Name: Christmas Macarons
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 100g almond flour; 100g powdered sugar; 75g egg whites (room temperature); 70g granulated sugar; Gel food coloring (red, green, white); 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional); 115g unsalted butter (softened); 200g powdered sugar; 1–2 tbsp heavy cream; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (or peppermint for holiday flavor)

These Christmas Macarons are the perfect bite-sized indulgence to sweeten your holiday table. Delicately crisp on the outside with a smooth, chewy center, these French-inspired cookies come alive with festive colors and flavors. Whether you’re gifting them, sharing at a cookie exchange, or adding to a dessert spread, their charm is irresistible.

Each macaron is filled with a rich buttercream or ganache that pairs beautifully with almond-based shells in shades of red, green, and white. Decorated with gold snowflakes, holly dots, and sugar sparkle, they’re as fun to make as they are to admire. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and ideal for elevating your holiday baking.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Macarons Recipe

Elegant and festive: With their vibrant colors and intricate designs, these macarons will stand out on any dessert table.
Customizable flavors: Fillings like peppermint buttercream, white chocolate ganache, or eggnog cream can suit your holiday flavor theme.
Perfect for gifting: Their dainty size and polished look make them a great edible gift.
Make-ahead friendly: They actually taste better the next day after the flavors meld in the fridge.
Naturally gluten-free: A great dessert option for those with dietary restrictions.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Creating macarons requires precision and patience, but with the right tools, your success rate rises.

Kitchen Scale: Accuracy is key in macaron baking. A scale ensures your almond flour and powdered sugar are perfectly balanced.
Sifter or Fine Mesh Sieve: To avoid lumpy batter, sifting the dry ingredients is essential for that smooth macaron shell.
Stand Mixer or Electric Hand Mixer: Whipping egg whites to stiff peaks is critical; these mixers save time and muscle.
Silicone Baking Mat or Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and keeps your macaron shells evenly shaped.
Piping Bag with Round Tip: Essential for uniform shells and precise placement on the baking tray.
Oven Thermometer: Macarons are temperature-sensitive, so knowing your oven’s true temp prevents cracking or browning.

Ingredients for the Christmas Macarons

Almond Flour: Finely ground almond flour is the heart of the macaron shell. It gives the signature chewy texture.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the shells and helps create that smooth outer surface.
Egg Whites: Must be room temperature and whipped to stiff peaks; they create the lift and structure.
Granulated Sugar: Stabilizes the egg whites when making the meringue.
Gel Food Coloring: Red, green, and white for festive flair without adding extra moisture.
Vanilla Extract or Flavoring Oils: For that warm, cozy undertone in both shells and filling.
Butter (for filling): Unsalted butter creates a creamy buttercream base.
Powdered Sugar (for filling): To sweeten and thicken your buttercream.
Heavy Cream (optional): Adjusts the consistency of the filling.

How To Make the Christmas Macarons

Step 1: Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together into a large bowl. Repeat this at least once to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture.

Step 2: Make the Meringue

In a clean bowl, whip the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. This meringue forms the structure of the shells.

Step 3: Macaronage Technique

Fold the dry ingredients gently into the meringue. This is the most important step. The batter should flow like lava and form ribbons without breaking.

Step 4: Pipe the Shells

Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe 1.5-inch circles onto a silicone mat. Tap the tray to remove air bubbles. Let them rest until they form a skin (about 30-60 minutes).

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 12-15 minutes. The feet should rise, and the tops should remain smooth and glossy.

Step 6: Cool and Fill

Let shells cool completely before peeling off. Pair similar-sized shells and pipe your buttercream filling onto one half. Gently sandwich them together.

Serving and Storing Christmas Macarons

Once assembled, Christmas Macarons should be refrigerated in an airtight container for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to develop and the shells to soften slightly. Bring to room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor and texture.

They store well in the fridge for up to 5 days or can be frozen for up to 1 month—just be sure to thaw them in the fridge overnight.

Serve them on a holiday cookie tray, in gift boxes with festive ribbon, or individually wrapped as party favors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the meringue is ready?

You’ll know it’s ready when the egg whites are glossy, and stiff peaks form that don’t collapse when the whisk is lifted.

Why did my macarons crack?

Cracking usually means the shells didn’t rest long enough before baking or your oven temperature was too high.

Can I make the shells in advance?

Yes! Shells can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or frozen for longer.

What flavor fillings work best for Christmas?

Try peppermint buttercream, white chocolate ganache, cranberry jam, or eggnog-spiced buttercream for festive flair.

Can I use liquid food coloring?

It’s best to use gel food coloring to avoid adding extra moisture to your batter, which can affect texture.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Christmas Macarons, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies for a deeper caramel crunch.
Lemon Churro Cookies if you’re craving tangy meets warm spice.
Chocolate Crinkle Sandwich Cookies with a soft ganache center.
Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies if you prefer classic nostalgia.
Brown Sugar Maple Cookies with cozy fall flavor.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add peppermint or try something else fun in the filling? Did you decorate them with gold dust or sprinkles?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Find more festive inspiration on my Pinterest: Kitchen By Kate