Picture this: a cozy kitchen filled with the aromas of a holiday feast, the laughter of friends and family mingling together, and then—boom! Enter the Santa Claus Macarons! These delightful confections, dressed up in festive flair, are just the sweet treat we all need during the holiday season. Beyond their whimsical appearance, they bring back warm memories of baking with my grandmother, who taught me that a touch of love can elevate any recipe. Trust me, these macarons aren’t just for show; they’re a symphony of flavors and textures that will light up your holiday gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
So, what makes these Santa Claus Macarons so special? First off, their light, airy shells offer a delicate crunch that melts in your mouth. Imagine biting into a creamy center that tastes like holiday cheer! They’re not only gorgeous but also a delightful treat for all ages—kids will adore their playful designs, while adults will appreciate the sophistication of flavors. Plus, making macarons is like a culinary adventure, one where you can push your baking skills to new heights.
What truly sets this recipe apart is the combination of almond flour and the sweetness from Domino® Golden Sugar, which creates a heavenly harmony. And let’s not forget the festive decorations that allow for creativity—each macaron can be a miniature work of art! Whether you’re gifting them, serving at a holiday party, or simply treating yourself, these macarons are guaranteed to bring smiles.
Gather These Ingredients
- 100 grams Domino® Golden Sugar: This sugar gives our macarons a rich, caramelized sweetness. It’s more than just sugar; it’s festive magic!
- 4 grams egg white powder (optional): This fine addition can help stabilize your egg whites. If you’re new to macarons, it’s worth a try—like insurance for that perfect shell!
- 100 grams egg whites: Fresh egg whites are essential for achieving those airy shells—no substitutes here!
- 105 grams almond flour: The star ingredient contributing to the nutty flavor and desired texture. Make sure it’s finely ground for consistent results.
- 105 grams Domino® Powdered Sugar: This sweetness is key for the shells; it helps to ensure that they’re smooth and delightful.
- 1 1/2 cups Domino® Powdered Sugar (187 grams): This larger quantity is reserved for our delectable filling—because you can never have too much sweetness during the holidays!
- 1 tbsp meringue powder: A wonderful stabilizer for our royal icing, giving it just the right balance of firm and spreadable.
- 4 tbsp water: To bring life to our royal icing and binding elements.
- 2 drops black gel food coloring & 1 drop yellow gel food coloring: These will create the iconic cheerful Santa face—fun and easy to use!
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (63 grams): Essential for our sugar cookie buttercream; brings structure and a bit of heartiness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113 grams): Creamy texture and rich flavor come from our unsalted ally, adding comfort to our filling.
- 1/4 cup Domino® Golden Sugar (50 grams): Layered sweetness in our buttercream for that extra sprinkle of cheer.
- 1 1/4 cup Domino® Powdered Sugar (156 grams): This finishing touch gives our buttercream that lovely, smooth texture we all love.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract & 1/8 tsp almond extract: The warm flavors enhance the overall experience; they make your taste buds dance with glee.
- 1/2 tbsp milk or heavy cream: Just a splash makes our buttercream silky and spreadable.
- 1/4 cup desiccated coconut (50 grams): The final touch for that holiday charm; it adds texture and a hint of surprise!
The Cooking Process Explained
Step 1: Prepare the Macaron Shells
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, sift together almond flour and powdered sugar to achieve that fairy-tale fine consistency.
- In a separate bowl, whip egg whites with the optional egg white powder until they form soft peaks.
- Gradually add Domino® Golden Sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form—magic is happening here!
- Add the gels to the meringue and gently fold in the dry mixture until combined—no deflating that precious air!
- Transfer to a piping bag, and pipe small circles on the prepared sheets. Let them rest for about 30 minutes until they form a skin.
Step 2: Bake the Macarons
7. Bake those beauties for 15-20 minutes, rotating midway. They should have risen just right and look glossy! Cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 3: Whip Up the Royal Icing
8. View the magic! In a mixing bowl, blend meringue powder with water until frothy. Gradually add powdered sugar until it’s smooth and holds peaks. Time to decorate!
Step 4: Make the Sugar Cookie Buttercream
9. Beat the unsalted butter until creamy, then add vanilla and almond extracts.
10. Slowly mix in the powdered sugar and milk until fluffy and smooth.
Step 5: Assemble the Joy
11. Pipe buttercream onto one shell, sprinkle with desiccated coconut for the snowy effect, and sandwich with another shell.
12. Use the royal icing to decorate as you envision your Santa Claus!
Best Way to Enjoy It
These Santa Claus Macarons are like holiday cheer in a bite! Serve them atop a festive platter alongside cocoa or tea; they’ll complement the flavors beautifully. You can also spark conversations when guests try to guess the flavors. Want to up the ante? Pair these lovelies with a peppermint hot chocolate or a glass of eggnog for that cozy vibe.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep these precious cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For long-lasting joy, freeze them for up to a month—just remember to layer parchment paper between each macaron to avoid sticking. When you’re ready to indulge, let them thaw in the fridge.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Ensure your kitchen tools and bowls are squeaky clean and grease-free—fat can hinder your meringue.
