Festive Santa Claus Macarons decorated for the holiday season

Santa Claus Macarons

ByCasey Monroe

Why make this recipe

Santa Claus Macarons are a fun and festive treat that adds excitement to any holiday gathering. These cute and delightful cookies not only look like Santa but also taste amazing. With a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy inside, they are perfect for sharing with friends and family, or even giving as gifts. Plus, making macarons can be a rewarding baking experience, allowing you to impress your guests with your skills.

How to make Santa Claus Macarons

Ingredients:

  • 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
  • 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 (shredded) (50 grams)

Directions:

  1. Macaron Shells: Start by preparing the macaron shells. In a bowl, mix the almond flour and powdered sugar together. In another bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add in the golden sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the almond flour mixture until combined. Pipe the mixture into circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to form a skin.

  2. Royal Icing: In a bowl, combine meringue powder and water. Whip until stiff peaks appear, then divide into bowls for coloring. Use black and yellow gel food coloring to create Santa’s eyes and buttons.

  3. Decorate the shells: Once the shells are baked and cooled, use royal icing to draw Santa’s face.

  4. Sugar Cookie Buttercream: In a bowl, beat the unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add golden sugar and powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Add vanilla and almond extract, then mix in milk or heavy cream until the buttercream is spreadable.

  5. Fill the Shells: Use the sugar cookie buttercream to fill half of the macaron shells. Sandwich with another shell to finish.

How to serve Santa Claus Macarons

Serve Santa Claus Macarons on a festive platter during a holiday party. They make great conversation starters and are perfect for dessert tables. You can also wrap them in cute boxes or bags to give as holiday gifts.

How to store Santa Claus Macarons

To keep Santa Claus Macarons fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store them longer, place them in the refrigerator for about a week.

Tips to make Santa Claus Macarons

  • Make sure your egg whites are at room temperature for better volume.
  • Sift the almond flour and powdered sugar to avoid lumps.
  • Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements.
  • Let the macaron shells dry until they are no longer sticky to the touch before baking.

Variation

You can switch up the filling by using flavored buttercreams or ganaches. Try peppermint buttercream for a festive twist!

FAQs

Q: Can I use regular sugar instead of Domino® Golden Sugar?
A: Yes, but Domino® Golden Sugar adds a nice caramel flavor to the macarons.

Q: Why did my macarons crack?
A: Cracked macarons can be a result of overmixing the batter or not letting them dry long enough before baking.

Q: How can I make the macarons more colorful?
A: You can add gel food coloring to the macaron batter for a vibrant appearance. Just a little will do!