Name: Christmas Tree Cake Macarons for a Merry Holiday Treat
Prep time: 120 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 136 min
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups Powdered Sugar (Adds sweetness and structure); 1 cup Almond Flour (Nutty base; substitute with sunflower seed flour for nut-free); 3 large Egg Whites (Use room temperature for best results); ½ cup Granulated Sugar (Stabilizes egg whites); ¼ teaspoon Cream of Tartar (Helps stabilize egg whites); a few drops Green Gel Food Coloring (Optional for festive appeal); ½ cup Butter (Softened for easy mixing); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Adds warmth and depth); ¼ cup Heavy Cream (Creates a rich texture); a pinch Salt (Balances sweetness); ½ cup Crumpled Snack Cakes (Infuses nostalgic holiday flavor)

As I unwrapped the twinkling lights and perfect ornaments from last year’s stash, a wave of nostalgia washed over me; the holidays are not just about the decorations, but also the delightful treats that bring people together. This is where my Christmas Tree Cake Macarons come in, inviting cheerful vibes and deliciousness right into your home. In just under two hours, you can whip up these festive cookies that not only dazzle the eyes but also treat your taste buds to sweet memories of holiday cakes. These macarons shine as a crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing with loved ones or dazzling your next gathering. Fancy sprinkles, rich fillings, and an adorable tree shape make these treats a joyful addition to your festive celebrations. So, what will you do with your first batch?

Why Are Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Special?

Festive Fun: With their whimsical tree shape and vibrant colors, these macarons are a festive feast for the eyes.

Nostalgic Flavor: Each bite captures the essence of holiday cakes, combining rich flavors that evoke sweet memories.

Easily Shareable: These delightful treats are perfect for holiday gatherings, making them an ideal sweet for sharing and gifting.

Quick Preparation: In less than two hours, you have beautiful, homemade macarons that will impress anyone, just like my Strawberry Bliss Cake.

Customizable: Feel free to experiment with colors and decorations, creating your unique twist to make each batch special!

Glorious Texture: Achieve that perfect balance of crisp exterior and soft, chewy center that macarons are cherished for.

Christmas Tree Cake Macaron Ingredients

• Gather everything you need to create these delightful treats!

For the Macaron Shells

Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness and structure for the macaron shells.
Almond Flour – The nutty base for the macaron shells; substitute with sunflower seed flour for a nut-free option.
Egg Whites – Essential for aeration in the batter; use room temperature eggs for best results.
Granulated Sugar – Stabilizes egg whites while adding sweetness.
Cream of Tartar – Helps stabilize the egg whites for a perfect rise.
Green Gel Food Coloring – Provides festive visual appeal, optional depending on your decoration preference.

For the Filling

Butter – The main ingredient for a creamy filling; use softened butter for easy mixing.
Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth to the filling.
Heavy Cream – Creates a rich texture in the filling.
Salt – Balances the sweetness of the filling.
Crumpled Snack Cakes – Offers a nostalgic holiday flavor in the filling, making the macarons extra special.

With these ingredients, your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons will not only taste delightful but also look like a festive masterpiece—perfect for any holiday gathering!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Tree Cake Macarons

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
Sift together 1 ¾ cups of powdered sugar and 1 cup of almond flour twice into a large mixing bowl. This process ensures a smooth batter free of lumps, essential for perfect Christmas Tree Cake Macarons. Set this mixture aside while you focus on the egg whites.

Step 2: Whip Egg Whites
In a clean mixing bowl, beat 3 large room-temperature egg whites on medium speed until foamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add in ¼ teaspoon of cream of tartar, then slowly mix in ½ cup of granulated sugar. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form, taking care not to overbeat, which is vital for achieving that iconic macaron texture.

Step 3: Color the Batter
Once you have your stiff egg whites, carefully fold in a few drops of green gel food coloring to reach your desired festive hue. Gently combine this with the sifted almond flour mixture using a spatula. It’s crucial to maintain the light, airy texture while ensuring the batter flows smoothly—like lava—when ready to pipe.

Step 4: Pipe Macarons
Prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper and fill a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe tree shapes or circles, ideally 1.5 inches in diameter, onto the lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. After piping, gently tap the baking sheets on the countertop to release any air bubbles for even baking.

Step 5: Rest Shells
Allow the piped macaron shells to rest at room temperature until a skin forms on the surface, about 30 to 60 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready for baking when they feel dry to the touch and do not stick to your finger—a crucial step that helps create that beautiful macaron foot.

Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Once your macarons have rested, bake them for 14 to 16 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through. The macarons are done when they have risen appropriately and firmed up, with a smooth, shiny surface—a hallmark of successful Christmas Tree Cake Macarons.

Step 7: Cool
After baking, remove the macarons from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheets. This cooling process is vital, ensuring the macarons release easily from the parchment without breaking. Once cool, transfer them gently to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 8: Make Filling
For the delightful filling, beat ½ cup of softened butter in a mixing bowl until fluffy, around 3 minutes. Gradually mix in 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ¼ cup of heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Finally, fold in ½ cup of crumbled snack cakes to infuse that nostalgic holiday flavor into your filling.

Step 9: Assemble
Once your macarons and filling are ready, pipe a generous dollop of filling onto the flat side of one macaron shell. Carefully place a matching shell atop to create a beautiful sandwich, ensuring that your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons are filled delightfully.

Step 10: Decorate
Transform your assembled macarons into festive treats by drizzling melted white chocolate over the top and sprinkling with colorful festive sprinkles. To add an extra whimsical touch, use edible stars to decorate the tops, bringing your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons to life visually.

