Name: Festive Christmas Tree Cake Macarons: A Holiday Delight
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 121 min
Ingredients: 1.75 cups powdered sugar (Adds sweetness and contributes to a smooth macaron shell.); 1 cups almond flour (Provides structure and delicate texture; for a nut-free option, substitute with sunflower seed flour.); 0.5 cups granulated sugar (Essential for stabilizing the egg whites.); 4 large egg whites (Must be at room temperature for ideal fluffiness.); 0.25 teaspoons cream of tartar (Stabilizes the egg whites for better volume.); a few drops green gel food coloring (Gives the macarons their festive appearance.); 0.5 cups unsalted butter (Creates a rich and creamy filling.); 1 teaspoons vanilla extract (Adds depth to the flavor of the filling.); 2 tablespoons heavy cream (Contributes to a smooth texture of the filling.); a pinch salt (Enhances the overall flavor.); 1 cups crumble snack cakes (Adds nostalgic flavor and texture to the filling.)

Amid the flurry of twinkling lights and joyous laughter, there’s something magical about Christmas baking that brings warmth to our hearts. This year, I decided to sprinkle a little extra cheer into my holiday celebrations with Christmas Tree Cake Macarons. These whimsical, tree-shaped treats not only look stunning on your dessert table but also capture the nostalgic flavors of holiday cake in every delightful bite. What makes them truly special is their quick prep—ready to impress in under two hours! Whether you’re gathering with family or want to gift something unique, these macarons are sure to spread joy wherever they go. Curious about how to create these festive delights? Let’s dive into the magic of macaron-making!

35340d0a 0b7d 4f00 83d5 e003b0d66811tr b5o5iw

Why are Christmas Tree Cake Macarons a must-try?

Whimsical Designs: These macarons are not just desserts; they’re conversation starters! Their tree shape and vibrant colors instantly elevate your holiday gatherings.

Quick to Make: Don’t fret about lengthy baking times—these festive treats can be crafted in under two hours, perfect for those busy holiday schedules.

Delectable Filling: The creamy cake-inspired filling offers nostalgic flavors reminiscent of holiday treats, ensuring each bite is as delightful as the last.

Versatile Varieties: Feel free to experiment with flavors or colors! Try peppermint buttercream or a chocolate twist—each variation brings a unique charm to your festive spread.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Everyone loves a macaron! These eye-catching goodies are sure to impress your family and friends, making them a hit at any holiday celebration.

Once you try these festive creations, you’ll also want to check out my Decadent Carrot Cake or pair them with a cozy cup of Mexican Street Corn for a complete holiday feast!

Christmas Tree Cake Macaron Ingredients

For the Macaron Shells

Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness and contributes to a smooth macaron shell.
Almond Flour – Provides structure and a delicate texture; for a nut-free option, substitute with sunflower seed flour.
Granulated Sugar – Essential for stabilizing the egg whites and achieving stiff peaks.
Egg Whites – The base of the macaron shells that must be at room temperature for the ideal fluffiness.
Cream of Tartar – Stabilizes the egg whites for better volume.
Green Gel Food Coloring – Gives the macarons their festive appearance; adjust the quantity to achieve your desired shade.

For the Filling

Unsalted Butter – Creates a rich and creamy filling.
Vanilla Extract – Adds depth to the flavor of the filling.
Heavy Cream – Contributes to a smooth texture of the filling.
Pinch of Salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the filling.
Crumble Snack Cakes – Adds nostalgic flavor and texture to the filling, embodying the essence of a traditional holiday cake.

These festive Christmas Tree Cake Macarons will undoubtedly become a cherished recipe in your holiday baking tradition!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Tree Cake Macarons

Step 1: Preparation
Begin by sifting together 1 ¾ cups of powdered sugar and 1 cup of almond flour in a mixing bowl. Sift these ingredients twice to ensure there are no lumps, which helps create smooth macaron shells. This step is crucial for your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons to achieve that perfect finish, so take your time and set the mixture aside.

