Why Make This Recipe
Santa Claus Macarons are not just a treat; they are a delightful way to celebrate the festive season. These adorable little cookies can bring joy to your holiday gatherings or make a perfect gift for friends and family. With their festive design and delicious flavors, they add a touch of magic to any table. Plus, making macarons can be a fun activity for all ages!
How to Make Santa Claus Macarons
Ingredients
- 100 grams Domino® Golden Sugar
- 4 grams egg white powder (optional, read notes)
- 100 grams egg whites
- 105 grams almond flour
- 105 grams Domino® Powdered Sugar
- 1 1/2 cups Domino® Powdered Sugar (187 grams)
- 1 tbsp meringue powder
- 4 tbsp water
- 2 drops black gel food coloring
- 1 drop yellow gel food coloring
- 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 cup Domino® Powdered Sugar (156 grams)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- 1/4 cup desiccated coconut (shredded) (50 grams)
Directions
Macaron Shells:
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix almond flour and powdered sugar. Sift together to ensure there are no lumps.
- In a separate bowl, whip egg whites and the optional egg white powder until soft peaks form. Gradually add in Domino® Golden Sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the almond flour mixture into the egg whites until combined. Be careful not to deflate the mixture.
- Transfer the macaron batter to a piping bag and pipe small circles onto the lined baking sheet. Let them sit for about 30 minutes until a skin forms.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the shells are firm. Let them cool completely.
Royal Icing:
- In a bowl, mix meringue powder with water until combined. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until you reach a thick consistency.
- Divide the icing into smaller bowls and color as desired (black for eyes and yellow for the nose).
Decorate the Shells:
- Use royal icing to create faces on half of the macaron shells. Let them dry completely.
Sugar Cookie Buttercream:
- In a bowl, cream together unsalted butter and Domino® Golden Sugar. Gradually add in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, milk, and mix until smooth and fluffy.
Fill the Shells:
- Spread or pipe the sugar cookie buttercream onto the flat side of the macarons. Top with a decorated shell to create sandwiches.
How to Serve Santa Claus Macarons
Serve Santa Claus Macarons on a festive platter at your holiday parties. They can be a delightful addition to dessert tables, or you can wrap them in a cute box as a gift for friends and family.
How to Store Santa Claus Macarons
Store your macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can stay fresh for about a week. For best flavor, enjoy them at room temperature.
Tips to Make Santa Claus Macarons
- Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements.
- Make sure your mixing bowls and utensils are clean and free of any grease.
- Allow the macarons to rest before baking to help create their signature “feet.”
- Experiment with different colors and decorations for the holidays!
Variation
You can change the filling to suit your taste! Instead of sugar cookie buttercream, try chocolate ganache or fruit jams for different flavors.
FAQs
Q: Can I make macarons without egg white powder?
A: Yes, it’s optional. You can still achieve great results without it.
Q: Why did my macarons crack?
A: Cracking can happen if the macarons didn’t rest long enough or if the oven temperature was too high.
Q: Can I freeze macarons?
A: Yes, you can freeze unfilled macaron shells in an airtight container for up to a month. Just let them thaw before filling.