Step 11: Mature
For the best flavor, refrigerate the assembled macarons in an airtight container for at least 24 hours. This maturation process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a delectable holiday treat that’s not only gorgeous but tastes like a true festive delight when served!

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Tree Cake Macarons

Fridge: Store assembled Christmas Tree Cake Macarons in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the assembled macarons in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving to maintain freshness.

Reheating: If desired, gently bring macarons to room temperature before enjoying—they’re delightful chilled or at room temperature!

What to Serve with Christmas Tree Cake Macarons

Delight in a merry meal experience that complements your festive treats with cheerful flavors and textures.

Rich Hot Chocolate: A warm, creamy drink that adds a decadent touch, enhancing the sweet richness of the macarons. Perfect for cozy gatherings!
Peppermint Bark: This crunchy, minty treat offers a refreshing contrast to the smooth macarons, creating a delightful flavor pairing.
Gingerbread Cookies: Their spiced aroma and chewy texture beautifully tie in the holiday spirit with your macarons’ festive flair—simply irresistible!
Spiced Eggnog: Serve a chilled glass of this creamy classic alongside your macarons for a deliciously decadent holiday drink combination.
Festive Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing side filled with seasonal fruits that balances out the sweetness; a zing of citrus would elevate your dessert experience.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Offering a creamy backdrop to your lovely treats, it enhances their flavor while providing a comforting and cool contrast.

Embrace the joy of togetherness as you serve these specials alongside your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons!

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Tree Cake Macarons are perfect for busy holiday schedules! You can prepare the macaron shells up to 24 hours in advance by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature after they cool. Additionally, the filling can be made 3 days ahead and kept in the refrigerator; just give it a quick mix before using. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the macarons, drizzle with white chocolate, and add sprinkles. This way, you can enjoy restaurant-quality treats with minimal last-minute effort, letting you focus on the festivities while ensuring your macarons stay just as delicious!

Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Variations

Feel free to play with these variations to make this festive treat uniquely yours!

Nut-Free Option: Substitute almond flour with finely ground oats or sunflower seed flour for a delightful nut-free version.
Flavor Twist: Consider adding a hint of peppermint extract to the filling for a refreshing holiday kick that pairs beautifully with the classic flavors.
Dairy-Free Delight: Replace butter with coconut cream in the filling for a vegan twist that retains that creamy richness.
Color Splash: Experiment with different gel food colorings to create a rainbow of festive shades that brighten your holiday table. Each color brings its own character.
Shape Shift: Instead of traditional tree shapes, try piping stars or snowflakes for added whimsy—after all, creativity is part of the fun!
Crunch Factor: Fold in finely chopped nuts or crushed candies into the filling for an exciting flavor and texture contrast that your guests will love.
Mini Macarons: Make mini versions of these macarons for cute bite-sized treats that are perfect for holiday parties or gift-giving. They’re sure to be a hit!
Chocolate Lovers: Add cocoa powder to the shells for a decadent chocolate version, then fill with chocolate ganache for a rich, indulgent treat.

With their enchanting appearance and versatile flavors, these macarons are sure to please everyone at your holiday gatherings—just like my Patriotic Mini Cheesecakes or Fireworks Oreo Cheesecake that bring smiles all year round!

Expert Tips for Christmas Tree Cake Macarons

Perfect Texture: Ensure your batter flows like lava for the ideal texture; too runny will create flat shells, while too thick will prevent proper rising.
Rest is Key: Don’t skip the resting period before baking; this forms a skin that is crucial for developing the macaron’s signature foot.
Temperature Matters: Use room temperature egg whites to achieve better aeration; cold eggs won’t whip as well, affecting your macaron’s height.
Coloring Fun: If you want vibrant colors, add gel food coloring slowly until desired shade; be cautious not to overmix, as it can deflate the batter.
Cooling Time: Allow your macarons to cool completely before removing from the baking sheet; this prevents breakage and ensures a smooth finish.

Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Recipe FAQs

What type of almond flour should I use?
It’s best to use blanched almond flour for the smoothest macaron shells. However, if you’re looking to make these delicious treats nut-free, sunflower seed flour is a great substitute. Just be sure to follow the same measurements for best results!

How should I store the assembled macaron cookies?
Store your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons in an airtight container with layers of parchment paper in between for up to 3 days at room temperature. For optimal freshness, refrigerate them if you plan to keep them longer.

Can I freeze these macarons?
Absolutely! To freeze the assembled Christmas Tree Cake Macarons, place them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply transfer the container to the fridge to thaw overnight, and they’ll be just as delightful as when you first made them.

What if my macarons don’t rise properly?
If your macarons fail to rise, the most common culprits are overmixed batter or temperature issues. Ensure that you fold the almond flour mixture into the egg whites gently—about 50 folds until it flows like lava. Also, make sure your oven temperature is accurate; an oven thermometer can help!

Can I make these macarons dairy-free?
Yes, you can create dairy-free Christmas Tree Cake Macarons! Substitute the butter in the filling with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter. Using non-dairy heavy cream will also work well in achieving that rich filling texture without compromising taste.

Is there an alternative to crumbled snack cakes for the filling?
If you’re looking for a different flavor in the filling, consider using crushed cookies or adding a spoonful of holiday spice (like cinnamon or nutmeg) to the typical buttercream. This way, you can create a filling that aligns with your taste preferences while still invoking that nostalgic holiday feeling!