Festive Santa Claus Macarons in red and white for Christmas celebrations

Santa Claus Macarons

ByCasey Monroe

Why make this recipe

Santa Claus Macarons are not just any ordinary treat; they are delightful little cookies that add a festive touch to your holiday celebrations. These treats are perfect for sharing with family and friends, and they bring a smile to everyone’s face. Making them can be a fun activity, especially if you involve kids or loved ones. With their colorful red and white designs and a tasty filling, they are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering!

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: In a bowl, combine the almond flour and powdered sugar. Sift them together. In another bowl, whip the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Gradually add the golden sugar while beating. If you’re using egg white powder, add it here. Continue whisking until the mixture is glossy and forms stiff peaks. Carefully fold the sifted almond flour mixture into the meringue until well combined.

  2. Royal Icing: In a separate bowl, mix the meringue powder with water. Whip until a stiff peak forms. This will be the icing used for decorating.

  3. Decorate the shells: Use a piping bag fitted with a round tip to pipe Santa Claus faces on half of the macaron shells. Add black gel for the eyes and yellow gel for the buttons.

  4. Sugar Cookie Buttercream: In a bowl, beat the unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the golden sugar and powdered sugar, mixing well. Add vanilla and almond extracts, and the milk or cream. Beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.

  5. Fill the Shells: Once the macaron shells are dry and ready, fill half of them with the sugar cookie buttercream. Top with the decorated shells to create complete macarons.

How to serve Santa Claus Macarons

Serve Santa Claus Macarons on a festive platter during your holiday gatherings. They look great alongside other desserts and make for a wonderful gift in a decorative box.

How to store Santa Claus Macarons

To keep your Santa Claus Macarons fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can typically last for about 4 to 5 days. If you need to keep them longer, consider freezing them for up to a month. Just be sure to let them thaw in the fridge before serving.

Tips to make Santa Claus Macarons

  • Ensure that your mixing bowls and utensils are completely clean and dry to help create the perfect meringue.
  • Age the egg whites for a day or two before using them; this can improve the texture of the shells.
  • Monitor the baking time closely to avoid overbaking.
  • Practice piping the macaron shells to get consistent shapes.

Variation

Try adding different flavors to the buttercream, such as peppermint or chocolate. You can also change the colors for a different theme or occasion!

FAQs

1. What is the best way to ensure my macarons turn out correctly?
To ensure successful macarons, measure your ingredients accurately, use aged egg whites, and pipe with a steady hand.

2. Can I make the macaron shells in advance?
Yes! You can make the shells in advance and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to fill and decorate.

3. What can I use instead of almond flour?
If someone has a nut allergy, you can use a seed-based flour, like sunflower seed flour, as a substitute.