Santa Claus Macarons : The Perfect Christmas Treat

Looking for a show-stopping dessert this holiday season? Santa Claus Macarons are here to steal the spotlight! These adorable, festive Christmas-themed macarons are as fun to make as they are to eat. With their vibrant red shells, cute Santa faces, and delicious filling, they’re the perfect sweet treat for holiday parties, Christmas gift-giving, or just celebrating the season in style.

If you’re a fan of macarons and looking to add a festive twist, these Santa Macarons are sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting into the holiday spirit, this recipe will help you create Santa macaron delights that everyone will adore.

Let’s dive into this fun and festive Santa macaron recipe that combines the elegance of macarons with the charm of Christmas!

Save

Why Are Santa Claus Macarons So Special?

What makes Santa Claus Macarons stand out from the traditional macaron is the creative Christmas flair. These red Christmas macarons feature a bold red color, perfect for the season, while the cute Santa face design adds a playful, whimsical touch. Whether you’re making them for a Christmas party or as a festive treat for the family, they will be the highlight of any holiday gathering.

The classic almond macaron shell provides a perfect, crisp base for the creamy filling, and the Santa Claus macaron design makes them a memorable, Instagram-worthy treat. Their light texture and balanced sweetness are a true delight for anyone who loves the magic of Christmas.

If you’re a fan of Christmas macaron designs, you’ll also love experimenting with other holiday-inspired flavors, like gingerbread macarons inspired by Disney Parks gingerbread.

Ingredients for Santa Claus Macarons

For the Macaron Shells:

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup almond flour
• 3 large egg whites, room temperature
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
• Red food coloring (gel or liquid)

For the Filling:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• Pinch of salt

For the Santa macaron design, you’ll need additional ingredients to create the Santa face details, such as:

• Mini chocolate chips or black icing (for the eyes)
• Small pieces of marshmallow (for the beard)
• Red and white icing (for Santa’s hat and fur details)

These ingredients come together to form a perfect balance of sweetness, flavor, and fun in every bite.

Save

How to Make Santa Claus Macarons

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Start by lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Draw circles on the parchment paper (about 1.5 inches in diameter) as a guide for your macaron shells.

Step 2: Make the Macaron Shells

Sift together the powdered sugar and almond flour to remove any clumps. Set aside.

In a clean, dry bowl, whip the egg whites with a stand or hand mixer on medium speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and continue whipping until soft peaks form. Gradually add granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until stiff peaks form.

Once the meringue is ready, add the sifted almond flour and powdered sugar mixture in three parts. Gently fold it in with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix or undermix; the batter should flow slowly but still hold its shape.

Add the red food coloring and fold again until you achieve a uniform color.

Step 3: Pipe the Macaron Shells

Fit a piping bag with a round tip and fill it with the macaron batter. Pipe the batter onto your prepared baking sheets, following the circles as guides. Tap the baking sheets on the counter to release any air bubbles and smooth out the batter.

Let the piped macaron shells sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until they form a skin. The tops should not be sticky to the touch.

Step 4: Bake the Macaron Shells

Preheat the oven to 285°F (140°C). Bake the macarons for 15-18 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through. Once they’re done, let them cool completely on the baking sheets.

Step 5: Make the Filling

While the macaron shells are cooling, prepare the buttercream filling. Beat the softened butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue to beat until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt, and beat until fully combined.

Once the shells are completely cooled, pipe a generous amount of buttercream onto the flat side of half the shells.

Step 6: Assemble the Santa Claus Macarons

Take the other half of the macaron shells and place them on top of the buttercream-filled shells. Gently press them together to form the classic macaron shape.

Now comes the fun part: decorating! Use mini chocolate chips or black icing for the eyes. For the beard, use small pieces of marshmallow, and create the fur of Santa’s hat and coat with white icing. Add some red icing to complete the Santa hat design, and voilà — you have your Santa macaron!

Step 7: Let Them Set

Allow the decorated macarons to set for at least an hour before serving. This gives the filling time to firm up and for the macarons to develop the perfect chewy texture inside.

Tips for Perfect Santa Claus Macarons

Making macarons can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll ensure a flawless batch of Santa Claus macarons:

• Sift the dry ingredients: This step ensures smooth and crack-free macaron shells.
• Don’t rush the meringue: Whip the egg whites until they reach stiff peaks for a smooth and stable macaron batter.
• Rest the shells: Don’t skip the resting time before baking — this helps form a smooth top and ensures the shells don’t crack during baking.
• Room temperature filling: Make sure your buttercream is room temperature so it spreads smoothly between the macaron shells.
• Practice makes perfect: If you’re new to macarons, don’t be discouraged by any imperfections — they’ll still taste amazing!

If you’re looking for other Christmas-themed macaron recipes, why not try Red Velvet Macarons or a Gingerbread Macaron? They’re equally festive and delicious.

Storing and Freezing Your Santa Macarons

If you have leftovers, or you want to make your Santa Macarons ahead of time, here’s how to store them:

• Room temperature: Store macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate: For longer shelf life, store them in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Macarons freeze beautifully! Place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw in the fridge before serving.

Pairing Santa Claus Macarons with Holiday Treats

These festive macarons make the perfect accompaniment to a variety of Christmas desserts. Try them with:

• Gingerbread Cookies
• Christmas Spice Cake
• Eggnog Cheesecake Bars
• Hot Chocolate with Peppermint
• Pecan Pie Bars

If you’re making a whole dessert spread, you might also want to try Gingerbread Men or Keto Pumpkin Cheesecake for a variety of festive flavors.

Save

Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Macarons

Can I make these macarons without the Santa design?
Absolutely! You can make red Christmas macarons without the Santa face and simply fill them with buttercream or ganache for a simple but still festive treat.

How do I prevent macaron feet from forming too big?
Ensure your oven is at the correct temperature (not too hot) and that your batter is the right consistency before piping.

Can I add other flavors to the filling?
Yes! You can experiment with flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or even peppermint buttercream to create different variations.

Conclusion: A Fun and Festive Holiday Treat

Santa Claus Macarons are a whimsical and delicious addition to any holiday celebration. They combine the elegance of macarons with the charm of Christmas, making them the perfect dessert for your festive gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, baking for a Christmas dinner, or gifting them to friends and family, these macarons will certainly bring a smile to everyone’s face.

For more festive ideas, check out other Christmas-themed macarons and delicious holiday treats like Gingerbread Macarons or Red Velvet Macarons for your Christmas baking extravaganza!

Print