Name: Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
Prep time: 1 h 30 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 1 h 48 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar; 1 cup almond flour (finely ground, blanched); 3 large egg whites (room temperature); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar; Green gel food coloring; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for filling); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1/2 cup finely crumbled snack cakes (Christmas Tree Cakes or similar); Pinch of salt (for filling); White chocolate drizzle (for decoration); Red and green sprinkles (for decoration); Edible gold stars (optional, for decoration)

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The holiday season calls for festive desserts that wow both the eyes and the palate, and Christmas Tree Cake Macarons do just that. Imagine the delicate crunch of a traditional French macaron shell giving way to a creamy filling infused with the nostalgic flavor of Christmas Tree snack cakes, all shaped like charming holiday trees. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a festive foodie looking to impress your guests, this delightful treat promises melt-in-your-mouth texture, rich flavors, and enough holiday cheer to make any gathering extra special. Best of all, these macarons come together in just a couple of hours, making them a quick yet impressive addition to your holiday spread.

In this article, you’ll learn everything about Christmas Tree Cake Macarons, from what they are and how to make them, to pro tips and holiday serving ideas. Jump to recipe to get started on your festive baking journey!

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What Is Christmas Tree Cake Macarons?

Christmas Tree Cake Macarons are a fresh twist on the classic French confection: delicate almond meringue shells filled with a uniquely festive cream that incorporates crumbled Christmas Tree Cakes or similar snack cakes. Unlike traditional macarons which often rely on buttercream or ganache fillings, this version infuses the filling with nostalgic cake crumbs that give a moist, sweet bite reminiscent of holiday treats from the grocery store.

These macarons stand out for their playful design, piped and shaped to resemble miniature Christmas trees, often decorated with festive sprinkles and white chocolate drizzles. Their versatility makes them perfect not only for holiday parties but also for cozy weeknight dessert indulgences or make-ahead treats perfect for gifting. The almond flour base offers a naturally gluten-free option, and with minor ingredient swaps, dietary needs like dairy-free or vegan can also be accommodated.

Ingredients for Christmas Tree Cake Macarons

The magic of Christmas Tree Cake Macarons lies in using high-quality, fresh ingredients that bring out their signature taste and texture.

1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
1 cup almond flour (finely ground, blanched)
3 large egg whites (room temperature)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
Green gel food coloring
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for filling)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/2 cup finely crumbled snack cakes (Christmas Tree Cakes or similar)
Pinch of salt (for filling)
White chocolate drizzle (for decoration)
Red and green sprinkles (for decoration)
Edible gold stars (optional, for decoration)

Why It Matters:

Almond flour: Provides the macaron’s signature chewy texture and nutty flavor — substitute with finely ground cashew flour if allergic.
Egg whites: Whipping them to stiff peaks creates the light shell; aquafaba (chickpea brine) works for vegan versions.
Cream of tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites for volume; lemon juice can be used instead.
Unsalted butter: For smooth, creamy filling, vegan butter or coconut oil can replace for dairy-free.
Green gel food coloring: Intense color without affecting texture, natural spinach or matcha powder can work but may alter flavor.

Quick swaps:

Gluten-free: Almond flour base is naturally gluten-free.
Dairy-free: Use vegan butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Vegan: Use aquafaba in place of egg whites and plant-based butter.
Low-sugar: Replace powdered sugar in filling with powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.

Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Christmas Tree Cake Macarons

Step 1: Prepare the Macaron Shells (40-50 minutes)

Sift together the powdered sugar and almond flour twice into a bowl; set aside.
In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites at medium speed until foamy.
Add cream of tartar, then gradually add granulated sugar, increasing speed to high.
Beat until stiff, glossy peaks form (about 5-7 minutes).
Add a few drops of green gel food coloring and gently fold in the sifted dry ingredients using a spatula until the batter flows like lava and falls in ribbons.

Troubleshooting:
If the batter is too thick and holds its shape too stiffly, overmixing may occur, fold less aggressively. If it’s too runny and won’t hold shape, underfolding is the issue.

Step 2: Pipe and Rest the Shells (30 minutes)

Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
Pipe tree-shaped macaron shells (about 1.5 inches tall) onto parchment-lined baking sheets.
Tap trays firmly on the counter to release air bubbles.
Let shells rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes until they develop a skin that doesn’t stick to your finger when gently touched.

