Santa Claus Macarons

If you’re looking for a festive treat that will brighten up any holiday gathering, these Santa Claus Macarons are just the thing! They’re not only adorable but also deliciously filled with a rich Sugar Cookie Buttercream. Each bite is like a little taste of Christmas magic. These delightful macarons are perfect for family gatherings, cookie exchanges, or even as a sweet surprise for your kids!

What makes this recipe special is how it combines fun and flavor. The royal icing decoration transforms each macaron into a charming little Santa face, making them a showstopper on any dessert table. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make! Let’s get started on creating these festive treats that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Adorable Presentation: These Santa Claus Macarons are sure to bring smiles to both kids and adults alike.
• Delicious Flavor: The Sugar Cookie Buttercream filling is sweet and buttery, making each bite irresistible.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Get the kids involved in decorating; it’s an enjoyable activity for all ages!
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the shells and filling in advance, saving time on busy days.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for Christmas parties, holiday gifts, or simply enjoying at home with loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for these Santa Claus Macarons is part of the fun! With simple and wholesome items, you’ll have everything you need to create these delightful cookies right in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Macaron Shells

• 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

For the Sugar Cookie Buttercream Filling

• 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

For the Decoration

• 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))

Variations

One of the great things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to experiment with flavors and decorations to make these macarons your own. Here are a few ideas:

• Change Up the Filling: Swap out the Sugar Cookie Buttercream for other flavors like peppermint or chocolate ganache.
• Different Decorations: Use colored sugar or edible glitter instead of coconut for added sparkle.
• Add Flavor Extracts: Infuse different extracts like hazelnut or lemon into the buttercream for a unique twist.
• Custom Colors: Experiment with different gel food colors to create various festive designs!

How to Make Santa Claus Macarons

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by measuring out all your ingredients. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

Step 2: Make the Macaron Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour and powdered sugar. Sift them together to ensure there are no lumps—this helps create that signature smooth macaron shell. In another bowl, whip the egg whites until soft peaks form before gradually adding in the golden sugar. Mix until glossy and firm peaks appear.

Step 3: Fold It Together

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the whipped egg whites using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; you want a batter that flows slowly off your spatula but still holds its shape.

Step 4: Pipe Your Shells

Transfer your batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles onto lined baking sheets, leaving space between each one as they will spread slightly. Tap the tray on the counter to release air bubbles.

Step 5: Bake Your Macarons

Bake in preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes until they develop feet and form a hard shell. Let them cool completely before removing from the baking sheet.

Step 6: Prepare Your Filling

While your macarons cool, make your Sugar Cookie Buttercream by creaming together butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla and almond extract along with milk or cream until desired consistency is reached.

Step 7: Assemble Your Macarons

Spread or pipe filling onto half of your cooled macaron shells and top with another shell. For decoration, use royal icing to create Santa faces on top of each macaron.

Enjoy sharing these festive Santa Claus Macarons with friends and family—they’re sure to become a cherished tradition!

Pro Tips for Making Santa Claus Macarons

Making macarons can be a delightful challenge, but with a few tips, you’ll be on your way to creating these festive treats like a pro!

• Use room temperature egg whites: This helps create a better meringue by allowing the proteins to whip up more effectively, resulting in a lighter texture.
• Sift your dry ingredients: Sifting the almond flour and powdered sugar together removes lumps and ensures a smoother macaron shell, giving you that perfect shiny finish.
• Get the right consistency for the batter: When you fold your meringue into the dry ingredients, aim for a lava-like consistency. This ensures that your macarons will spread out evenly when piped.
• Rest before baking: Letting your piped macarons sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes allows them to form a skin. This step is crucial for achieving those characteristic feet.
• Keep an eye on baking times: Ovens can vary significantly, so start checking your macarons a few minutes before the recommended baking time to prevent overbaking.

How to Serve Santa Claus Macarons

These Santa Claus Macarons are not only delicious but also visually delightful! They make for an impressive dessert centerpiece during holiday gatherings or festive celebrations.

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an extra touch of sweetness and makes the macarons look even more festive.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: These can serve as tiny buttons or eyes on your Santa macarons, adding charm and character.

Side Dishes

• Peppermint Hot Chocolate: This cozy drink pairs perfectly with the sweet flavors of the macarons, making for a comforting holiday treat.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances the sweetness of the macarons with tart and juicy flavors, providing a nice contrast.
• Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can complement the sweetness of the macaron while offering a savory option for guests who prefer it.
• Gingerbread Cookies: These classic cookies add to the festive spirit and offer different textures alongside your silky smooth macarons.

Enjoy serving these adorable Santa Claus Macarons at your next gathering! They’re sure to spread joy and sweetness wherever they go.

Make Ahead and Storage

These delightful Santa Claus Macarons are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a festive treat without the last-minute rush. With a little planning, you can whip up these sweet delights ahead of time.

Storing Leftovers

• Place macarons in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the macarons to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen macarons to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

• Macarons are best enjoyed at room temperature, so simply remove them from the refrigerator and let them sit for about 30 minutes before serving.
• Avoid reheating in the microwave or oven, as this can alter their delicate texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Santa Claus Macarons.

Can I make Santa Claus Macarons without egg white powder?

Absolutely! While egg white powder helps stabilize the meringue, you can skip it and still achieve delicious results using just fresh egg whites.

How do I achieve the perfect texture for Santa Claus Macarons?

The key is to properly mix your ingredients and allow the macarons to rest before baking. This creates that signature smooth top and chewy interior that everyone loves!

Can I customize the filling for my Santa Claus Macarons?

Certainly! While the Sugar Cookie Buttercream is a fantastic choice, feel free to experiment with other fillings like chocolate ganache or fruit preserves.

What should I do if my Santa Claus Macarons crack during baking?

Cracked macarons often result from overmixing or baking at too high a temperature. Be sure to follow the mixing instructions closely and always check your oven’s calibration.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these festive Santa Claus Macarons! They are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a delightful way to spread holiday cheer. Enjoy every step of this fun baking adventure, and don’t forget to share your creations with loved ones. Happy baking!