If you’re looking for a festive and utterly charming dessert to light up your holiday table, this Christmas Tree Macaron Cake Recipe is just the ticket. Imagine delicate, crisp-shell macarons tinted in vibrant green, stacked and decorated to resemble a dazzling Christmas tree, complete with edible glitter and little candy “ornaments.” It’s a sublime blend of buttery, airy sweetness and the nostalgic joy of the season that’s guaranteed to bring smiles from your nearest and dearest. Plus, with a little patience, you’ll master a fun and impressive treat that’s sure to become a new holiday tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first joyful step in crafting this Christmas Tree Macaron Cake Recipe. Each one plays a vital role, from the almond flour that gives macarons their signature texture to the green gel food coloring that adds festive flair. With simple pantry staples and a few special touches, you’re well on your way to a show-stopping dessert.
- Almond flour (1 cup): Provides the nutty, tender base essential for perfect macaron shells.
- Powdered sugar (1 3/4 cups + 4 cups for filling): Adds sweetness and smoothness, key for delicate shells and silky buttercream.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors subtly.
- Large egg whites (3, aged): Whipped into airy meringue that creates the iconic macaron texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Stabilizes the meringue for those perfect stiff peaks.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons total): Infuses warmth and richness into both shells and filling.
- Green gel food coloring: The star of your festival palette, providing vivid, long-lasting color without altering texture.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The creamy base for the luscious buttercream filling.
- Heavy cream (2 tablespoons): Makes the frosting light, fluffy, and easily spreadable.
- Edible glitter or sprinkles (optional): For that extra touch of sparkle and holiday magic on your “tree.”
- Red candies or small fruit chews: Charming details to mimic Christmas ornaments and bring your tree to life.
How to Make Christmas Tree Macaron Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Then, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to ensure your macarons bake evenly and release effortlessly. This prep sets the foundation for success right from the start.
Step 2: Sift Dry Ingredients
Combine the almond flour, powdered sugar, and salt by sifting them together into a bowl. Sifting is key to avoiding any lumps that can ruin the delicate texture of your macaron shells, so take your time here.
Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites and Sugar
In a clean bowl, beat your aged egg whites on medium speed until they become frothy. Slowly add the granulated sugar and ramp up to high speed, whipping until you get those beautiful stiff, glossy peaks. This meringue is the secret behind macarons’ crisp yet chewy texture.
Step 4: Add Flavor and Color
Mix in the vanilla extract and green gel food coloring to your meringue. Keep stirring until you reach that perfect shade of green that brings the Christmas tree vision to life. Remember, gel food coloring is best for vibrant hues without damaging the batter’s consistency.
Step 5: Fold in Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the sifted almond flour mixture into your vibrant meringue in three batches. Be delicate to keep the air incorporated, aiming for a batter that flows like lava and holds a smooth figure eight shape when dripped off the spatula.
Step 6: Pipe the Macarons
Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe rounds roughly 1.5 inches wide onto your prepared sheets, leaving adequate space between each to prevent sticking as they spread. This size will help you stack your finished macarons beautifully into a tree shape.
Step 7: Rest Before Baking
Firmly tap your trays on the counter to release trapped air bubbles. Then, let the piped shells rest for 30 to 60 minutes at room temperature until a smooth, dry skin forms—this step is crucial for those signature macaron “feet.”
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, swapping the trays halfway through for even browning. The macarons should develop feet and have firm tops. Keep a close eye to ensure they don’t overbake and crack.
Step 9: Cool Completely
Allow macarons to cool fully on the baking sheets before moving them to a wire rack. This resting keeps them stable and prevents sticking or breaking as you transfer.
Step 10: Prepare the Buttercream Filling
While your shells cool, whip together softened butter, sifted powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until you get a smooth, fluffy buttercream. This filling will bind your little macarons into an irresistible Christmas tree.
Step 11: Assemble the Macarons
Pair macaron shells by size and pipe a dollop of buttercream onto one half before sandwiching with its match. This step transforms individual cookies into luscious little treats ready for decoration.
Step 12: Decorate Your Christmas Tree Macaron Cake Recipe
Sprinkle your assembled macarons with edible glitter or sprinkles to mimic twinkling lights and snow, then crown each with a red candy or fruit chew to represent bright ornaments. The result is a festive, eye-catching tree made entirely of elegant macarons.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Macaron Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a final touch with edible glitter and delicate sprinkles transforms your macarons into a shimmering Christmas tree that will wow guests. Little red candies as ornaments add both color and a burst of sweetness, turning your dessert into an interactive centerpiece everyone will admire.
