center, they elevate your traditional holiday dessert spread into something truly special. Ready to bring a touch of whimsy to your kitchen? Let’s dive into the merry world of Christmas macarons! Why are Santa Claus Macarons a must-try? Festive Appeal: These Santa Claus Macarons are the perfect holiday treat, both visually captivating and irresistibly delicious. Rich Sugar Cookie Buttercream filling combined with a crunchy shell evokes the warmth of childhood memories spent baking with family. Customizable Designs: Plus, you can personalize them using different colors, making them fun to create! Easy to Follow: With a straightforward process, even beginners can enjoy baking these delights—just check out our knife techniques for more tips! Impressive Treats: Serve them at gatherings or gift them to friends, and you’ll undoubtedly win hearts at every holiday event! 2. Ingredients Santa Claus Macarons Ingredients For the Macaron Shells Domino® Golden Sugar – Adds sweetness to the macaron shell; can be substituted with granulated sugar if needed. Egg White Powder – Optional; helps stabilize meringue in humid climates, useful for achieving perfect Christmas macarons. Egg Whites – Provide primary structure and leavening; use fresh for the best results. Almond Flour – Provides essential texture and flavor; no recommended substitutes for authentic taste. Domino® Powdered Sugar – Ensures sweetness and smooth texture; sift before use for best results. For the Royal Icing Meringue Powder – Stabilizes the royal icing; can be replaced with an equal amount of egg whites. Water – Adjusts icing consistency; add as needed based on desired thickness. Black Gel Food Coloring – For creating Santa’s stylish belt; optional, allowing for creativity in decoration. Yellow Gel Food Coloring – Used for Santa’s buckle decorations. For the Sugar Cookie Buttercream All-Purpose Flour – Heat-treated for safety, adds texture to the buttercream. Unsalted Butter – Provides creaminess; using salted butter is fine, but adjust salt in the recipe accordingly. Vanilla Extract – Boosts the sweetness and enhances the flavor profile. Almond Extract – Adds depth to the buttercream flavor; optional if you prefer a simpler taste. Milk or Heavy Cream – Helps achieve spreadable consistency; substitute with plant-based milk for vegan options. For the Finishing Touch Desiccated Coconut – Decorative element rolled onto the macaron shells; perfect for texture but can be omitted for nut-free versions. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Santa Claus Macarons Step 1: Prepare Ingredients Start by gathering all your ingredients for the Santa Claus Macarons. Measure 100 grams of almond flour and 100 grams of powdered sugar, then sift them together to ensure a fine texture. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats, making sure they are ready for piping the delightful macaron batter. Step 2: Make Macaron Shells In a heat-proof bowl, combine 100 grams of egg whites and 100 grams of Domino® Golden Sugar. Place the bowl over a simmering pot of water, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves. Once the mixture is warm, transfer it to a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment and whip until stiff peaks form, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Step 3: Fold Ingredients Together Gently fold the sifted almond flour and powdered sugar mixture into the meringue using a spatula. Add a few drops of red gel food coloring, continuing to fold until the batter flows like thick lava, forming a ribbon when lifted. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture in your Santa Claus Macarons. Step 4: Pipe Shapes Transfer the vibrant macaron batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe circles about 1.5 inches in diameter onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each. Once piped, gently tap the baking sheets on the counter to release any air bubbles trapped in the batter, ensuring smooth macaron tops. Step 5: Rest Allow the piped macarons to rest at room temperature for 1-2 hours until a skin forms on the surface. You’ll know they’re ready when you can lightly touch them, and your finger comes away clean. This crucial step helps to develop the characteristic “feet” of the macaron when baked. Step 6: Bake Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the resting macarons one sheet at a time for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re done when they are firm to the touch and lift easily off the parchment. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before attempting to remove them. Step 7: Make Royal Icing In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of meringue powder and 4 cups of sifted powdered sugar. Gradually add water, mixing until you achieve a glossy icing that’s thick enough to hold its shape. You can color your royal icing with gel food coloring as desired, using black for Santa’s belt and yellow for the buckle. Step 8: Prepare Sugar Cookie Buttercream In a stand mixer, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add 2 cups of sifted powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of heat-treated all-purpose flour, mixing until combined. Enhance the flavor with vanilla extract and almond extract, adjusting the consistency with milk or heavy cream until smooth and spreadable. Step 9: Assemble To assemble your Santa Claus Macarons, pipe a generous dollop of the Sugar Cookie Buttercream onto the bottom of one macaron shell. Carefully sandwich