Why Make This Recipe
Santa Claus Macarons are a delightful twist on traditional macarons, perfect for holiday gatherings or as cute gifts. These sweet treats capture the essence of a cozy Christmas season, reminding us of festive decorations and joyous celebrations. Each bite is a perfect blend of almond and buttercream flavors that melt in your mouth. The joy of making these macarons is not just in the baking; it is in the creativity and festive spirit they bring to your kitchen and gatherings. Whether you are an experienced baker or a novice, these macarons are a fun way to dive into the world of baking with a charming theme. Plus, the process will bring smiles to everyone who sees and tastes them—what could be better during the holiday season?
How to Make Santa Claus Macarons
Making Santa Claus Macarons may seem intimidating, but it’s quite simple when broken down into steps. These macarons have a fun design that kids and adults alike will love. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also bring the holiday spirit right to your table. Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 100 grams Domino® Golden Sugar
- 4 grams egg white powder (optional)
- 100 grams egg whites
- 105 grams almond flour
- 105 grams Domino® Powdered Sugar
- 2 drops black gel food coloring
- 1 drop yellow gel food coloring
- 1 tablespoon meringue powder
- 4 tablespoons water
- 1 1/2 cups Domino® Powdered Sugar (187 grams)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (63 grams)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113 grams)
- 1/4 cup Domino® Golden Sugar (50 grams)
- 1 1/4 cups Domino® Powdered Sugar (156 grams)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 tablespoon milk or heavy cream
- 1/4 cup desiccated coconut (shredded, 50 grams)
Directions
Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring it is flat and smooth.
Combine Almond Flour and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, sift together the almond flour and Domino® powdered sugar. Sifting is crucial as it helps make your macarons smooth and light. Repeat the sifting process twice for the best texture.
Beat the Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, start beating the egg whites with an electric mixer. Beat them until soft peaks start to form. Slowly add in the Domino® Golden Sugar while mixing continuously. Keep beating until you achieve stiff peaks in the egg whites. This means that when you lift the whisk, the peaks will stand straight up without flopping over.
Add Food Coloring: Gently mix in the black and yellow gel food coloring. Be careful not to over-mix; you want to keep your egg whites as fluffy as possible.
Combine Ingredients: Fold the sifted almond flour and sugar mixture into the egg whites. Use a spatula to gently incorporate the dry ingredients until you reach a “lava-like” consistency. This means the batter should fall easily from the spatula but still hold its shape.
Pipe the Macarons: Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each macaron.
Rest the Macarons: Let the piped macarons sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This resting time helps form a skin on the cookies, which is essential for the right texture.
Bake the Macarons: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the macarons for 15 to 20 minutes. When done, they should be firm to the touch. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet.
Make the Royal Icing: While the macarons are cooling, prepare the royal icing. In a bowl, whisk together 1 egg white and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and thick enough to pipe.
Make the Buttercream: In another bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and both sugars until fluffy and light. Add vanilla and almond extracts. If the buttercream is too thick, add a bit of milk or heavy cream to reach your desired consistency. Gently fold in the desiccated coconut.
Assemble the Macarons: Once the macaron shells are completely cool, pair them up. Spread or pipe the buttercream filling onto one half and sandwich it with the other macaron half.
Decorate: Use the royal icing to create festive designs like Santa’s face or any festive decoration you like. This adds a personal touch to your macarons.
Enjoy and Share: Your Santa Claus Macarons are now ready! Enjoy these delightful treats yourself or share them as sweet gifts with friends and family.
How to Serve Santa Claus Macarons
Santa Claus Macarons are not just delicious; they are visually stunning as well. Here are a few ideas on how to serve these delightful treats:
- Festive Platters: Arrange your macarons on a decorative platter. You could add some holly leaves or Christmas ornaments around them to make the presentation even more festive.
- Gift Bags: Package them in small gift bags for friends and family. You could include a little note wishing them happy holidays.
- Dessert Table: If you are hosting a holiday party, place them on your dessert table. They will catch everyone’s eye, and guests will love the unique festive design.
- Pair with Drinks: Serve your macarons with hot cocoa, coffee, or holiday punch for a delightful treat that warms the heart.
How to Store Santa Claus Macarons
Macarons are best stored properly to maintain their flavor and texture. Here are some tips:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the macarons within a few days, store them at room temperature in an airtight container. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from heat sources.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator. Place the macarons in an airtight container and they can last for about a week.
- Freezing: If you want to store them for an extended time, macarons can also be frozen. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
Tips to Make Santa Claus Macarons
To ensure your macarons turn out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, and accuracy is essential for the best results. Use a kitchen scale to weigh your ingredients, especially the egg whites and sugar.
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: Let your egg whites sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before beating. This helps them whip up nicely and achieve stiff peaks.
- Don’t Skip the Sifting: Sifting the almond flour and powdered sugar is crucial. It ensures that there are no lumps, leading to smoother macaron shells.
- Be Gentle When Folding: When combining the dry ingredients with the egg whites, be gentle to preserve the air bubbles. This will result in light and airy macarons.
Variation
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are a couple of variations to consider:
- Different Fillings: Instead of coconut buttercream, try using flavored buttercream like peppermint, chocolate, or a fruity filling like raspberry or lemon.
- Different Colors: While these macarons are themed for Santa Claus, you could change the colors and decorations to celebrate other holidays like Halloween or Easter.
FAQs
Can I use regular sugar instead of Domino® Golden Sugar?
Yes, you can use regular granulated sugar. However, using the specific sugar can enhance the flavor and texture of your macarons.
Why do my macarons crack?
Cracking could be due to various reasons such as overmixing the batter, baking at too high a temperature, or not allowing them to rest before baking. Make sure you follow the instructions closely for the best results.
How do I know when my macarons are done baking?
Your macarons are done when they feel firm to the touch and do not wobble. You can also check that they have developed a nice “foot” on the bottom, which indicates proper baking.
Can I make the macarons in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the macaron shells a day ahead and fill them before serving. Just remember to store them properly so they maintain their freshness.
With this guidance, you’re now ready to create your very own Santa Claus Macarons. Enjoy the process of baking and sharing these sweet treats with loved ones this holiday season!
Santa Claus Macarons
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar twice.
- Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, then gradually add the Domino® Golden Sugar and beat to stiff peaks.
- Gently mix in the black and yellow gel food coloring.
- Fold the sifted almond flour and sugar mixture into the egg whites until you reach a 'lava-like' consistency.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag and pipe small circles onto the baking sheet.
- Let the piped macarons rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Bake the macarons for 15 to 20 minutes until firm to the touch.
- Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Prepare the royal icing by whisking together the egg white and lemon juice, then gradually add powdered sugar.
- In another bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and both sugars until fluffy.
- Add vanilla and almond extracts and adjust consistency with milk or heavy cream.
- Gently fold in the desiccated coconut.
- Pair up macaron shells and fill one half with buttercream, then sandwich with the other half.
- Decorate with royal icing to create festive designs.
- Serve your Santa Claus Macarons on festive platters or gift them in bags.
- They pair well with hot cocoa, coffee, or holiday punch.