Christmas Tree Cake Macarons

These Christmas Tree Cake Macarons bring festive cheer to any holiday gathering with their delicate texture and seasonal decoration. They combine the light, airy quality of classic French macarons with a creamy filling studded with crumbled holiday snack cakes, making each bite a holiday celebration. Whether you are a macaron novice or a seasoned baker, this recipe offers a joyful baking experience and a show-stopping result.

I remember making these with my kids one chilly December afternoon, and they loved helping pipe the tree shapes and add sprinkles. It quickly became a new holiday tradition in our house.

Ingredients

• Powdered sugar: for sweetness and smooth texture sifted for best results
• Almond flour: finely ground and blanched for that signature macaron chew and flavor
• Egg whites: at room temperature to achieve the perfect meringue stability
• Granulated sugar: to stabilize the egg whites and add shine
• Cream of tartar: to keep the meringue stiff and glossy
• Green gel food coloring: to create the festive tree color without thinning the batter
• Unsalted butter: softened for a creamy, rich filling
• Powdered sugar for filling: for the filling sweetness that balances the nutty shells
• Vanilla extract: for warmth and depth in the filling
• Heavy cream: for richness and smooth consistency
• Finely crumbled Christmas Tree Snack Cakes: add texture and festive flavor to the filling
• Pinch of salt: enhances the buttercream balancing sweetness
• White chocolate drizzle: adds elegant decoration and additional decadence
• Red and green sprinkles: provide traditional holiday color and crunch
• Optional edible gold stars: for a touch of magic on top

Instructions

Prepare the Macaron Batter:

Sift the powdered sugar and almond flour together twice to achieve a fine, uniform mixture necessary for smooth, crack-free shells. Beat the room temperature egg whites on medium speed until foamy then add cream of tartar to stabilize the structure. Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the green gel food coloring into the meringue then carefully fold in the dry almond flour mixture until the batter flows slowly off the spatula like lava without breaking. This technique prevents overmixing or undermixing which can ruin the texture.

Pipe the Macarons:

Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. On a baking sheet lined with parchment or a silicone mat pipe tree shapes or circles about an inch or so wide leaving room for spreading. Tap the baking trays firmly against the counter a few times to release any trapped air bubbles. Let the piped macarons rest at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes until a dry skin forms on the surface which helps develop their characteristic smooth top and feet during baking.

Bake the Shells:

Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius). Bake one tray at a time on the middle rack for 14 to 16 minutes. Rotate the tray halfway through to ensure even baking. The shells should form feet and easily lift from the baking mat once cooled. Allow them to cool completely before handling to avoid cracking.

Make the Filling:

Beat the softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating to incorporate. Add vanilla extract heavy cream and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth. Gently fold in the finely crumbled Christmas Tree snack cakes which add a festive surprise texture to this creamy filling. Transfer the filling to a piping bag for easy assembly.

Assemble the Macarons:

Match shells of similar size. Pipe the filling generously onto one shell and sandwich with its partner applying gentle pressure to spread the filling evenly to the edges without cracks.

Decorate:

Drizzle melted white chocolate over the assembled macarons for a delicate finish. Sprinkle with red and green sprinkles to evoke holiday joy and top with edible gold stars if you like to add a magical touch.

Mature for Best Flavor:

Place the finished macarons in an airtight container and refrigerate for 24 hours before serving. This rest time allows the flavors to meld and the shells to soften slightly for the perfect bite.

I love how the filling surprises you with bits of moist cake amidst the creamy buttercream. One year we made these for a Christmas party and everyone commented on how festive and delicious they were. They quickly became my go-to gift to bring for holiday gatherings.

Storage Tips

Store macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining crisp shells and creamy filling. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find Christmas Tree snack cakes finely crumble any moist cake such as pound cake or sponge cake with festive flavors like cinnamon or nutmeg. Almond flour may be swapped with superfine ground blanched almonds. Using gel food coloring is preferred but liquid can be used carefully to avoid thinning batter.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these macarons as part of a holiday dessert platter alongside eggnog hot cocoa or mulled wine. They also make charming edible gifts packed in clear boxes with ribbon. Pair them with fresh berries or a light fruit salad to balance the richness.

These macarons make a festive elegant treat that improves after a day of resting. Perfect for gifting or holiday parties.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What gives the macarons their green color?

Green gel food coloring is gently folded into the batter to achieve the festive tree hue without altering texture.

→ Why is it important to let the macarons rest before baking?

Resting allows a skin to form on the shells, which helps develop a smooth surface and characteristic macaron feet during baking.

→ How is the filling prepared for these macarons?

The filling combines softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, heavy cream, and finely crumbled Christmas tree snack cakes for added richness and texture.

→ Can the decorations be customized?

Yes, decorations like sprinkles and edible gold stars can be swapped or omitted to match different holiday themes.

→ What makes these macarons special for the holidays?

The tree shapes, festive green color, and seasonal embellishments create a charming treat that captures holiday spirit in every bite.