Santa Claus Macarons – Festive Christmas Treats with Sugar Cookie Filling

Nothing says Christmas like Santa Claus macarons! These adorable red treats combine crisp almond shells, creamy sugar cookie buttercream, and cute icing belts for the perfect festive dessert. Ideal for cookie swaps or homemade holiday gifts, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat.

What Makes Santa Claus Macarons So Special

Santa Claus macarons bring the magic of Christmas to your kitchen. With shiny red shells, sweet vanilla-almond buttercream, and hand-piped Santa belts, they’re guaranteed to wow everyone at your holiday table. These cheerful treats taste just like sugar cookies and make a beautiful edible gift.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Macaron Shells

You’ll need 100g golden sugar, 4g egg white powder (optional for stability), 100g egg whites, 105g almond flour, and 105g powdered sugar. These create a crisp, smooth shell with a delicate almond flavor.

For the Royal Icing

Gather 187g powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon meringue powder, and 4 tablespoons water. You’ll also need two drops of black gel food coloring and one drop of yellow for decorating Santa’s belt and buckle.

For the Sugar Cookie Buttercream

To make the filling, use 63g all-purpose flour, 113g unsalted butter, 50g golden sugar, 156g powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/8 teaspoon almond extract, and 1/2 tablespoon milk or heavy cream. Add 50g shredded coconut to finish for that festive snowy touch.

How to Make Santa Claus Macarons

Prepare the Macaron Batter

Start by sifting almond flour and powdered sugar until smooth. Then whisk egg whites, golden sugar, and egg white powder (if using) over a warm water bath until the sugar dissolves. Whip the mixture into stiff peaks using a stand mixer. Fold in the dry ingredients and add red gel coloring until the batter turns glossy and thick.

Pipe and Rest the Shells

Transfer the batter to a piping bag and pipe small circles onto trays lined with macaron templates. Tap the trays gently to release any air bubbles. Allow the shells to rest until dry to the touch. This step helps prevent cracking during baking.

Bake to Perfection

Bake the shells at 300ºF, or 270ºF if you’re using a convection oven, for about 15 to 20 minutes until firm and no longer jiggly. Let them cool completely before decorating.

Decorating the Santa Macarons

Make the Royal Icing

Whip together powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until fluffy and smooth. Adjust with a bit more water if needed. Divide the icing into two bowls, then tint one black and the other yellow.

Pipe the Santa Belt

Pipe a black belt across each top shell and allow it to dry slightly. Once set, add a small yellow buckle in the center. The result looks festive and fun, just like Santa’s classic outfit.

Make the Sugar Cookie Buttercream

Prepare the Buttercream Base

Heat-treat the flour by baking it at 350ºF for 5 minutes, then let it cool. Beat butter and both sugars together until light and creamy. Mix in the cooled flour, vanilla and almond extracts, and milk or cream until you get a smooth consistency.

Adjust and Flavor

If the buttercream feels too soft, add more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add a small splash of milk. The goal is a creamy, fluffy texture that pipes easily between the macaron shells.

Assemble the Macarons

Fill and Sandwich

Pipe the buttercream onto the bottom shells, then top them with the decorated ones. Press gently to create even sandwiches without cracking the shells.

Add the Finishing Touch

Roll the sides of each macaron in shredded coconut. It gives the look of Santa’s fur trim and adds a subtle sweetness that ties everything together.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Refrigerate your Santa Claus macarons in an airtight container for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to two months. Always bring them to room temperature before serving so the flavors and textures shine through.

Pro Tips for Perfect Santa Claus Macarons

Always use gel or powder food coloring instead of liquid for a bright red color that doesn’t affect texture. Let the shells dry completely before baking to prevent cracks. Check your oven’s temperature accuracy since even small fluctuations can change the outcome. With a little patience and practice, your macarons will look bakery-perfect every time.

FAQs about Santa Claus Macarons

Related Recipes to Try

Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
Irresistible Candy Cane Cookies
Strawberry Santas
Snowman Cake Pops

Conclusion

Santa Claus macarons bring joy and sparkle to any Christmas celebration. With their bright red color, creamy sugar cookie filling, and charming design, they’re a fun project for families and a thoughtful gift for friends. Try baking a batch this holiday season and share your festive creations on Pinterest for even more holiday cheer.

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