Introduction
Nothing quite captures the festive spirit like a delightful batch of Christmas Tree Cake Macarons! These beautiful green-hued treats are a showstopper at any holiday gathering. With a crisp exterior, a soft and chewy center, and a rich buttercream frosting filling, they are a perfect blend of flavor and whimsy. Each bite offers a burst of sweetness, making them an irresistible addition to your holiday dessert table. Whether you’re a macaron expert or a curious novice, this recipe will guide you through creating these delightful confections that will dazzle your friends and family.
Ingredients
- For the Macarons:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring
- For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red and green sprinkles for decoration
- For Assembly:
- 1 cup buttercream frosting (from above recipe)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 20 macaron sandwiches
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar until well combined, creating a fine mixture.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer on medium speed until they are frothy.
- Slowly add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, creating a glossy meringue.
- Add the vanilla extract and a few drops of green gel food coloring to the meringue, mixing well to achieve a vibrant green color.
- Carefully fold the almond flour mixture into the meringue in three additions, ensuring the batter flows like lava but is well mixed.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip and pipe 1-inch circles onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each circle.
- Gently tap the baking sheet on the counter to release any air bubbles, then allow the macaron shells to sit for 30-60 minutes until a skin forms on the surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, then remove from the oven and let the macaron shells cool completely on the baking sheet.
- While the shells cool, prepare the frosting by beating the softened butter in a bowl until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add in the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Once the shells are cool, pipe a dollop of buttercream frosting onto the flat side of one macaron shell, then sandwich it with another shell to create a delightful macaron.
- Repeat the process until all shells are filled, and don’t forget to decorate with festive red and green sprinkles on top of the frosting!
Notes or Tips
For best results, make sure your egg whites are at room temperature, as this helps them whip up beautifully. It’s also essential to sift the almond flour and powdered sugar thoroughly to avoid any lumps. And remember, patience is key when letting the macaron shells rest before baking — this step contributes to their signature smooth tops and delicate feet!
Cooking Techniques
Mastering macarons may take a little practice, but don’t let that intimidate you! The key techniques involve making a stable meringue, gently folding in the dry ingredients, and piping the batter evenly. Watching for that “lava-like” texture during mixing will help you achieve the perfect consistency for your macarons.
FAQ
Can I make these macarons in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the macaron shells ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage. Assemble them with frosting just before serving for the best texture.
What can I do if my macarons crack?
Cracking can occur due to overmixing or baking them at too high of a temperature. Ensure you’re properly mixing to the right consistency and keep an eye on your oven temperature.
Conclusion
These Christmas Tree Cake Macarons are not just a treat for the eyes but also a delight for the taste buds. Perfect for holiday celebrations, gift-giving, or simply enjoying with loved ones, these festive macarons bring joy and sweetness into every gathering. So gather your ingredients, embrace your inner pastry chef, and enjoy creating these delightful holiday bites that are sure to bring smiles all around!