Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Recipe
Delightfully festive Christmas Tree Cake Macarons featuring delicate almond meringue shells filled with a luscious buttercream mixed with crumbled Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, topped with white chocolate, green sprinkles, and red buttercream accents. Perfect for holiday celebrations and gifting.
- Author: Grace
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20-24 macarons (10-12 sandwich cookies) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired, American fusion
Shell Ingredients:
- 70 g almond flour, fine and sifted
- 63 g powdered sugar
- 55 g egg whites, room temperature
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar, optional
- 55 g granulated sugar
Filling & Topping Ingredients:
- 1 stick unsalted butter, softened (approximately 113 g)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (approximately 240 g)
- 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream (30 ml)
- 1 1/2–2 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, crumbled (about 100–130 g)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate, melted (approximately 85 g)
- Green sprinkles, for decoration
- Red buttercream frosting or royal icing, for decorating thin stripes
- Sift dry ingredients: Sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar to ensure they are finely combined and free of lumps. This is crucial for smooth macaron shells.
- Prepare the meringue: Beat the egg whites along with cream of tartar on medium speed until frothy. Gradually add granulated sugar and continue whipping until stiff, glossy peaks form, which takes about 7 to 9 minutes.
- Fold batter: Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the meringue in two batches. Use a spatula to fold about 60 times until the batter flows slowly like lava, ensuring proper consistency without deflating the meringue.
- Pipe shells: Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe 1 1/2 inch diameter rounds evenly spaced onto parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Remove air bubbles and rest: Firmly tap the trays on the countertop to release any air bubbles trapped inside the batter. Use a toothpick to pop any visible surface bubbles. Let the piped shells rest for 20 to 40 minutes until the tops are dry to the touch, forming a skin which helps develop the characteristic macaron feet.
- Bake shells: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the shells for 15 to 17 minutes. Avoid opening the oven door before 13 minutes to prevent collapse. Allow the shells to cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Make filling: Beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue mixing. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and whip until the mixture is light and fluffy. Fold in the crumbled Christmas Tree Cakes gently until evenly incorporated.
- Assemble macarons: Pipe the prepared filling onto half of the cooled shells evenly, then top with the remaining shells to create sandwiches.
- Decorate: Dip the tops of the macarons into melted white chocolate. Immediately add green sprinkles on top for a festive look. Using red buttercream frosting or royal icing, pipe thin stripes mimicking tree decorations.
- Maturity and storage: Place the filled and decorated macarons in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. This maturation step improves texture and melds flavors, producing a perfect macaron experience.
Notes
- Make sure egg whites are at room temperature for optimal volume when whipping.
- Allow the piped shells to rest adequately before baking to ensure a shiny, smooth top and prevent cracking.
- The resting time can be adjusted based on humidity; shells should feel dry but not sticky.
- Matured macarons taste better after refrigeration, but bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
- Use high-quality almond flour to achieve a fine texture in the shells.
- Be careful not to overfold the batter, which can lead to flat macarons.
Keywords: Christmas macarons, holiday desserts, almond macarons, festive treats, buttercream filling, white chocolate, holiday baking