it with another shell, pressing gently. For the festive touch, roll the edges in desiccated coconut and decorate with royal icing as desired, creating Santa’s iconic features. Expert Tips for Santa Claus Macarons Precise Measurements: Accurate measurements are vital for macaron success. Use a kitchen scale to ensure you achieve the perfect texture for your Christmas macarons. Humidity Considerations: If you live in a humid climate, incorporate egg white powder to stabilize the meringue, preventing your macarons from becoming soggy. Resting Time is Key: Remember to let your piped batter rest until a skin forms. Skipping this step can lead to flat macarons without the desired “feet.” Baking Technique: Bake one sheet at a time, as overcrowding can affect heat distribution. Ensure your oven temperature is accurate for the best results. Coloring Fun: For vibrant colors, add gel food coloring early in the mixing process. This helps create the festive appearance of your Santa Claus Macarons while maintaining flavor. Storage Tips: Store leftover macarons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring they remain fresh for your enjoyment! Make Ahead Options These Santa Claus Macarons are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the macaron shells up to 24 hours in advance; simply bake them and store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain that delightful crunch. The Sugar Cookie Buttercream can also be made ahead—whip it up and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When ready to assemble, just allow the buttercream to sit at room temperature for a bit to soften, then pipe it onto your macaron shells. This way, you can save time while ensuring that your festive treats remain just as delicious as when freshly made! Storage Tips for Santa Claus Macarons Fridge: Store your Santa Claus Macarons in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and tasty. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the macarons in an airtight container for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving for the best texture. Reheating: If desired, you can gently warm the macarons in a low oven (200°F or 93°C) for a few minutes to restore their delicacy, but this is not usually necessary. What to Serve with Santa Claus Macarons Pair your festive treats with delightful accompaniments that will elevate your holiday dessert experience. Rich Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of creamy hot chocolate with marshmallows makes a cozy pairing, perfect for indulging by the fire. Spiced Eggnog: This holiday classic brings creamy flavors and a hint of nutmeg, beautifully complementing the sweetness of macaron filling. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream offers a delightful creaminess, balancing the crunchy texture of the macarons. Holiday Fruit Salad: Fresh and vibrant, a fruit salad filled with citrus and berries adds a refreshing twist to your sweet confections. Peppermint Tea: The light minty notes of peppermint tea create a harmonious contrast to the rich Sugar Cookie Buttercream, enhancing your tasting experience. Gingerbread Cookies: Embrace the holiday spirit with spiced gingerbread cookies that harmonize beautifully with the flavors of the Santa Claus Macarons. Cranberry Sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce, either homemade or store-bought, adds a surprising burst of flavor that pairs surprisingly well with sweet desserts. Chardonnay or Rosé: For a festive drink, a chilled glass of Chardonnay or fruity rosé brings a celebratory touch and balances the sweetness of the macarons. Santa Claus Macarons Variations & Substitutions Feel free to give these festive treats your personal touch and explore delightful alternatives! Vegan: Substitute egg whites with aquafaba for a plant-based version without sacrificing texture. Nut-Free: Replace almond flour with sunflower seed flour; it’s tasty and allergy-friendly! Flavor Twist: Swap the vanilla extract in the buttercream for peppermint extract to add a refreshing holiday zing. It pairs wonderfully with the creamy texture. Chocolate Delight: Fold in cocoa powder to the macaron batter for a chocolatey twist and fill with chocolate ganache instead of buttercream. Dare to Spice: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the Sugar Cookie Buttercream for a warm, holiday flavor that evokes cozy kitchen memories during the festive season. Color Celebration: Use a rainbow of gel food colorings to create cheerful designs like festive ornaments or Christmas trees on your macarons, bringing additional joy to your holiday table! Fruity Filling: Experiment with fruit preserves as a filling option; flavors like raspberry or strawberry add a delightful tartness to balance the sweetness of the sugar cookie buttercream. A mix of fruity and creamy? That’s a match made in heaven! Over-the-Top Decor: Garnish your macarons with edible glitter or gold leaf for an extravagant display that makes them perfect for holiday parties. For even more tips and ideas, don’t forget to explore our guide on festive baking! Let the creative spirit of the holidays shine through in your kitchen! Santa Claus Macarons Recipe FAQs What type of almond flour should I use for Santa Claus Macarons? Use finely ground almond flour to achieve the best texture and flavor in your macarons. I recommend sticking to brands that specifically label their product for macaron-making, as they yield the right consistency. Avoid using alternatives like