The festive season is upon us, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a dessert that captures the spirit of Christmas! When I first came up with the idea of creating Christmas Tree Cake Macarons, I wanted to blend the elegance of French pastries with the nostalgia of a beloved childhood treat—Little Debbie’s Christmas Tree Cakes. The moment you take a bite, the delicate almond shell gives way to a creamy filling that is both inviting and reminiscent of holiday cheer.
Picture this: chewy, colorful macaron shells adorned with festive green sprinkles and bright red stripes, all ready to grace your holiday table or be gifted to loved ones. Not only are these macarons adorable, but they also bring joy and a touch of whimsy to any gathering. With the delightful flavors and textures, they’re perfect for impressing family and friends or just indulging your sweet tooth. Ready to spread some holiday magic? Let’s dive into this enchanting recipe!
Why are Christmas Tree Cake Macarons a must-try?
Delightful and festive, these macarons are more than just a treat—they are a holiday experience! Unique flavors meld together the nostalgia of Christmas Tree Cakes with elegant almond shells. Visually stunning, the vibrant decorations will wow your guests at any festive gathering. Easy to make, even baking novices can impress with this simple recipe, while their versatile decorations allow for personalized touches. Whether served at parties or gifted, these macarons ensure a memorable celebration! Looking for more festive inspiration? Check out our other holiday recipes.
Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Ingredients
Get ready to create these festive delights with this list!
For the Shells
- Almond Flour – Provides a light, airy structure; finely sifted is key for smooth shells.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the shells while contributing to a glossy finish.
- Egg Whites – Essential for meringue; make sure they’re at room temperature for maximum volume.
- Granulated Sugar – Gradually adds stability to the meringue; ensure it’s added slowly for the best results.
- Cream of Tartar – Optional but helps achieve stiff peaks in your egg whites; great for stability.
For the Filling
- Unsalted Butter – The creamy base; softening it beforehand makes mixing a breeze.
- Heavy Cream – Lightens the buttercream, creating a delightful fluffy texture.
- Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes – Folded in for a nostalgic flavor that captures the season perfectly.
For Decoration
- White Chocolate – Used for dipping macaron tops, giving a festive finish and adds a sweet touch.
- Green Sprinkles – Perfect for adding that holiday sparkle!
- Red Buttercream Frosting or Royal Icing – Pipe festive stripes to bring your creations to life!
These Christmas Tree Cake Macarons combine festive fun with deliciousness—perfect for elevating your holiday treat lineup!
How to Make Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
Prepare Shell Mixture: Sift together almond flour and powdered sugar in a bowl. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until frothy, then gradually add granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the sifted almond flour and powdered sugar mixture into the meringue until the batter flows smoothly like lava—be careful not to overmix!
Pipe Shells: Using a piping bag, pipe 1½-inch circles onto prepared baking sheets. Let the shells rest for 20-40 minutes until the tops are dry to the touch—this helps with the feet during baking.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake the macaron shells for 15-17 minutes. Avoid opening the oven door for at least 13 minutes to maintain consistent heat!
Cool Shells: Once baked, let the shells cool completely on the baking sheets. This prevents them from cracking when removed.
Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream, mixing until fluffy. Fold in the crumbled Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes.
Assemble Macarons: Pipe a generous swirl of filling onto half of the cooled macaron shells. Top with the remaining halves to create delightful sandwiches.
Decorate: Dip the tops of the assembled macarons into melted white chocolate. Sprinkle with festive green sprinkles and use red buttercream frosting to pipe decorative stripes.
Mature: Place the finished macarons in an airtight container and refrigerate for 24 hours. This aging process allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
Optional: Dust with edible glitter for an extra festive touch before serving!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
Room Temperature: Store your macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh while maintaining their chewy texture.
Fridge: For longer storage, refrigerate the macarons in an airtight container for up to 7 days. Be sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezer: You can freeze Christmas Tree Cake Macarons for up to 2 months. Place them in a freezer-safe airtight container with parchment paper between layers for best results.
Reheating: If frozen, allow macarons to thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. They will regain their delightful texture and flavor!
Expert Tips for Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
Ingredient Precision: Weighing your ingredients is crucial; even small variations can affect the texture and flavor of your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons.
Grease-Free Utensils: Ensure all bowls and tools are completely clean and grease-free to achieve the perfect meringue and stiff peaks.
Aging Egg Whites: Consider letting your egg whites age in the fridge overnight; this helps to improve whipping and creates a lighter macaron.
Humidity Matters: Avoid making macarons on humid days as moisture can lead to flat or soggy shells; choose a dry day for baking success.
Baking Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your baking temperature is spot on, preventing undercooked or burnt macarons.
These tips will help you create delightful Christmas Tree Cake Macarons that are both festive and delicious!
Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Variations & Substitutions
Customize your macarons with these delightful twists that will make them even more festive and fun!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute almond flour with a gluten-free flour blend for deliciously chewy shells without the gluten.
- Flavored Macarons: Add 1-2 teaspoons of almond or vanilla extract to the shell mixture for an extra layer of flavor. Your guests will be curious about the delightful surprise!
