There’s something truly magical about baking during the holidays. The soft hum of Christmas carols, the twinkling lights, and the sweet scent of sugar and almonds dancing in the air, it all feels like a cozy invitation to slow down and savor the season. When I first made Santa Claus Macarons, it wasn’t just about the red hats and jolly faces; it was about recreating that same warmth I felt in Nonna’s kitchen. I remember her laughter as she dusted flour on my nose and said, “The best cookies are made with joy, not perfection.” These Christmas Macarons capture exactly that, joy in every bite, a celebration of color, flavor, and love.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’ve ever been intimidated by the thought of making macarons, this recipe is your friendly nudge to give it a try. These Santa Claus Macarons are light, chewy, and filled with a luscious vanilla buttercream that melts in your mouth. They’re perfect for gifting, dessert platters, or just enjoying with a cup of cocoa by the fire. Plus, they look absolutely adorable, each one like a mini Santa smiling up at you.
And here’s the best part: I’ve simplified the process so anyone can make them at home. The detailed steps and foolproof tips will ensure that even if it’s your first time, your Christmas Macarons will come out beautifully festive. You can even pair them with other holiday desserts like these Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies for a full seasonal spread.
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Santa Claus Macarons
Festive almond-based cookies filled with creamy vanilla buttercream, decorated like Santa Claus for a joyful Christmas dessert.
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 24 macarons 1x
Ingredients
1 cup almond flour
1 ¾ cup powdered sugar
3 large egg whites, room temperature
¼ cup granulated sugar
Red gel food coloring
White chocolate or royal icing
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 tbsp heavy cream
1 ½ cups powdered sugar for buttercream
Edible black marker
Instructions
1. Sift almond flour and powdered sugar.
2. Whip egg whites until stiff peaks form, adding granulated sugar gradually.
3. Add red gel coloring and fold in dry mixture until smooth and flowing.
4. Pipe onto lined tray, rest 30–40 minutes, then bake at 300°F for 15–17 minutes.
5. Let cool and decorate with icing for Santa’s beard and hat.
6. Prepare vanilla buttercream, fill, and sandwich shells together.
Notes
Macarons taste best after 24 hours of refrigeration.
You can freeze the shells for up to 1 month.
Try peppermint or chocolate filling for variation.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 macarons
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Ingredients
To make about 24 Santa Claus Macarons, you’ll need the following:
- 1 cup almond flour (finely ground)
- 1 ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- Red gel food coloring
- White chocolate or royal icing (for decorating Santa’s beard)
- Vanilla buttercream (for filling)
- Edible black marker (for eyes)
For the buttercream filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
If you’re in the holiday baking spirit, you might also enjoy trying my Christmas Tree Focaccia, a savory companion to these sweet bites.
How to Make the Perfect Santa Claus Macarons
Making Santa Claus Macarons is easier than it looks when you take it step by step.
- Sift and Combine: In a large bowl, sift together almond flour and powdered sugar. Set aside.
- Whip the Meringue: Beat egg whites on medium speed until foamy, then gradually add granulated sugar. Continue beating until stiff peaks form. Add a few drops of red food coloring.
- Fold Gently: Add the dry ingredients to the meringue and fold gently until the batter flows like thick lava.
- Pipe: Transfer the batter into a piping bag and pipe small circles onto a lined baking sheet. Tap the tray to release air bubbles.
- Rest and Bake: Let them rest for 30–40 minutes until a skin forms on top. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15–17 minutes.
- Decorate: Once cooled, use white icing to make Santa’s beard and hat trim. Add buttercream filling and sandwich together.
For more adorable holiday desserts, try my Christmas Cookie Box, it’s a sweet treasure chest of joy.
Tips and Variations
- Don’t skip resting time: This step ensures smooth, shiny tops and prevents cracking.
- Temperature matters: Room-temperature eggs whip better, and cool cookies are easier to decorate.
- Get creative with flavors: Swap vanilla buttercream for peppermint, chocolate ganache, or even eggnog buttercream for a twist.
- Decorating shortcuts: Use edible pens for details like Santa’s eyes and buttons, less mess, same charm!
You can also experiment with my Frosted Christmas Brownies for another show-stopping dessert that delights both kids and adults alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you get perfect macaron shells?
Consistency and precision are key. Sift dry ingredients well and fold just until the batter flows smoothly. Overmixing or undermixing will affect texture.
2. How long do Christmas Macarons last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, they last up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month.
3. Can I make these without almond flour?
For nut-free macarons, use sunflower seed flour, but expect a slightly different texture.
4. How far in advance can I prepare them?
You can bake shells up to 3 days ahead and fill them closer to serving time.
For more festive inspiration, check out my Christmas Crack, it’s a holiday favorite that’s quick and addictive!
Conclusion
Making Santa Claus Macarons is about more than just creating a pretty cookie, it’s about capturing the spirit of Christmas in every bite. They bring smiles, laughter, and a sprinkle of magic to any celebration. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday party or gifting them to loved ones, these Christmas Macarons are sure to spread cheer and warmth, just like Nonna’s recipes always did.
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