Safety note: Resting prevents cracking in the oven and ensures the characteristic macaron “feet.”

Step 3: Bake the Shells (15-18 minutes)

Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
Bake one tray at a time on the middle rack for 15-18 minutes.
Let macarons cool completely before removing from parchment.

Troubleshooting:
If shells crack, the batter might have been too dry or oven temp too high. If macarons stick, they may need more drying time before baking.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling (10-15 minutes)

Beat softened butter until creamy.
Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing on low then high speed.
Stir in vanilla extract, heavy cream, pinch of salt, and crumbled snack cakes.
Beat until light and fluffy.

Troubleshooting:
If filling is too runny, add more powdered sugar. If too stiff, add a little more cream.

Step 5: Assemble the Macarons (10 minutes)

Pair shells of similar size.
Pipe or spoon filling onto one shell and sandwich with the other.
Decorate with white chocolate drizzle, sprinkles, and edible gold stars as desired.

Safety note: Store assembled macarons in an airtight container in the fridge.

Pro Tips for Flawless Christmas Tree Cake Macarons

Use a kitchen scale to measure ingredients precisely—macarons are sensitive to ratios.
Let egg whites sit at room temp for at least 30 minutes to whip better.
Rest piped shells until a smooth skin forms; skipping this step often causes cracking.
Bake one tray at a time on the middle rack for even heat distribution.
Use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper for easy release.
Store macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; bring to room temp 15 minutes before serving.
Mixers speed whipping but a hand whisk works if you have patience!

Variations & Dietary Swaps

Spice it up: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for warm holiday vibes.
Alternate fillings: Swap the snack cake crumbs for crushed peppermint candies or chocolate chips.
Flavor infusion: Use almond or mint extract in the filling to boost the holiday spirit.

Dietary adaptations:

Gluten-Free: Almond flour makes these naturally gluten-free.
Dairy-Free: Replace butter with vegan butter and heavy cream with coconut cream; texture may be slightly softer.
Vegan: Use aquafaba instead of egg whites, vegan butter, and plant-based cream; these require longer whipping and slightly adjusted ratios.
Low-Sugar: Use sugar substitutes like erythritol in filling and consider reducing coloring intensity.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Christmas Tree Cake Macarons make a standout dessert for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet gift. Pair them with a warm cup of spiced chai, hot cocoa, or eggnog to complement their festive flavor. For a quick add-on, serve alongside a simple cranberry sauce or a fresh orange-mint salad, both take under 5 minutes and add a refreshing contrast to the rich macarons.

Nutrition & Notes

Each Christmas Tree Cake Macaron contains approximately 150 calories, 6g fat, 20g carbohydrates, and 2g protein. They are naturally gluten-free thanks to the almond flour base but do contain egg whites and dairy (unless substituted). Sodium levels are moderate; sugar content is high typical for sweet baked goods, but can be lowered with sugar alternatives.

Conclusion

Christmas Tree Cake Macarons offer a delightful fusion of classic French technique and nostalgic holiday flavors perfect for any festive occasion. Easy to make, visually stunning, and irresistibly delicious, these macarons will quickly become a holiday favorite. Try the recipe, leave a comment, rate your results, and share this festive treat with friends and family. Let the magic of Christmas Tree Cake Macarons fill your kitchen this holiday season!

FAQs

Can I make Christmas Tree Cake Macarons ahead?
Yes! You can prepare the shells and filling up to 2 days in advance. Store the shells separately in an airtight container at room temperature and assemble the macarons the day you want to serve them for best texture.

How should I store and reheat them?
Store macarons assembled in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring them to room temperature about 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture. Avoid microwaving or reheating as this can soften the shells.

What’s a good substitute for Christmas Tree Cakes?
You can use any soft snack cakes like Hostess HoHos or Little Debbie Swiss Roll, crumbled finely. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free soft cake or gluten-free snack crumbs.

Can I scale the recipe up or down?
Absolutely! This recipe scales well. Just make sure to keep ingredient ratios precise, especially when handling egg whites and almond flour. For smaller batches, use 1 or 2 egg whites and adjust the other ingredients proportionally.

Christmas Tree Cake Macarons

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