As I stood in my kitchen, the scent of warm sugar and almond wafted through the air, lifting my spirits on a chilly December afternoon. There’s something magical about creating festive treats, and these Santa Claus Macarons with Sugar Cookie Buttercream are no exception. Not only do they look like little bites of holiday cheer, but their chewy texture combined with creamy filling makes them a crowd-pleaser at any Christmas gathering. With a quick prep time and a bit of artistic flair, you can impress friends and family while adding a delightful touch to your holiday celebrations. Are you ready to bring a bit of whimsical delight to your dessert table? Let’s get started!
Why Are Santa Claus Macarons Special?
Festive Appearance: Decked out in vibrant red and decorated with charming royal icing details, these macarons embody the spirit of Christmas.
Irresistible Filling: The luscious Sugar Cookie Buttercream adds a sweet, nostalgic flavor that’s reminiscent of holiday baking traditions.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these delightful treats—perfect for making memories in the kitchen!
Impressive Presentation: Their whimsical design makes them a stunning centerpiece for holiday parties or even a thoughtful homemade gift for loved ones.
Versatile Option: Feel free to switch up the fillings or colors to suit other festive occasions (experiment with different fillings)—let your creativity shine!
Santa Claus Macaron Ingredients
• A delightful combination of flavors and textures awaits you in these festive Santa Claus Macarons!
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For the Macaron Shells
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Domino® Golden Sugar – Sweetness that enhances the flavor; can substitute with regular granulated sugar.
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Egg White Powder (optional) – Stabilizes meringue in humid conditions; skip if humidity is below 30%.
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Egg Whites – Essential for structure and aeration; using aged egg whites yields better results.
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Almond Flour – Provides texture and a nutty flavor; ensure it’s finely ground for the smoothest shells.
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Domino® Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness and a smooth texture; remember to sift to remove lumps.
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For the Royal Icing
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Domino® Powdered Sugar (1 ½ cups) – Crucial for decoration; not interchangeable due to required stability.
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Meringue Powder – Offers stability in icing; can be replaced with egg whites for a traditional approach.
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Water – Adjusts consistency; add gradually to achieve the desired thickness.
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Black Gel Food Coloring – Used for decoration; adjust the amount to achieve your preferred darkness.
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Yellow Gel Food Coloring – Adds a festive touch for the buckle detail; a tiny amount is sufficient.
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For the Sugar Cookie Buttercream
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All-Purpose Flour (½ cup) – Thickens the frosting; must be heat-treated for safety.
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Unsalted Butter (½ cup) – Ensures creaminess; using room temperature butter makes mixing easier.
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Domino® Golden Sugar (¼ cup) – Sweetness enhancer; can be substituted with regular sugar.
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Domino® Powdered Sugar (1 ¼ cups) – Adds both sweetness and stability; adjust the amount to taste.
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Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Provides rich flavor; for the best results, use pure vanilla.
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Almond Extract (1/8 tsp) – Optional for adding depth of flavor; great for a holiday twist.
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Milk or Heavy Cream (½ tbsp) – Adjusts creaminess; add as needed for the perfect consistency.
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Desiccated Coconut (¼ cup) – A festive decoration option; completely optional but adds a fun touch.
Embrace the joy of baking with these Santa Claus Macarons!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Santa Claus Macarons
Step 1: Prepare Macaron Shells
Preheat your oven to 300ºF and let it warm for 60-90 minutes. Sift together the powdered sugar and almond flour in a bowl until completely smooth to eliminate lumps. In a double boiler, combine the Golden Sugar and optional egg white powder, heating until dissolved. Whisk in egg whites until well incorporated.
Step 2: Whip Meringue
Using a stand mixer, beat the mixture for about 13-15 minutes until it reaches stiff peaks, and is glossy and firm. You’ll know it’s ready once you can flip the bowl upside down, and nothing slips out. Gently fold in the sifted dry ingredients and a few drops of red food coloring until the batter flows like lava.
Step 3: Pipe Shells
Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Fill a piping bag with the macaron batter and pipe 1.5-inch rounds onto the prepared sheets, leaving space between each. Tap the baking sheets firmly on the counter to release any air bubbles, then let them rest at room temperature until a dry skin forms, approximately 2 hours.
Step 4: Bake
Once a skin has formed and the shells feel dry to the touch, place them in your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, checking to ensure they have firm tops and small feet are visible. Allow macarons to cool completely on the sheets before gently removing them.