- If you’re struggling with macaron feet (those lovely ruffled edges), consider using a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
- Don’t rush the drying process after piping; a proper crust forms that ensures a beautiful rise!
Creative Twists
Feel free to customize these macarons! Swap out the filling for a peppermint buttercream or add a hint of orange zest for a bright twist. You could even experiment with different colors and flavors for the shells—how about a bright pink strawberry version for a change of pace? The world is your oyster—or macaron, in this case!
Ingredients List
- 100 grams Domino® Golden Sugar
- 4 grams egg white powder (optional)
- 100 grams egg whites
- 105 grams almond flour
- 105 grams Domino® Powdered Sugar
- 1 1/2 cups Domino® Powdered Sugar (187 grams)
- 1 tbsp meringue powder
- 4 tbsp water
- 2 drops black gel food coloring
- 1 drop yellow gel food coloring
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (63 grams)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113 grams)
- 1/4 cup Domino® Golden Sugar (50 grams)
- 1 1/4 cup Domino® Powdered Sugar (156 grams)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- 1/4 cup desiccated coconut (50 grams)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
- Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together.
- Whip egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add Domino® Golden Sugar until stiff peaks.
- Fold in dry ingredients gently.
- Pipe onto prepared sheets and let sit for 30 minutes.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, cooling completely afterward.
- Prepare royal icing: mix meringue powder and water, then incorporate powdered sugar.
- Beat butter, add extracts, then gradually mix in powdered sugar and milk for buttercream.
- Pipe buttercream on one shell, sprinkle with coconut, and top with another.
- Decorate with royal icing as you wish!
Your Questions Answered
-
What is the prep time?
- Expect about an hour for preparation and 15-20 minutes for baking.
-
Can I use different colors?
- Absolutely! You can play around with different gel colors for a unique look.
-
How do I store leftovers?
- Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for a month.
-
Are these gluten-free?
- Yes, these macarons are naturally gluten-free, just double-check the almond flour!
-
Can I use egg whites from a carton?
- You sure can! Just ensure they are pasteurized and equivalent to fresh whites.
This recipe not only fills your home with delightful aromas but also adds a touch of magic to your holiday celebrations. So roll up those sleeves, gather your loved ones, and get ready to create something extraordinary together. It’s not just about baking; it’s about the joyful moments in the kitchen and sharing sweet creations with those you love. So, go ahead, make these Santa Claus Macarons, and spread some holiday cheer! ✨
Santa Claus Macarons
Description
These Santa Claus Macarons are delightful confections perfect for holiday gatherings. With a light, airy shell, a creamy filling, and festive decorations, they are sure to delight both kids and adults!Ingredients
For the Macaron Shells
For the Filling and Decoration
Instructions
Prepare the Macaron Shells
-
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. -
Step 2
Sift together almond flour and powdered sugar in a medium bowl.Achieve a fine consistency. -
Step 3
In a separate bowl, whip egg whites with the optional egg white powder until soft peaks form. -
Step 4
Gradually add the Domino® Golden Sugar while beating until stiff peaks form. -
Step 5
Fold the gel food colors and dry mixture into the meringue gently.Avoid deflating the air. -
Step 6
Transfer the mixture to a piping bag and pipe small circles on the prepared sheets.Let rest for about 30 minutes until they form a skin.
Bake the Macarons
-
Step 7
Bake for 15-20 minutes, rotating midway, until glossy.Cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare the Royal Icing
-
Step 8
Mix meringue powder with water until frothy. Gradually add powdered sugar until smooth.The icing should hold peaks.
Make the Sugar Cookie Buttercream
-
Step 9
Beat the unsalted butter until creamy, then add in the vanilla and almond extracts. -
Step 10
Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and milk until fluffy and smooth.
Assemble the Joy
-
Step 11
Pipe buttercream onto one macaron shell, sprinkle with desiccated coconut, then sandwich with another shell. -
Step 12
Decorate with royal icing as you envision your Santa Claus!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 24
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 150kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 7g11%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 30mg10%
- Sodium 50mg3%
- Potassium 30mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 23g8%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 18g
- Protein 2g4%
- Vitamin A 200 IU
- Vitamin C 0 mg
- Calcium 10 mg
- Iron 1 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 0 mcg
- Thiamin 0.1 mg
- Riboflavin 0.1 mg
- Niacin 0.1 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.0 mg
- Folate 3 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.0 mcg
- Biotin 0.0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.1 mg
- Phosphorus 30 mg
- Iodine 0.0 mcg
- Magnesium 10 mg
- Zinc 0.2 mg
- Selenium 4 mcg
- Copper 0.1 mg
- Manganese 0.2 mg
- Chromium 0.0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0.0 mcg
- Chloride 0.0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
