Santa Claus Macarons

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to bring some holiday cheer, these Santa Claus Macarons are just the thing! Not only are they adorably festive, but they also taste absolutely divine, thanks to their creamy Sugar Cookie Buttercream filling. I love making these little guys during the holiday season—they’re perfect for family gatherings or even as a sweet surprise for friends. Plus, who can resist those cute little Santa faces?

These macarons have a way of lighting up any dessert table. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply want to indulge in some cozy baking, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun to Make: Creating these Santa Claus Macarons can be a delightful activity, especially if you involve the kids or friends in decorating.
• Impressive Presentation: They look so cute and festive that everyone will think you spent hours on them!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of almond flour and sugar cookie buttercream is simply irresistible.
• Make Ahead: These macarons can be made in advance and stored, making them perfect for busy holiday prep.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for Christmas parties, gift-giving, or just enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Santa Claus Macarons is easy with simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you need:

For the Macaron Shells

• 100 grams Domino® Golden Sugar
• 4 grams egg white powder (optional, read notes)
• 100 grams egg whites
• 105 grams almond flour
• 105 grams Domino® Powdered Sugar

For the Sugar Cookie Buttercream

• 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

For the Decoration

• 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 (shredded (50 grams))

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or mood. Here are some fun ideas:

• Change Up the Flavor: Use different extracts like peppermint or lemon instead of vanilla for a unique twist.
• Add Colorful Fillings: Swap the sugar cookie buttercream with other fillings like chocolate ganache or fruit preserves.
• Try Different Shapes: Instead of Santa faces, use different stencils for various festive shapes like Christmas trees or stars.
• Top with Sprinkles: For extra flair, add colorful sprinkles on top of your royal icing decoration!

How to Make Santa Claus Macarons

Step 1: Prepare the Macaron Batter

Start by sifting together the almond flour and powdered sugar into a bowl. This step ensures a smooth macaron shell. In another bowl, whip your egg whites until they form soft peaks. Gradually add in the golden sugar and continue whipping until you achieve stiff peaks. Gently fold in the dry mixture until combined—it’s important not to overmix!

Step 2: Pipe the Shells

Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a piping bag fitted with a round tip, pipe small circles onto the parchment—these will be your macaron shells. Remember to leave some space between each because they will spread slightly while baking.

Step 3: Bake Your Shells

Let your piped macaron shells sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes until they form a skin that feels dry to touch. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake them one tray at a time for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should rise and form those lovely “feet”!

Step 4: Make the Sugar Cookie Buttercream

While your shells cool down, prepare your filling! Cream together unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add in vanilla extract and almond extract for flavoring—this part is key! Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Assemble Your Macarons

Once cooled, take half of your macaron shells and fill them generously with the buttercream using a piping bag. Place another shell on top of each filled one to create sandwiches.

Step 6: Decorate Like Santa!

For that signature Santa look, prepare royal icing using meringue powder and water as per package instructions. Decorate each macaron with icing to create Santa faces—don’t forget those cute eyes and buttons! Finally, sprinkle shredded coconut on top to mimic Santa’s beard.

And there you have it—your very own batch of festive Santa Claus Macarons! Enjoy sharing these delightful treats with loved ones this holiday season!

Pro Tips for Making Santa Claus Macarons

Making macarons can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you see your festive creations come to life!

• Use room temperature egg whites: This helps create a stable meringue, leading to those beautiful, smooth macaron shells. Room temperature egg whites whip up more easily and incorporate better with other ingredients.
• Sift your dry ingredients: Sifting the almond flour and powdered sugar not only removes lumps but also ensures an even mixture. This is crucial for achieving the perfect macaron texture.
• Pipe with precision: Use a round piping tip to create uniform circles. Consistent sizes promote even baking and make your macarons look professionally made.
• Rest the piped macarons: Allowing your piped macarons to rest before baking forms a skin on the surface. This step is essential for achieving the characteristic “foot” that makes macarons so delightful.
• Monitor baking time carefully: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your macarons as they bake, and consider using an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperatures. Underbaking or overbaking can affect their texture.

How to Serve Santa Claus Macarons

Santa Claus Macarons are not just delicious treats; they’re also visually appealing! Present them in a fun way to impress family and friends during holiday gatherings.

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a snowy effect, enhancing the festive theme.
• Sprinkles: Use red and white sprinkles to mimic Santa’s classic colors, adding a touch of fun and texture.

Side Dishes

• Chocolate Fondue: A warm chocolate fondue pot encourages dipping and sharing, making it an interactive dessert experience that pairs beautifully with the sweet taste of macarons.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness to your dessert table and balances the richness of the macarons. Consider seasonal fruits like pomegranates or oranges for a festive twist.
• Coffee or Hot Chocolate: A warm beverage enhances the holiday spirit. Serve freshly brewed coffee or rich hot chocolate alongside your macarons for a cozy treat.
• Cheese Platter: For those who enjoy contrasting flavors, a cheese platter with mild cheeses can provide an interesting balance to the sweetness of the macarons.

These serving suggestions will make your Santa Claus Macarons not just delightful to eat but also a centerpiece at any festive gathering! Enjoy baking and sharing these cheerful treats this holiday season!

Make Ahead and Storage

These festive Santa Claus Macarons are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy the holiday spirit without the last-minute rush. You can make them in advance and store them properly to maintain their delightful taste and texture.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.
• For best results, place parchment paper between layers of macarons to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Freeze macarons in an airtight container to preserve their freshness.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking together.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

• Macarons are best enjoyed at room temperature. Simply take them out of the fridge or freezer and allow them to sit for about 30 minutes before indulging.
• Avoid using the microwave as it can make them soggy.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Santa Claus Macarons.

Can I use different fillings for Santa Claus Macarons?

Absolutely! While this recipe features a delicious Sugar Cookie Buttercream, feel free to experiment with other fillings like chocolate ganache or fruit preserves.

How do I achieve the best texture for my Santa Claus Macarons?

To get that perfect macaron texture, ensure you sift your almond flour and powdered sugar together. This helps create a smooth batter, which is key for achieving those iconic feet!

Are Santa Claus Macarons difficult to make?

While they may seem intimidating, Santa Claus Macarons can be mastered with practice. Follow the recipe carefully, and don’t hesitate to try again if your first batch doesn’t turn out perfectly!

How long do homemade Santa Claus Macarons last?

When stored properly at room temperature, these delightful treats will last about 3 days. If refrigerated, they can stay fresh for up to a week!

Can I decorate my Santa Claus Macarons differently?

Of course! Get creative with your decorations. You could use different colors or patterns on the royal icing or even add festive sprinkles for an extra touch of holiday cheer.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about making these delightful Santa Claus Macarons! They not only bring joy through their festive appearance but also offer a delicious treat that’s sure to impress family and friends during the holiday season. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if they don’t come out flawless on your first try. Enjoy every moment of baking these sweet creations and share them with loved ones! Happy baking!