Step 5: Make Royal Icing
In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar and meringue powder. Gradually add water, stirring until you achieve a smooth, pipeable consistency. Adjust thickness if necessary. Divide the icing into small bowls and color one black for the belt designs and the other yellow for the buckle detailing.
Step 6: Create Buttercream
Heat-treat the all-purpose flour by spreading it on a baking sheet and baking at 350ºF for 5 minutes to ensure it’s safe to use. In a mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature butter and sugars together until creamy. Gradually add the heat-treated flour, vanilla, almond extract, and enough milk to reach your desired consistency, mixing until smooth.
Step 7: Assemble Macarons
Pair similar-sized macaron shells together. Pipe a generous dollop of Sugar Cookie Buttercream onto the flat side of one shell, then place the matching shell on top, pressing gently to squeeze the buttercream to the edges. Decorate with your royal icing creations and optionally roll the edges in desiccated coconut for a festive finish.
Tips for the Best Santa Claus Macarons
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Perfecting the Meringue: Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry. Any grease can prevent the egg whites from whipping to the desired stiff peaks necessary for successful Santa Claus Macarons.
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Humidity Consideration: If you live in a humid climate, always use egg white powder. It will help stabilize the meringue and prevent it from becoming too soft and collapsing during baking.
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Drying Time: Don’t rush the drying time for the macaron shells. Allow them to rest at room temperature until they form a dry skin before baking—this helps achieve that perfect shiny surface.
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Pipe with Precision: Use a round piping tip for even macaron shells. Pipe the batter carefully and leave about an inch of space between each shell to allow for expansion during baking.
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Watch the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your macarons while they bake. If you notice them browning too much, lower the oven temperature slightly to avoid burnt tops while ensuring the feet develop beautifully.
What to Serve with Santa Claus Macarons
Indulging in the festive spirit means creating a delightful dessert table to complement your treats. Let these Santa Claus Macarons be the star of your holiday spread!
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Hot Chocolate: A rich, creamy mug of hot chocolate is perfect for pairing with the sweet, chewy macarons, making your holiday feel cozy and indulgent.
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Christmas Fruitcake: The spiced flavors of fruitcake harmonize beautifully with the sweet macarons, offering a balance of textures and tastes that echo holiday cheer.
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Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider adds a fragrant, comforting note that complements the sweetness of the macarons, perfect for chilly gatherings.
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Peppermint Bark: The crisp, cool flavor of peppermint bark contrasts the soft, chewy macarons, enhancing the festive theme with its vibrant holiday colors.
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Gingerbread Cookies: These classic cookies bring a spiced warmth that pairs beautifully with the sweet filling of the macarons. They’re also visually appealing on a dessert platter.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the chewy macarons, offering a luscious creaminess that’s hard to resist.
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Holiday Punch: A light, fizzy holiday punch adds a refreshing twist to your dessert experience, cleansing the palate between sweets.
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Eggnog: The creamy richness of eggnog makes a delightful duo with the sugary, festive flavors of macaron cookies, perfect for a holiday-themed gathering.
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Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: Juicy strawberries coated in chocolate add a touch of elegance that pairs wonderfully with the sweet buttercream of the macarons.
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Red Velvet Cake: Serve slices of moist red velvet cake alongside your macarons for a festive color palette and an explosion of flavor.
Make Ahead Options
These Santa Claus Macarons are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the festive season! You can prepare the macaron shells up to 24 hours in advance by baking them and storing them in an airtight container at room temperature to prevent moisture. Additionally, the Sugar Cookie Buttercream filling can be made up to 3 days ahead; just keep it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the macarons by piping the buttercream onto one shell and topping it with another. This way, you’ll have adorable, delicious treats ready to impress your guests with minimal last-minute effort!
How to Store and Freeze Santa Claus Macarons
Room Temperature: Keep the macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To maintain their delicate texture, avoid exposing them to moisture and heat.
Fridge: For longer freshness, store the Santa Claus Macarons in the fridge where they can last up to 5 days in an airtight container. This will also help enhance their flavor.
Freezer: Freeze the unfilled macarons for up to 1-2 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Reheating: To enjoy the frozen macarons, simply let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Santa Claus Macarons Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to mix and match flavors and ingredients for your Santa Claus Macarons to create your perfect holiday treat!
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Flavored Fillings: Try using fruit-flavored buttercreams or even a spiced pumpkin ganache for a seasonal surprise.
The sweet and creamy fillings can easily elevate the festive experience while providing a personal touch. -
Gluten-Free: Swap almond flour for finely ground hazelnuts or pistachios for a nutty twist.
