The very first time I made Santa Claus Macarons, I was just trying to impress my husband with a festive treat. I’d seen adorable Christmas macarons online and thought, “Why not try them myself?” My kitchen turned into a red-and-white powdered sugar frenzy. But when he took the first bite and smiled like a kid on Christmas morning, I knew this recipe was a keeper. These macarons became a holiday tradition, a sweet symbol of joy, patience, and powdered sugar all over the floor. If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that feels just as magical as it tastes, you’re in the right place.
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Why You’ll Love This Santa Claus Macarons Recipe
Santa Claus Macarons aren’t just cute, they’re unforgettable. You get a crisp exterior, chewy center, and a luscious vanilla buttercream that melts with every bite. The holiday twist? They’re dressed like the jolly man himself, complete with his red suit and white beard. This recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have, and once you master the technique, the possibilities are endless.
What makes them extra special is how easily they turn into an edible craft project. Whether you’re baking with kids or hosting a holiday cookie swap, these macarons will grab attention faster than the real Santa. For another appetizer that brings festive flair, check out these Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board ideas.
Santa Claus Macarons
These Santa Claus Macarons are crisp on the outside, chewy inside, and filled with vanilla buttercream. Adorably festive and perfect for holiday cookie swaps or dessert tables.
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 24 macarons 1x
Ingredients
1 cup almond flour
1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
3 egg whites (room temperature)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Red gel food coloring
Filling:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp heavy cream
White gel coloring (optional)
Instructions
1. Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together.
2. Whip egg whites until foamy, then gradually add granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
3. Fold in dry ingredients and red gel food coloring until lava-like consistency.
4. Pipe 1-inch rounds onto parchment, tap tray, and let rest for 30–60 mins.
5. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 14–16 minutes.
6. Cool completely, then pair shells by size.
7. Make buttercream by beating butter and powdered sugar until fluffy.
8. Add vanilla, cream, and optional white coloring.
9. Pipe buttercream onto half the shells, top with others.
10. Decorate with black food marker or icing for Santa’s details.
Notes
Use gel food coloring to avoid thinning batter.
Let shells rest fully before baking to prevent cracks.
Decorate after the macarons are completely cool.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 16 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 macarons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of ingredients to pull off these impressive holiday macarons. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
| Macaron Shells | Buttercream Filling |
|---|---|
| 1 cup almond flour 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar 3 egg whites (room temp) 1/4 cup granulated sugar Red gel food coloring | 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar 2 tsp vanilla extract 2 tbsp heavy cream White gel food coloring (for beard) |
You’ll also need black edible marker or black food gel for Santa’s belt and eyes, and a little creativity.
How to Make Santa Claus Macarons
Start by preparing your workspace. Clean, dry bowls and tools are essential when working with egg whites. Begin by sifting almond flour and powdered sugar together for a silky texture. In a separate bowl, whip egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add granulated sugar. Keep whipping until glossy stiff peaks appear.
Gently fold in your dry ingredients. This step, called macaronage, should result in a lava-like batter. Add red gel food coloring and pipe 1-inch rounds onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Tap sheets to remove air bubbles, then let them rest for 30–60 minutes until the tops aren’t sticky to touch.
Bake at 300°F for 14–16 minutes. Once cooled, fill with vanilla buttercream, then decorate with black belts, white beards, and little red hats.
Looking for another cozy holiday sweet? You’ll love these Gingerbread Cheesecake Cookies with warming spices and a creamy center.
Tips and Fun Variations
Success with Christmas macarons comes down to precision and patience. Here are a few game-changing tips:
- Use gel coloring, not liquid, it won’t mess with your batter consistency.
- Age your egg whites overnight in the fridge for better structure.
- Let the piped shells rest fully. If you skip this, they’ll crack during baking.
Want a twist? Flavor the shells with peppermint extract or swap the vanilla buttercream for a chocolate ganache. You can even try adding edible gold dust for an upscale, sparkly look.
To expand your holiday table, try adding something rich like these Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, a stunning (and addictive) cookie combo.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Santa Claus Macarons stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, they stay fresh up to 5 days. For best flavor, let them come to room temp before serving.
Can I freeze Christmas macarons?
Yes, you can freeze the filled macarons. Wrap them in parchment, then store in a zip-top bag for up to a month.
Why are my macarons hollow or cracked?
This usually happens from undermixing the batter or not resting the shells before baking.
Do I need a silicone mat or is parchment paper okay?
Parchment works fine, but a silicone baking mat gives more even heat distribution.
Conclusion: Holiday Magic in Every Bite
These Santa Claus Macarons are more than a cookie, they’re a celebration on a tray. They’re festive, flavorful, and full of charm. Whether you’re gifting them or displaying them on your dessert table, they’ll earn rave reviews. The crispy shell, creamy center, and adorable design create a delightful experience for kids and grown-ups alike. If you want even more show-stopping holiday ideas, add Christmas Crack to your list, it’s another holiday favorite that never lasts long.
For more easy and satisfying recipes, don’t hesitate to join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!
