Grinch Macarons

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Grinch macarons are a delightful holiday treat, combining the timeless French macaron with a festive twist inspired by everyone’s favorite green holiday character. 

Perfect for Christmas parties, dessert tables, or even as edible gifts, these macarons bring a fun and whimsical touch to your holiday celebrations. With their colorful appearance and rich flavors, Grinch macarons are guaranteed to steal the show.

These macarons pair wonderfully with other festive treats like Christmas Fruitcake cookies or Grinch Bark. Serve them alongside a warm cup of Grinch Hot Cocoa Bombs for a cozy, indulgent treat.

Close-up of festive Grinch macarons decorated with red Santa hats, displayed on white plates with holiday-themed pinecones and utensils.

What Are Grinch Macarons?

Grinch macarons are a creative variation of the classic French macaron. Traditionally made with almond flour, egg whites, and sugar, macarons are known for their delicate shells and delicious fillings. 

The Grinch version stands out with its bright green color, hand-painted details that mimic the Grinch’s mischievous face, and a decadent white chocolate ganache filling. 

These treats are inspired by the beloved character from Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas, making them a perfect addition to holiday festivities.

Ingredients To Make Grinch Macarons

To achieve the best results, precise measurements are key when making macarons. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Macaron Shells:

Egg Whites (75g) – These provide structure to the meringue and are essential for the light texture of the macarons.

White Sugar (70g) – Helps stabilize the egg whites and sweetens the shells.

Almond Flour (90g) – Offers a nutty flavor and smooth texture, crucial for the shells’ structure.

Powdered Sugar (80g) – Adds sweetness and combines seamlessly with the almond flour for smooth shells.

Green Food Coloring (water-based) – Gives the macarons their signature Grinch green hue.

Black and Red Food Coloring (water-based) – Used for decorating the Grinch’s face and Santa hat.

For the Whipped White Chocolate Ganache Filling:

White Chocolate Chips (1½ cups) – A rich and creamy base for the filling.

Heavy Cream (1 cup) – Ensures a luscious and fluffy ganache when whipped.

For Decorations:

Melted Milk Chocolate – Used to add fine details to the Grinch’s face.

Step-by-step process of making Grinch macarons, including ingredients, batter preparation, piped shapes, and decorated macaron details.

How to Make This Christmas Macaron

Making macarons can be a bit challenging, but with patience and attention to detail, you’ll be amazed by the results. Follow these steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 140°C (280°F).
  2. Gather all the ingredients and prepare a large piping pastry bag.
  3. Line a baking tray with a silicone mat. For accuracy, you can place a Grinch template underneath the mat while piping.
  4. Clean a medium bowl thoroughly by wiping it with vinegar to ensure it’s grease-free.
  5. Sift the powdered sugar and almond flour together. This step is essential for smooth, even macaron shells.
  6. Place a heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water. Add the granulated sugar and egg whites to the bowl.
  7. Stir the sugar and egg whites with a spatula until the mixture reaches 50°C (120°F) and the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat.
  8. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the mixture at a low speed for about 3 minutes. Gradually increase the speed to medium-high and continue whisking until stiff, glossy peaks form (4–5 minutes).
  9. Gently fold the sifted powdered sugar and almond flour into the stiff meringue using a J-shaped motion with a spatula.
  10. Continue folding until the batter is glossy and has a thick, flowing consistency. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can make the batter too runny.
  11. Divide the batter into two portions. Add green food coloring to one portion and mix until evenly colored.
  12. Pipe the green batter onto the prepared baking tray, following the Grinch template for the shape.
    Note: The Santa hat will be painted after baking for vibrant color.
  13. Allow the piped macarons to dry on the tray for up to an hour, or until the tops feel completely dry. Drying time may vary based on your environment.
  14. Bake the macarons for 15 minutes at 140°C (280°F).
  15. Once baked, open the oven door slightly and allow the macarons to cool inside the oven for 30 minutes before removing them.
  16. Let the shells cool completely on the baking mat, then gently remove them and pair similar-sized shells together.

Whipped White Chocolate Ganache and Decorating:

  1. Heat the heavy cream in a small pot until warm, but do not let it boil. Remove from heat and stir in the white chocolate chips until fully melted and smooth. Chill the ganache in the refrigerator until it sets.
  2. Whip the chilled ganache using a hand mixer until it reaches a stiff peak stage.
  3. Pipe the whipped ganache onto one shell of each pair using a star piping tip, then press lightly with the matching shell to create the finished macarons.
  4. Mix black food coloring with 1 teaspoon of water. Use a thin paintbrush to draw the Grinch’s eyes and eyebrows.
  5. Mix red food coloring with 2 tablespoons of water (or vodka) and use a thicker brush to paint the Santa hats red.
  6. Use melted milk chocolate to add finer details to the Grinch’s face.
Festive Grinch macarons decorated with Santa hats, displayed on white plates with holiday decor including pinecones and silverware.