almond meal, which is coarser and can disrupt the macaron’s delicate structure. How should I store my Santa Claus Macarons after making them? To keep your Santa Claus Macarons fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay delightful for up to 5 days. If you have leftovers or want to prepare them ahead of time, you can freeze them for up to 1-2 months. Just ensure they are in a truly airtight container to prevent freezer burn! Can I use egg white powder for Santa Claus Macarons if I live in a humid climate? Absolutely! In humid climates, using egg white powder stabilizes the meringue and helps create that perfect texture in your macaron shells. Simply add about 1 tablespoon of egg white powder to your fresh egg whites before whipping. It makes a significant difference in achieving those lovely feet and a smooth top. What can I do if my macaron tops are not smooth? If your macaron tops come out bumpy or irregular, this may be due to not sifting your dry ingredients enough or over-mixing the batter. Make sure to sift the powdered sugar and almond flour together before folding them into the meringue. When folding, use gentle motions to maintain volume and avoid over-mixing, which can lead to a runny batter. If you notice your batter is too runny, you may need to add a bit more almond flour to achieve that thick lava-like consistency. How long can I freeze my Santa Claus Macarons, and what’s the best way to do it? You can freeze your Santa Claus Macarons for up to 1-2 months. To freeze them, ensure they’re completely cooled and placed in a single layer in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. For the best texture after thawing, let them defrost in the fridge overnight before enjoying. This method helps retain their delicate crunch while preserving the creamy filling. Are there any allergy considerations for Santa Claus Macarons? Yes! These delightful macarons contain almonds, which may not be suitable for those with nut allergies. Additionally, check that your other ingredients, like butter and milk, are free from any allergens that may affect you or your guests. If you’re looking for nut-free alternatives, consider using sunflower seed flour instead of almond flour, but be aware that it can slightly alter the flavor and color of your macarons. Santa Claus Macarons: Festive Treats with Sugar Cookie Bliss Delight in these Santa Claus Macarons filled with Sugar Cookie Buttercream—perfect festive treats for your holiday gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsResting Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 50 minutes mins Servings: 20 macaronsCourse: DessertCuisine: ChristmasCalories: 120 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Macaron Shells100 grams Almond Flour No recommended substitutes for authentic taste.100 grams Domino® Powdered Sugar Sift before use for best results.100 grams Egg Whites Use fresh for the best results.100 grams Domino® Golden Sugar Can be substituted with granulated sugar if needed.Egg White Powder Optional; helps stabilize meringue in humid climates.For the Royal Icing2 tablespoons Meringue Powder Can be replaced with an equal amount of egg whites.4 cups Powdered Sugar Sift before use.Water Adjusts icing consistency; add as needed.Black Gel Food Coloring Optional for decoration.Yellow Gel Food Coloring Used for decorations.For the Sugar Cookie Buttercream1 cup Unsalted Butter Using salted butter is fine, adjust salt in the recipe accordingly.2 cups Sifted Powdered Sugar2 tablespoons Heat-Treated All-Purpose Flour Heat-treated for safety.Vanilla Extract Enhances flavor.Almond Extract Optional for flavor depth.Milk or Heavy Cream Helps with spreadable consistency.For the Finishing TouchDesiccated Coconut Can be omitted for nut-free versions. Equipment Stand Mixerpiping bagBaking sheetsParchment PaperSpatulaHeat-proof bowl Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Santa Claus MacaronsGather all your ingredients for the Santa Claus Macarons. Measure 100 grams of almond flour and 100 grams of powdered sugar, then sift them together.Combine 100 grams of egg whites and 100 grams of Domino® Golden Sugar in a heat-proof bowl over simmering water; stir until the sugar dissolves.Transfer the mixture to a stand mixer and whip until stiff peaks form (about 5-7 minutes).Gently fold in the sifted almond flour and powdered sugar mixture. Add red gel food coloring, folding until you achieve a ribbon-like batter.Pipe circles about 1.5 inches in diameter onto prepared baking sheets, and gently tap to release air bubbles.Allow the piped macarons to rest at room temperature for 1-2 hours until a skin forms.Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake each sheet for 15-20 minutes until firm to the touch.Combine 2 tablespoons of meringue powder and 4 cups of powdered sugar in a mixing bowl, adding water until you achieve glossy icing.In a stand mixer, beat 1 cup of unsalted butter until creamy, then gradually add 2 cups of sifted powdered sugar and vanilla and almond extracts.Assemble your Santa Claus Macarons by piping a dollop of Sugar Cookie Buttercream onto one shell, sandwiching it with another. Decorate as desired. Nutrition Serving: 1macaronCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 20mgSugar: 10gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg NotesAccurate measurements are vital for macaron success. Store macarons in an airtight container for up to 5 days, or freeze for 1-2 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
