How do I achieve the perfect macaron shell texture?

Beat the egg whites to stiff peaks and gently fold in sifted almond flour and powdered sugar to avoid deflating the batter. Allow piped shells to rest until a skin forms to prevent cracking during baking.

What is the purpose of resting the piped batter before baking?

Resting allows the surface of the macarons to dry and form a thin skin, which helps create that signature smooth, glossy top and prevents cracks while baking.

Can I substitute the green gel food coloring with natural alternatives?

Yes, natural options like matcha powder or spinach juice can be used, but they may alter flavor and texture slightly.

How does adding crumbled snack cakes to the filling affect the final taste?

The crumbled snack cakes add a subtle texture and a hint of nostalgic cake flavor, balancing the creamy butter filling and complementing the almond shells.

What is the best way to store these macarons after assembling?

Keep them in an airtight container refrigerated for at least 24 hours to allow flavors to meld and shells to soften slightly, enhancing their texture and taste.

Christmas Tree Cake Macarons

Category: Sweet Finishes & Fresh-Baked Joy

Create charming Christmas tree-shaped macarons by folding almond flour and powdered sugar into stiff egg whites tinted green. Pipe shapes onto baking sheets and bake gently until delicate shells form. Prepare a rich filling of butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, cream, and crumbled snack cakes, then sandwich between macaron shells. Finish by drizzling white chocolate and adding festive sprinkles or edible stars. Allow flavors to mature overnight in the fridge for a tender, flavorful treat perfect for holiday celebrations.

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Created By Breanna

Last updated on Tue, 16 Dec 2025 16:48:16 GMT

Macarons with green and white icing and red and white sprinkles. | foodiffy.com

Why This Recipe Works

Ingredients

Instructions

A stack of macarons with white frosting and red and green sprinkles. | foodiffy.com

Need To Know

Storage Tips Ingredient Swaps

Serving Ideas

Macarons with green and red sprinkles on top. | foodiffy.com

Kitchen Wisdom

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ How do I achieve the perfect macaron shell texture?: Beat the egg whites to stiff peaks and gently fold in sifted almond flour and powdered sugar to avoid deflating the batter. Allow piped shells to rest until a skin forms to prevent cracking during baking.
→ What is the purpose of resting the piped batter before baking?: Resting allows the surface of the macarons to dry and form a thin skin, which helps create that signature smooth, glossy top and prevents cracks while baking.
→ Can I substitute the green gel food coloring with natural alternatives?: Yes, natural options like matcha powder or spinach juice can be used, but they may alter flavor and texture slightly.
→ How does adding crumbled snack cakes to the filling affect the final taste?: The crumbled snack cakes add a subtle texture and a hint of nostalgic cake flavor, balancing the creamy butter filling and complementing the almond shells.
→ What is the best way to store these macarons after assembling?: Keep them in an airtight container refrigerated for at least 24 hours to allow flavors to meld and shells to soften slightly, enhancing their texture and taste.

Christmas Tree Cake Macarons

Festive green macarons shaped like Christmas trees, filled with a creamy, buttery center and decorated with sprinkles and white chocolate.

Preparation Time

45 mins

Time to Cook

20 mins

Overall Time

65 mins

Created By: Breanna

Type of Recipe: Desserts & Baking

Cooking Difficulty: Intermediate Skill Needed

Cultural Origin: French

Portion Size: 20 Number of Servings (Approximately 20 macarons)

Dietary Options: Good for Vegetarians

Ingredients Required

→ Macaron Shells

01 175 g powdered sugar

02 100 g finely ground, blanched almond flour

03 90 g egg whites (approximately 3 large), room temperature

04 50 g granulated sugar

05 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

06 Green gel food coloring

→ Filling

07 113 g unsalted butter, softened

08 150 g powdered sugar

09 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

10 30 ml heavy cream

11 85 g finely crumbled snack cakes (e.g., Christmas Tree Cakes)

12 Pinch of salt

→ Decoration

13 White chocolate drizzle

14 Red and green sprinkles

15 Edible gold stars (optional)

Guide to Cooking

Step 01

Sift powdered sugar and almond flour together twice. Beat egg whites until foamy, add cream of tartar, then gradually incorporate granulated sugar and whisk to stiff peaks. Add green gel food coloring and gently fold in the almond flour mixture until batter flows like lava.

Step 02

Transfer batter to a piping bag and pipe tree shapes or circles onto lined baking sheets. Tap trays to release air bubbles, then let rest for 30 to 60 minutes until a skin forms on the surface.

Step 03

Preheat oven to 150°C. Bake one tray at a time for 14 to 16 minutes, rotating halfway through baking. Allow shells to cool completely before removing from silicone mats or parchment.

Step 04

Beat softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and salt. Fold in finely crumbled snack cakes and transfer filling to a piping bag.

Step 05

Pair shells of similar size. Pipe filling onto one shell and sandwich with the other.

Step 06

Drizzle macarons with white chocolate, then sprinkle with red and green sprinkles. Optionally, place edible gold stars on top for festive presentation.

Step 07

Refrigerate assembled macarons in an airtight container for 24 hours before serving to enhance flavor and texture.

Extra Suggestions

Resting macarons before baking forms a skin that helps achieve characteristic smooth shells and feet.

Necessary Equipment

Sifter
Electric mixer
Piping bag
Baking sheets lined with silicone mats or parchment

Allergen Info

Always check ingredient labels for allergens, and talk to a health expert if you’re unsure.

Contains nuts (almond flour), eggs, and dairy

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Nutrition facts are for general information and shouldn’t replace professional health advice.

Energy (Calories): 210
Fats: 9.5 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Protein: 4 g