Tips for Making Perfect Grinch Macarons

  1. Always use a food scale for precise measurements.
  2. Sift almond flour and powdered sugar thoroughly to avoid lumps.
  3. Ensure your meringue reaches stiff, glossy peaks for the best consistency.
  4. Let the piped shells dry completely before baking to avoid cracking.
  5. Use a low oven temperature to ensure even baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to store macarons?

Macarons should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

It’s best to use water-based gel food coloring for vibrant colors without altering the batter’s consistency.

Why are my macarons hollow?

Hollow macarons can result from overmixing the batter, underbaking, or an oven that’s too hot. Be sure to follow the mixing and baking instructions carefully.

Close-up of festive Grinch macarons featuring red Santa hats, displayed on a white plate with holiday-themed details.

Have you tried making Grinch macarons? Don’t forget to share your experience by rating the recipe and leaving a review! These fun and festive treats are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Happy baking!

Grinch Macarons
Yield: 12-15 macarons

Grinch Macarons

Prep Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours

Bring holiday cheer with Grinch Macarons! Festive, fun, and delicious, these treats are perfect for parties or edible gifts.

Ingredients

*For macaron recipes, using a food scale will give you better results*

  • 75g (21⁄2 eggs/ 5 tbsps approx) egg whites
  • 70g (1/3 cup) white sugar
  • 90g (1 cup) almond flour
  • 80g (2/3 cup) powdered sugar
  • melted milk chocolate
  • water-based black food coloring for eyes and eyebrows
  • water-based red food coloring to color santa hat
  • water-based green food coloring for meringue

Whipped White Chocolate Ganache:

  • 1 1⁄2 cups white chocolate chips
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 140°C (280°F).
  2. Gather all the ingredients and prepare a large piping pastry bag.
  3. Line a baking tray with a silicone mat. For accuracy, you can place a Grinch template underneath the mat while piping.
  4. Clean a medium bowl thoroughly by wiping it with vinegar to ensure it’s grease-free.
  5. Sift the powdered sugar and almond flour together. This step is essential for smooth, even macaron shells.
  6. Place a heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water. Add the granulated sugar and egg whites to the bowl.
  7. Stir the sugar and egg whites with a spatula until the mixture reaches 50°C (120°F) and the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat.
  8. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the mixture at a low speed for about 3 minutes. Gradually increase the speed to medium-high and continue whisking until stiff, glossy peaks form (4–5 minutes).
  9. Gently fold the sifted powdered sugar and almond flour into the stiff meringue using a J-shaped motion with a spatula.
  10. Continue folding until the batter is glossy and has a thick, flowing consistency. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can make the batter too runny.
  11. Divide the batter into two portions. Add green food coloring to one portion and mix until evenly colored.
  12. Pipe the green batter onto the prepared baking tray, following the Grinch template for the shape. Note: The Santa hat will be painted after baking for vibrant color.
  13. Allow the piped macarons to dry on the tray for up to an hour, or until the tops feel completely dry. Drying time may vary based on your environment.
  14. Bake the macarons for 15 minutes at 140°C (280°F).
  15. Once baked, open the oven door slightly and allow the macarons to cool inside the oven for 30 minutes before removing them.
  16. Let the shells cool completely on the baking mat, then gently remove them and pair similar-sized shells together

    Whipped White Chocolate Ganache and Decorating:
  1. Heat the heavy cream in a small pot until warm, but do not let it boil. Remove from heat and stir in the white chocolate chips until fully melted and smooth. Chill the ganache in the refrigerator until it sets.
  2. Whip the chilled ganache using a hand mixer until it reaches a stiff peak stage.
  3. Pipe the whipped ganache onto one shell of each pair using a star piping tip, then press lightly with the matching shell to create the finished macarons.
  4. Mix black food coloring with 1 teaspoon of water. Use a thin paintbrush to draw the Grinch’s eyes and eyebrows.
  5. Mix red food coloring with 2 tablespoons of water (or vodka) and use a thicker brush to paint the Santa hats red.
  6. Use melted milk chocolate to add finer details to the Grinch’s face.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

15

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 227Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 30mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 0gSugar: 17gProtein: 3g

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