Side Dishes
For a harmonious holiday spread, serve your macaron cake alongside mulled wine, hot cocoa, or a light fruit salad. These companions balance the richness of the macarons with warmth or bright freshness, creating a well-rounded festive experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Though stacking your macarons into a tree is magical by itself, consider presenting the cake on a festive plate dusted with powdered sugar “snow” or nestled among sprigs of fresh holly and pine. You can also arrange extra macarons in a circular wreath formation for another seasonal twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Macarons are best enjoyed within a few days. Store any leftovers airtight in the refrigerator to maintain their delicate texture and keep the buttercream filling fresh. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and softness.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled macarons by placing them in an airtight container with parchment layers between tiers. Freeze up to one month; thaw overnight in the fridge and allow them to warm to room temperature before serving to preserve that perfect bite.
Reheating
No need for reheating! Macarons are best eaten as-is at room temperature. Warming them risks melting the buttercream or toughening the shells. Instead, simply let chilled macarons sit out for 20-30 minutes to soften naturally.
FAQs
Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?
Gel food coloring is recommended because it provides vibrant color without thinning the batter. Regular liquid food coloring might make the mixture too runny, affecting the shells’ texture.
How important is aging the egg whites?
Aging egg whites for 24 hours at room temperature helps reduce moisture, resulting in a more stable meringue and better macaron structure. While you can skip it, the aging process improves your odds of success.
What does “macaron feet” mean?
“Feet” are the ruffled edges at the bottom of a baked macaron shell, a sign that the macaron developed correctly during baking. They form when air trapped inside expands, creating the iconic shape and texture.
Can I make the buttercream in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the buttercream a day ahead and keep it refrigerated, just bring it back to room temperature and whip briefly to restore the fluffy texture before assembling your macarons.
What if my macarons crack or don’t develop feet?
Common reasons include not resting the batter long enough before baking, incorrect oven temperature, or overmixing/undermixing the batter. Make sure to form a dry skin and maintain the lava-like consistency during folding for the best results.
Final Thoughts
Making this Christmas Tree Macaron Cake Recipe is truly a joyful process that blends creativity and holiday spirit in every bite. From the vibrant green shells to the sparkly finishing touches, each part feels like crafting your own edible little celebration. Give it a try this season—you’ll be rewarded with a stunning dessert that’s as delicious as it is delightful, sure to become a cherished favorite at your festivities.
Print
Christmas Tree Macaron Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 18 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24-30 macarons depending on size
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Christmas Tree Cake Macarons recipe offers a festive twist on classic French macarons by adding vibrant green coloring and decorative touches to resemble Christmas trees. With delicate, crisp shells and creamy vanilla buttercream filling, these handcrafted treats are perfect for holiday celebrations or gifting.
Ingredients
Macaron Shells
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg whites, aged at room temperature for 24 hours
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green gel food coloring, to desired shade
Buttercream Filling
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Decoration
- Edible glitter or sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
- Red candies or small fruit chews (for ornament decoration)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, sift together the almond flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Set this mixture aside to ensure smooth shells without lumps.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a clean, dry mixing bowl, whip the aged egg whites on medium speed until frothy. Slowly add granulated sugar while increasing to high speed. Continue whipping until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Add Flavor and Color: Incorporate vanilla extract and green gel food coloring into the meringue, mixing gently until you achieve your desired shade of green.
- Fold Dry Ingredients: Carefully fold the almond flour mixture into the meringue in three additions, using a spatula. Mix gently until the batter flows like lava and forms a figure-eight shape without breaking to maintain airiness.
- Pipe Macarons: Transfer batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip and pipe small 1.5-inch diameter circles onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing evenly.
- Rest Macarons: Firmly tap the baking sheets on the counter to release air bubbles. Let macarons rest for 30 to 60 minutes to develop a skin that is no longer sticky to the touch.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through for even cooking, until macarons have feet and firm tops.
- Cool: Allow macarons to cool completely on the baking sheets before transferring to a wire rack to prevent breakage.
- Make Buttercream: Beat softened butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and heavy cream, beating until smooth and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract for flavor.
- Assemble Macarons: Pair similar-sized shells. Pipe buttercream onto one shell’s flat side and sandwich with the matching shell. Repeat until all macarons are assembled.
- Decorate: Add edible glitter or sprinkles to resemble Christmas tree decorations. Top with small red candies or fruit chews to mimic ornaments for a festive finish.
Notes
- Aging egg whites for 24 hours helps create a stronger meringue with better volume and stability.
- Be gentle when folding batter to preserve air bubbles essential for macaron texture.
- Resting macarons before baking is crucial to form a smooth skin and prevent cracking.
- If green gel food coloring is unavailable, natural alternatives like matcha powder can be used, but may alter flavor.
- Buttercream can be flavored with almond or peppermint extract for added holiday spirit.
- Store assembled macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