Step 2: Egg White Mixture
In a clean mixing bowl, beat 4 large egg whites on medium speed until they become foamy. Gradually add ¼ teaspoon of cream of tartar, and continue beating while slowly incorporating ½ cup of granulated sugar. Increase the speed to high and whisk until stiff peaks form, taking about 4-5 minutes. Your egg whites should be glossy and hold their shape, a key foundation for your macaron shells.

Step 3: Coloring and Mixing
Once your egg whites are whipped, gently add a few drops of green gel food coloring, mixing until the color is evenly distributed. Now, take the prepared almond flour mixture and gently fold it into the egg whites with a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the air in the egg whites; aim for a batter that flows smoothly and resembles molten lava, typically taking about 30-40 strokes.

Step 4: Piping
Transfer the macaron batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. On parchment-lined baking sheets, carefully pipe out tree shapes or circles, about 1.5 inches in diameter, leaving a little space between each. Tap the baking sheets firmly on the counter to pop air bubbles, ensuring your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons will bake evenly, and let the piped shapes settle.

Step 5: Rest
Allow the piped macarons to rest at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes. During this time, a light skin will form on the surface, which is essential for the proper texture of your macaron shells. You’ll know they’re ready when you can gently touch the tops without sticking to your finger, prepping them for baking.

Step 6: Baking
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake one tray of macarons at a time for 14-16 minutes, ensuring to rotate the tray halfway through. Watch as they puff up, and look for a slight shine on the shells when done. This baking time is critical for your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons to develop that signature chewy texture—so time it carefully!

Step 7: Cooling
Once baked, remove the macarons from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 10 minutes. After they’ve cooled slightly, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before removing them from the parchment paper. This step is important to ensure the shells stay intact and maintain their delicate structure.

Step 8: Filling Preparation
While the shells cool, prepare the filling by beating ½ cup of softened unsalted butter until fluffy and light in color, about 3 minutes. Gradually mix in 1 cup of powdered sugar, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Finally, fold in 1 cup of crumbled snack cakes until your cake-inspired filling is fully combined and creamy.

Step 9: Assembly
To assemble your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons, pipe a generous amount of filling onto the flat side of half of your cooled shells. Gently sandwich each filled macaron with another shell, pressing down lightly until the filling peeks out. This step brings together the beautiful flavors, creating a delightful bite that captures the spirit of holiday celebrations.

Step 10: Decoration
For an extra festive touch, melt some white chocolate and drizzle it over the assembled macarons. You may also sprinkle them with colorful decorations like edible glitter or holiday-themed sprinkles. This final step will make your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons not only delicious but a stunning centerpiece for your holiday dessert table!

35340d0a 0b7d 4f00 83d5 e003b0d66811bl kkilrr

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Tree Cake Macarons

Room Temperature: Keep assembled macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Fridge: If you prefer, these macarons can last up to a week in the fridge. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness and texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze assembled macarons for up to 3 months. Place them in an airtight container, ensuring they’re separated by parchment paper.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, let frozen macarons thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture before serving.

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Tree Cake Macarons are perfect for busy home cooks looking to get ahead during the holiday season! You can prepare the macaron shells up to 24 hours in advance; simply allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their delicate texture. For the filling, mix it up to 3 days ahead—just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, assemble the macarons by piping the filling between the shells and, if desired, drizzle with white chocolate and festive sprinkles for that added holiday flair. This way, you’ll have stunning, homemade treats with minimal effort right when you need them!

Expert Tips for Christmas Tree Cake Macarons

Room Temperature Egg Whites: Make sure your egg whites are at room temperature before whipping, as this helps achieve the best volume and stability for your macaron shells.
Resting is Key: Allow your piped macarons to rest until a skin forms on the surface; this crucial step prevents cracked shells and ensures that delightful texture you desire.
Gentle Folding Technique: When combining the almond flour mixture with the whipped egg whites, use a gentle folding motion. Overmixing can deflate the batter and lead to flat macarons.
Consistent Piping Size: Pipe each macaron to be the same size for even baking. Using a template under your parchment paper can help create uniform shapes.
Monitor Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the macarons while baking; they should have a slight shine and feel firm to the touch when ready, preventing overbaking for your perfect Christmas Tree Cake Macarons!

Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons and customize them to your delight!

Nut-Free: Substitute almond flour with sunflower seed flour for a delicious, nut-free option without compromising on flavor.
Colorful Creations: Experiment with different gel food colors to match your holiday theme— think red, gold, or even a winter wonderland blue!
Chocolate Delight: Swap out crumbled snack cakes for hot cocoa mix to give your filling a rich chocolaty flavor and ensure a cozy vibe.
Minty Fresh: Add peppermint extract to your cream filling for a refreshing, holiday twist that will have everyone smiling with each delicious bite.
Festive Fillings: Try different fillings like peppermint buttercream or dark chocolate ganache to surprise your guests with unique flavor combinations.
Texture Twist: For a little crunch, mix in some crushed candy canes or toffee bits into your filling; the added texture will take your macarons to the next level.
Spiced Festivities: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for an extra hint of holiday warmth; these spices pair beautifully with the creamy filling.
Decorative Sprinkles: Jazz up your macarons with holiday-themed sprinkles on top of the chocolate drizzle; they not only taste great but make for a festive presentation.

Once you’ve tried these variations, don’t forget to explore delightful creations like my Decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake or a light, fruity Strawberry Shortcake Fluff for your holiday gatherings!

What to Serve With Christmas Tree Cake Macarons?

Treat your loved ones to an enchanting holiday experience by pairing these delightful macarons with complementary flavors and textures.

Rich Hot Cocoa: This velvety drink enhances the sweetness of the macarons, creating a cozy, festive atmosphere perfect for chilly evenings.
Spiced Chai Latte: The aromatic spices in chai latte beautifully contrast the creamy filling of the macarons, bringing warmth and depth to your dessert table.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy, cold element, providing a wonderful balance to the chewy texture of the macarons.
Gingerbread Cookies: The spiced crunch of gingerbread pairs delightfully with the soft, sweet macarons, adding festive cheer to your dessert spread.
Pistachio Biscotti: This crunchy treat brings a nutty flavor that complements the almond flour in the macarons, while its texture adds contrast to each bite.
Mulled Wine: With its warm spices and fruity notes, mulled wine elevates the joyous spirit of the holiday, making it a perfect beverage alongside the festive sweets.
Sparkling Water: For a refreshing palate cleanse between bites, sparkling water keeps the focus on the macarons without overwhelming their flavor.

Indulging in these delightful pairings fosters a warm, holiday atmosphere that will surely delight your guests!

35340d0a 0b7d 4f00 83d5 e003b0d66811br yrsuhm

Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Recipe FAQs

How can I select the best eggs for making macarons?
Absolutely! For the best macaron shells, choose large eggs that are fresh. You want the egg whites to be at room temperature for optimal volume when whipped. If your egg whites are cold, just place them in warm water for a few minutes—this helps achieve fluffy, stable peaks!

What’s the best way to store leftover macarons?
After your festivities, store assembled Christmas Tree Cake Macarons in an airtight container, layered with parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. At room temperature, they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for a post-holiday treat!

Can I freeze macarons, and how do I do it?
Yes, you can freeze your macarons for up to 3 months! Simply place the assembled macarons in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. It’s best to let them thaw in the fridge overnight for improved texture. After thawing, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before enjoying them!

What if my macarons crack during baking?
Very commonly, cracked macarons can result from either overmixing the batter or not allowing them to rest properly before baking. Always ensure your macaron batter flows like lava without deflating, and let them sit until a skin forms on the surface for 30-60 minutes. This resting period helps avoid cracks!

Are Christmas Tree Cake Macarons suitable for people with nut allergies?
Definitely! If you or your guests have nut allergies, substitute almond flour with sunflower seed flour for the macaron shells. Be sure to check that other ingredients are also nut-free, especially pre-made fillings, to ensure everyone can join in the festive fun without worry.

Can I customize the colors and flavors of these macarons?
The more the merrier! Feel free to experiment with different gel food colors to suit your holiday theme or try alternative fillings like peppermint buttercream or chocolate ganache. The beauty of macarons is their versatility, so let your creativity shine in your festive baking!