- Colorful Shells: Use food coloring gel to tint the macaron batter, creating vibrant colors that will brighten your holiday spread. Opt for red or green hues for that festive flair.
- Nut-Free: Replace almond flour with sunflower seed flour for nut-free shells that everyone can enjoy; this keeps the spirit of celebration inclusive!
- Chocolate Dipped: Dip the macaron tops in melted dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate for a richer chocolatey flavor. A double dose of sweetness awaits!
- Cream Cheese Filling: Swap in a cream cheese frosting for a delightful tang that perfectly complements the sweet buttery filling. It’s a crowd-pleaser!
- Infused Shells: Infuse the almond flour with a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg for a seasonal spice that adds warmth to these cheerful bites. Just imagine that aroma filling your kitchen!
- Savory Twist: Incorporate herbs like rosemary or thyme into the filling for an unexpected savory note that contrasts beautifully with the sweet macaron shell.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your perfect festive treat!
Make Ahead Options
These Christmas Tree Cake Macarons are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the macaron shells up to 24 hours in advance—just follow the instructions through baking, then let them cool completely. Store the cooled shells in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their delicate texture. For the filling, you can make it ahead and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Simply store it in an airtight container, ensuring it’s well-covered to retain freshness. When ready to serve, assemble the macaron sandwiches and decorate them just before the festivities to keep them looking vibrant and beautiful. Enjoy the time-saving benefits while impressing loved ones with these delightful treats!
What to Serve with Christmas Tree Cake Macarons?
Elevate your festive gathering with these delightful treats that add a whimsical touch to any holiday table.
- Hot Chocolate: Rich and creamy hot chocolate pairs wonderfully, creating a cozy atmosphere for indulgence. The sweetness of the macarons makes this duo irresistible.
- Holiday Cheeseboard: A selection of cheeses, fruits, and nuts complements the creamy filling perfectly, adding both sophistication and flavor contrast. The vibrant colors of the board also enhance the festive spirit.
- Spiced Mulled Wine: Warm and aromatic, spiced mulled wine beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the macarons, creating a heartwarming pairing for holiday gatherings.
- Cranberry Sauce Parfait: Layers of cranberry sauce and whipped cream offer a tart, refreshing bite that balances the rich sweetness of the macarons.
- Christmas Sugar Cookies: These classic cookies provide a nostalgic flavor that aligns with your macarons, making for an attractive dessert buffet. The varying textures create an inviting dessert experience.
- Eggnog: This rich, creamy beverage enhances the festive vibe, and its spiced flavors work harmoniously with the nostalgic taste of the macarons, heightening the holiday magic.
- Gingerbread Cake: Moist and spiced gingerbread cake brings a warm flavor backdrop, while evoking hominess with each bite, making it a perfect addition to your sweet spread.
- Pomegranate Mimosas: Crisp and refreshing, these light cocktails with their vibrant red hue beautifully complement the colors and flavors of your macarons for an elegant touch.
- Chocolate Truffles: Decadent and rich, chocolate truffles offer an added layer of indulgence that still allows the macarons to shine, enriching your dessert table with variety.
Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best almond flour for macarons?
Absolutely! For the best results, choose finely sifted almond flour that feels powdery and free from lumps. Look for brands that specify ‘blanched almond flour’ as it has a finer texture, which helps achieve smooth and shiny macaron shells.
How should I store my Christmas Tree Cake Macarons?
You can store your macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 7 days, layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I freeze Christmas Tree Cake Macarons?
Very much! To freeze, place your macarons in a freezer-safe airtight container with parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight for the best flavor and texture!
What if my macaron shells crack during baking?
If you find that your shells crack, it could be due to overmixing the batter or too much humidity in the air. Make sure your almond flour is well-sifted and try to mix until the batter flows smoothly, resembling lava. Avoid baking on humid days for the best shell results!
Are there any dietary considerations for these macarons?
Absolutely! While this recipe is vegetarian, if you’re baking for someone with egg allergies or a vegan diet, you could experiment with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as a substitute for egg whites. However, the texture and flavors may alter slightly. Always check for allergies regarding the specific candies or toppings you use!
Delightful Christmas Tree Cake Macarons – Cute and Festive Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sift together almond flour and powdered sugar in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until frothy, then gradually add granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the sifted almond flour and powdered sugar mixture into the meringue until the batter flows smoothly like lava—be careful not to overmix!
- Using a piping bag, pipe 1½-inch circles onto prepared baking sheets. Let the shells rest for 20-40 minutes until the tops are dry to the touch.
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake the macaron shells for 15-17 minutes.
- Once baked, let the shells cool completely on the baking sheets.
- Beat softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream, mixing until fluffy. Fold in the crumbled Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes.
- Pipe a generous swirl of filling onto half of the cooled macaron shells and top with the remaining halves.
- Dip the tops of the assembled macarons into melted white chocolate. Sprinkle with green sprinkles and pipe red buttercream for decorative stripes.
- Place the finished macarons in an airtight container and refrigerate for 24 hours.
Leave a Reply