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Elevate your holiday desserts with these stunning Christmas Tree Macarons! Crafted in the shape of festive trees and filled with luscious whipped cream or white chocolate ganache, they are a show-stopping addition to your seasonal celebrations. 

Perfect for holiday parties or as part of a curated dessert platter, these macarons fit seamlessly into your repertoire of Festive Christmas Desserts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Each Christmas Tree Macaron is made from delicate meringue shells,  in five paired varying sizes to create a tiered tree-like shape.

Their subtle almond flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture pair beautifully with a cup of Grinch hot cocoa bombs, a spiced chai latte, or even a holiday-themed cocktail. 

What Are Christmas Tree Macarons?

Christmas Tree Macarons are a creative twist on traditional French macarons, designed to capture the magic of the holiday season. 

These delightful pastries feature vibrant green macaron shells stacked to resemble tiny Christmas trees, with each layer held together by creamy fillings like whipped cream or white chocolate ganache.

The beauty of these macarons lies in their versatility. Decorated with edible sugar pearls, they exude elegance and festive charm, making them an ideal dessert for formal occasions or family celebrations. 

While macarons originated in France as almond meringue cookies, the Christmas Tree version brings a playful holiday flair to this sophisticated dessert.

Ingredients to Make These Holiday Macarons

For the best results, a kitchen scale is recommended to measure the ingredients precisely. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Macaron Shells:

• Egg Whites (75g or approx. 2 ½ eggs) – Whipped to create a sturdy meringue for the macaron shells.
• Granulated Sugar (70g or ⅓ cup) – Stabilizes the meringue and adds sweetness.
• Almond Flour (90g or 1 cup) – Gives the macarons their signature chewy texture and nutty flavor.
• Powdered Sugar (80g or ⅔ cup) – Sifted with almond flour to create a smooth, lump-free batter.
• Green Food Coloring – Provides a vibrant color for the tree-shaped shells.
• Edible Sugar Pearls – Used for decoration, adding a festive sparkle.

For the Filling:

Option 1: Whipped Cream Filling

• Heavy Cream (1 cup, cold) – Whips up light and airy for a fluffy filling.
• Powdered Sugar (3 tbsp) – Sweetens the whipped cream and adds stability.

Option 2: White Chocolate Ganache Filling

• White Chocolate (¾ cup) – A creamy and sweet base for the ganache.
• Cream (½ cup) – Adds smoothness and a luxurious texture.
• Butter (2 tbsp, softened) – Enhances the ganache’s flavor and consistency.

How to Make Christmas Tree Macarons

Creating these festive macarons might seem challenging, but following these steps will help you achieve stunning results:

Preparing the Macaron Shells

1. Preheat your oven to 140°C (280°F).
2. Line a baking tray with a silicone mat and place a Christmas tree macaron template underneath for guidance.
3. Wipe your mixing bowl with vinegar to ensure it is grease-free.
4. Combine the egg whites and sugar in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Stir until the mixture reaches 50°C (120°F).
5. Whip the mixture with a stand mixer on low, gradually increasing to medium-high speed, until stiff, glossy peaks form (4–5 minutes).
6. Sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar, then fold them into the meringue using a spatula.
7. Add green food coloring and gently mix until the batter flows like lava when dropped from the spatula.
8. Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a Wilton #10 tip. Pipe circles of varying sizes (5 per tree) onto the baking mat.
9. Let the piped macarons dry for up to 1 hour until the tops are no longer sticky.
10. Bake the macarons for 17 minutes. Once done, leave the oven door slightly ajar for 15 minutes before removing them.

Preparing the Filling

For Whipped Cream:

• Whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form (3–4 minutes).

For White Chocolate Ganache:

• Heat the cream in a small pot, then pour it over the white chocolate and butter. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until thickened.

Assembling the Christmas Tree Macarons

1. Pair macaron shells by size.
2. Pipe a layer of whipped cream or ganache between each shell, starting with the largest and stacking smaller sizes to form a tree shape.
3. Decorate the assembled trees with edible sugar pearls for a festive finish.

Tips for Making This Recipe

• Use a Template: A printable template ensures even sizes for stacking.
• Check Your Batter Consistency: The batter should flow smoothly but not be runny. Overmixing can ruin the texture.
• Let Them Rest: Drying the shells before baking is essential for achieving the perfect macaron feet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I store these macarons?

Store assembled macarons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep unassembled shells in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze them for up to a month.

Can I make these without edible sugar pearls?

Yes, you can decorate the macarons with other edible decorations like sprinkles, colored icing, or even gold dust.

What if I don’t have a piping bag?

A sturdy zip-top bag with a corner snipped off can serve as a makeshift piping bag.

Have you tried this Christmas Tree Macaron Recipe? Rate and share your experience! Whether for a holiday gathering or a personal baking project, these macarons will brighten your festive season with their charm and flavor.

Thank you for sharing!