Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Recipe
This festive Christmas Tree Cake Macarons recipe combines delicate almond meringue shells with a rich buttercream filling infused with crumbled Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, finished with white chocolate, green sprinkles, and red buttercream decorations. These macarons are perfect for holiday celebrations, offering a delightful balance of crisp shells and creamy, flavorful centers.
- Author: Clara
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including resting and cooling time)
- Yield: Approximately 20-24 macarons (10-12 sandwiches) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Macaron Shells
- 70 grams almond flour
- 63 grams powdered sugar
- 55 grams egg whites (room temperature)
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar (optional)
- 55 grams granulated sugar
Buttercream Filling
- 1 stick unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1½–2 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes (crumbled)
Toppings
- ½ cup white chocolate (melted)
- Green sprinkles
- Red buttercream frosting or Royal icing for decorating
- Prepare dry ingredients: Measure and sift almond flour and powdered sugar together into a bowl. Set aside.
- Make meringue: In a stand mixer bowl, whisk egg whites and cream of tartar until frothy (1-2 minutes). Gradually add granulated sugar 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking until stiff peaks form (7-9 minutes). The meringue should stand firm when the whisk is lifted.
- Fold dry ingredients into meringue: Sift half of the almond flour and powdered sugar mixture over the meringue. Fold gently by circling the bowl and cutting through the center to incorporate. Repeat with remaining dry ingredients. Continue folding until the batter achieves a lava-like consistency that flows smoothly but holds shape (about 60 folds). Avoid overmixing to preserve airiness.
- Pipe macaron shells: Prepare a piping bag with a large round tip. Pipe about 1 ½ inch circles onto a silicone mat or parchment-lined baking sheet, holding the bag vertically.
- Remove air bubbles: Tap the baking sheet gently 5 times on the counter to release bubbles. Use a toothpick to pop any surface bubbles.
- Dry shells: Let the piped shells sit at room temperature for 20-40 minutes until a skin forms on the surface and they are no longer sticky to the touch.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake shells for 15-17 minutes until the tops are firm and shells have feet that do not wiggle. Avoid opening the oven early or too frequently to ensure even baking.
- Cool shells: Remove macarons from oven and allow to cool completely on the baking sheet before removing to avoid breaking.
- Make buttercream: Beat softened butter in a stand mixer until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, fully incorporating each cup. Pour in heavy cream and whip on high for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
- Add Christmas tree cake crumbs: Mix in the crumbled Christmas Tree Cakes on high speed until smooth and combined.
- Fill macarons: Transfer buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Flip half the macaron shells over and pipe a small amount of buttercream onto each. Sandwich each with a remaining shell.
- Decorate toppings: Dip the tops of half the assembled macarons into melted white chocolate, then sprinkle with green sprinkles. Use a small piping tip to pipe red lines with buttercream or royal icing over the white chocolate to mimic Christmas tree decorations.
- Mature macarons: Store assembled macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours to allow flavors to meld and textures to perfect. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Notes
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for optimal meringue volume.
- Be patient while drying the shells; forming a proper skin prevents cracking during baking.
- Handle the shells gently once baked to avoid cracking.
- Allow macarons to mature in the fridge to enhance flavor and texture.
- Use precise weight measurements for best macaron results.
Keywords: Christmas macarons, holiday desserts, French macarons, Christmas Tree Cake, festive treats, almond meringue cookies, buttercream filling