French Macaroon Christmas Cookies are a delightful treat that elevate holiday baking to an art form.
These vibrant almond meringue cookies boast a crisp exterior and a chewy interior, often sandwiched with luscious fillings like buttercream or ganache.
Their eye-catching colors and unique textures make them perfect for festive gatherings and gift-giving.
Ideal for home bakers looking to impress family and friends, these cookies cater to those who appreciate gourmet desserts and the joy of creating visually stunning treats during the holiday season.
Various colors (gel-type recommended for vibrant shades)
Butter (for filling)
½ cup (113 g), softened
Heavy cream (for ganache filling)
½ cup (120 ml)
Cocoa powder (for chocolate filling)
2 tablespoons
Salt
A pinch
This table provides an extensive list of all the necessary ingredients to create French Macaroon Christmas Cookies, ensuring you have everything needed for a successful baking experience.
Cooking Steps
1. Gather all your ingredients and equipment: almond flour, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, egg whites, cream of tartar, vanilla extract, food coloring (if desired), butter, heavy cream, cocoa powder, and salt.
Verify you have a mixing bowl, stand mixer with a whisk attachment, spatula, baking sheets, parchment paper, and an oven.
2. Preheat the oven to 150 °C (300 °F). Position the oven rack in the center to verify even cooking. If using convection, reduce temperature to 135 °C (275 °F).
3. Line two baking sheets (approximately 30 x 40 cm or 12 x 16 inches) with parchment paper. Secure the corners with a small dab of batter or use a non-stick baking spray if preferred.
4. In a mixing bowl, sift together 1 ¾ cups (175 g) almond flour and 2 cups (200 g) powdered sugar until well combined. Set aside.
5. In a separate clean, dry mixing bowl, add 4 large egg whites and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar. Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat on medium speed until soft peaks form (approximately 3-4 minutes).
Gradually add ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar while mixing, and then increase to high speed, continuing to beat until stiff glossy peaks form (around 4-5 minutes).
6. Gently fold the dry mixture (almond flour and powdered sugar) into the beaten egg whites using a spatula.
Work carefully to avoid deflating the meringue. If using food coloring, add it at this stage, mixing until fully incorporated.
7. Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip (1 cm or 0.4 inches). Pipe small rounds (approximately 3-4 cm or 1.2-1.6 inches) on the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each macaroon to allow for spreading.
8. Tap the baking sheets gently on the countertop to release any trapped air bubbles and let the piped macarons rest for 30-60 minutes, or until a light skin forms on the surface.
They should be dry to the touch.
9. Bake the macarons in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, depending on your oven, rotating the sheets halfway through to verify even baking.
The macarons are ready when they’ve a glossy surface and come off the parchment without sticking.
10. Remove the macarons from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. For the filling, in a mixing bowl, beat ½ cup (113 g) softened butter together with ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream and 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, mixing until smooth and creamy.
Adjust sweetness to taste with additional powdered sugar if needed.
12. Once the macaron shells are completely cool, pair them up by size. Spread or pipe the chocolate filling onto one of each pair and then gently press the matching shell on top.
13. Allow assembled macarons to set in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving to develop flavor and texture.
14. Serve at room temperature, and enjoy the delightful flavors and textures of your French Macaroon Christmas Cookies.
Variations
Lavender Honey Macarons: Incorporate 1 tablespoon of dried culinary lavender and replace granulated sugar with an equal amount of honey in the meringue for a floral twist.
Matcha Green Tea Macarons: Add 2 tablespoons (15 g) of matcha green tea powder to the dry mixture for a unique earthy flavor and vibrant color.
Coconut Macarons (Dairy-Free): Substitute butter with ½ cup (113 g) coconut oil in the filling for a tropical flavor, ensuring the filling remains smooth with heavy cream or coconut cream.
Pumpkin Spice Macarons (Seasonal): Mix 2 tablespoons (30 g) of pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice into the meringue for a festive autumn treat.
Tips on plating and presentation
After exploring various flavors for your French macarons, let’s talk about how to present these delightful treats. First, I like to choose a simple, elegant platter—white or clear glass works wonders, letting the macaron colors really pop.
Arranging them in clusters or rows creates visual interest. You can also stack them in a tiered stand for a more festive touch, especially during the holidays.
For added flair, sprinkle some edible glitter or dusting powder on top. Don’t forget to garnish with seasonal accents like holly or small ornaments that enhance their charm.
Finally, place a small sign next to the macarons, labeling each flavor. This not only informs but also adds an inviting element to your display.
Happy plating!
What other dishes can I pair it with?
While French macarons are delightful on their own, they pair beautifully with a variety of other dishes that can elevate your dessert table.
I love serving them alongside a rich chocolate tart; the flavors complement each other perfectly.
Adding a fruit stand with seasonal options like berries or citrus not only adds color but also a revitalizing contrast.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider a creamy panna cotta; the silky texture pairs wonderfully with the crunchiness of the macarons.
For a more traditional touch, a platter of assorted cheeses can balance the sweetness and create a sophisticated vibe.
Finally, don’t forget about some spiced cookies or a fruitcake—these classics can create a beautifully diverse spread to impress your guests!
What drinks can I pair it with?
When it comes to pairing drinks with French macarons, I recommend a few delightful options that truly enhance their flavors.
For a classic touch, I love enjoying them with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea; the bergamot complements the sweetness perfectly.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit more festive, a light sparkling wine or Champagne elevates the experience beautifully, adding effervescence to each bite.
Coffee also makes a fantastic partner—try an espresso to contrast the sweetness of the macarons.
Finally, if you’re leaning toward something indulgent, a rich hot chocolate can be heavenly.
Each of these drinks brings out different notes in the macarons, turning your treat into an unforgettable experience. Enjoy exploring these pairings!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Freeze French Macaroon Cookies for Later Use?
Yes, you can freeze French macaroon cookies! I’ve done it myself. Just guarantee they’re in an airtight container, and they’ll last for about a month. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying again.
How Long Do French Macaroon Cookies Last at Room Temperature?
French macaroon cookies typically last about 3 to 5 days at room temperature if stored in an airtight container. I love keeping them in a cool, dry place for the best flavor and texture!
What Is the Best Way to Store French Macaroon Cookies?
I store my French macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days. If I need them longer, I freeze them, layered with parchment paper to keep them fresh and intact.
Are French Macaroons Gluten-Free?
I love that French macaroons are naturally gluten-free. They’re made primarily of almond flour, egg whites, and sugar. Just double-check the fillings or flavors to guarantee they don’t contain gluten. Enjoy baking!
Can I Use Different Fillings for French Macaroons?
Absolutely, you can use different fillings for French macaroons! I love experimenting with flavors like chocolate ganache or fruit preserves. Just keep the texture in mind; it should complement the delicate shells perfectly. Enjoy the creativity!