Not only do these variations taste wonderful, but they also cater to gluten-sensitive friends and family. -
Colorful Options: Use blue and white for a winter wonderland theme, or green and red for a playful elf version.
Changing the color of the shells can transform these macarons into delightful surprises for any festive occasion! -
Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter in the buttercream with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine.
This swap will still give you a rich and creamy filling while being kind to those with dietary restrictions. -
Coconut-Infused: Add 1/4 cup of shredded coconut to the buttercream for extra sweetness and texture.
This little twist brings a tropical flair to your festive treats and offers a unique taste experience. -
Spiced Touch: Enhance the buttercream with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy, spiced flavor.
This simple addition evokes the warming scents of the holidays while harmonizing beautifully with the sweet filling. -
Bolder Heat: Incorporate a hint of cayenne pepper in the powdered sugar for an unexpected spicy kick.
This unexpected heat can complement the sweetness and create a complex taste that’s surprisingly delightful! -
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the assembled macarons for a luxurious touch.
The rich chocolate adds depth and elegance, creating a treat that truly feels special during the holiday season.
For more inspiration, don’t hesitate to explore different flavor combinations and filling ideas as you craft these delightful treats and consider checking out how to experiment with different fillings for even more exciting variations!
Santa Claus Macarons Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe ingredients for Santa Claus Macarons?
Absolutely! For the best macaron shells, always use fresh, aged egg whites. I recommend separating the whites from the yolks a day in advance and letting them sit in the refrigerator, unrefrigerated, overnight. This helps to reduce moisture content, allowing for a better meringue. When selecting almond flour, ensure it is finely ground for a smooth texture in your macaron shells.
What’s the best way to store Santa Claus Macarons?
Very! Store your macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you’d like to keep them fresh for longer, the refrigerator is a great option, allowing them to last for up to 5 days. Just make sure they remain sealed to prevent moisture from ruining their delicate texture.
Can I freeze Santa Claus Macarons, and if so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your Santa Claus Macarons, make sure they are completely cooled. Place unfilled macarons in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can last up to 1-2 months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and let them come back to room temperature before serving.
What if my macarons crack during baking?
Oh no! Cracks while baking can happen, but don’t fret! Common reasons include not allowing the macaron shells to dry long enough before baking or overcrowding the baking sheets. Be sure to let them sit at room temperature for about 2 hours until a dry skin forms. Also, use even pressure when piping and give sufficient space to each macaron shell on the baking sheet.
Are Santa Claus Macarons safe for pets or those with allergies?
It’s best to be cautious! While these macaron shells are safe for humans, ingredients like almond flour and sugar may not be suitable for pets. Additionally, if anyone has nut allergies, be sure to substitute almond flour with a nut-free alternative, like sunflower seed flour, while also being aware of any other allergies.
How can I troubleshoot if my macaron shells don’t develop feet?
Very good question! If your macaron shells aren’t developing feet, it may be due to under-mixing or over-mixing the batter. Ensure you mix until the batter flows like lava—thick, yet fluid. Also, humidity can play a role; on humid days, include a bit of egg white powder to help stabilize. Lastly, don’t skip the drying step—macarons need to form a skin for successful feet development!
Delightful Santa Claus Macarons for Festive Holiday Cheer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 300ºF and let it warm for 60-90 minutes. Sift together the powdered sugar and almond flour to eliminate lumps.
- In a double boiler, combine the Golden Sugar and optional egg white powder, heating until dissolved. Whisk in egg whites until well incorporated.
- Using a stand mixer, beat the mixture for about 13-15 minutes until it reaches stiff peaks and is glossy and firm.
- Gently fold in the sifted dry ingredients and a few drops of red food coloring until the batter flows like lava.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Fill a piping bag with the macaron batter and pipe 1.5-inch rounds onto the sheets.
- Tap the baking sheets on the counter to release any air bubbles. Let them rest at room temperature until dry, about 2 hours.
- Once a skin has formed, place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until firm and small feet are visible.
- Allow macarons to cool completely on the sheets before gently removing them.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar and meringue powder for the royal icing, then gradually add water until smooth.
- Heat-treat the flour by baking it at 350ºF for 5 minutes. Beat the butter and sugars until creamy, then add the flour and extracts.
- Pair similar-sized macaron shells together, pipe a dollop of Buttercream onto one shell, and press another shell on top.
- Decorate with royal icing and optionally roll the edges in desiccated coconut for a festive finish.
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