Name: Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 70 g almond flour, fine and sifted; 63 g powdered sugar; 55 g egg whites, room temperature; 1/4 tsp cream of tartar (optional); 55 g granulated sugar; 1 stick unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting); 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream; 1 1/2–2 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, crumbled; 1/2 cup white chocolate, melted; Green sprinkles (for decoration); Red buttercream frosting or royal icing (for decorating)

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The holiday season is the perfect time to bring a touch of whimsy and sweetness to your festivities with a delightful twist on a classic dessert. Picture this: crunchy, delicate macaron shells filled with the rich, nostalgic flavors of Little Debbie’s Christmas Tree Cakes. This Christmas Tree Cake Macarons | Festive & Fun Recipe is the ultimate treat that promises to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth in under an hour. These macarons offer a delightful combination of soft, chewy interiors and crisp outsides, featuring cream cheese frosting and that unmistakable cake flavor. They’re perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or simply indulging during a cozy evening at home.

Ready to make a batch of these sweet delights?

Table of Contents

What Are Christmas Tree Cake Macarons?

Christmas Tree Cake Macarons are uniquely festive treats that bring the classic Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes into a sophisticated, bite-sized delight. These macarons are not only adorable but also a fun take on holiday baking, similar to traditional French macarons with a seasonal twist. Unlike conventional cookies, macarons have a light, airy texture that melts in your mouth, making them a hit at any holiday gathering. Versatile enough for any occasion, weeknights, meal prep, or holiday celebrations, these macarons offer a fun and festive spin. Plus, they are naturally gluten-free and can easily accommodate various dietary preferences, making them a crowd-pleaser for everyone!

Ingredients for Christmas Tree Cake Macarons

To achieve the best results in your baking, quality ingredients are key. Here’s what you’ll need for these delectable macarons:

70 g almond flour, fine and sifted
63 g powdered sugar
55 g egg whites, room temperature
1/4 tsp cream of tartar (optional)
55 g granulated sugar
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
1 1/2–2 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, crumbled
1/2 cup white chocolate, melted
Green sprinkles (for decoration)
Red buttercream frosting or royal icing (for decorating)

Why Ingredients Matter:

Almond Flour: Offers a nutty flavor and is essential for the macarons’ classic texture. Substitute with sunflower seed flour for a nut-free option.
Egg Whites: Must be at room temperature to whip to proper peaks. Use aquafaba for a vegan alternative.
Unsalted Butter: Ensures control over salt levels in your frosting. Coconut oil can be a dairy-free substitute.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Ensures a rich, creamy consistency in the filling. Full-fat coconut cream works well for dairy-free options.

This recipe can also be made gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, or low-sugar with easy substitutions.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Macaron Shells

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour and powdered sugar, sifting them to ensure no lumps remain.

Troubleshooting Tip: If the mixture appears too grainy after sifting, process it further in a blender or food processor until fine.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites

In a clean bowl, whisk the room-temperature egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar while whisking until stiff peaks form.

Troubleshooting Tip: If your egg whites aren’t forming peaks, ensure no yolk has mixed in, and consider using a copper bowl for better stability.

Step 3: Fold and Pipe

Gently fold the sugar mixture into the whipped egg whites until well combined. When the batter flows like lava, it’s ready! Transfer the batter to a piping bag and pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheet.

Troubleshooting Tip: For uneven shapes, practice piping on a piece of parchment before piping directly onto the baking sheet.

Step 4: Let the Shells Rest

Let the piped macaron shells rest for about 30 minutes until they develop a skin. This will ensure that they rise properly during baking.

Troubleshooting Tip: If the macarons crack while baking, they likely did not rest long enough.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the macarons for 15-18 minutes or until they form feet and don’t stick to the parchment paper.

Safety Note: Ensure that the cookies are cool before attempting to remove them from the baking sheet.

Step 6: Prepare the Filling

While the macaron shells cool, make the filling by beating softened butter and powdered sugar, then mixing in crumbled Christmas Tree Cakes and melted white chocolate. Adjust the consistency with heavy cream if needed.

Step 7: Assemble

Pair similar-sized shells and pipe the filling onto one half of each pair. Gently sandwich them together.

Troubleshooting Tip: If your filling is too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it.

Step 8: Decorate

Using red buttercream or royal icing, pipe festive decorations on top of your macarons and sprinkle with green sprinkles.

Pro Tips for Flawless Christmas Tree Cake Macarons

Room Temperature Eggs: Always use room temperature egg whites for better volume.
Folding Technique: Be gentle when folding to avoid losing air in your batter.
Resting Time: Don’t rush the resting period; it’s crucial for a successful rise and texture.
Storage: Store these macarons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to three months.
Equipment Choices: If you don’t have a stand mixer, a handheld mixer will work just as well for whipping egg whites.

Variations & Dietary Swaps

Flavor Twists: Try adding peppermint extract for a minty twist, or matcha powder for subtle earthiness. You can also fill macarons with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Dietary Adaptations: For gluten-free, ensure your almond flour is certified, and for vegan, replace egg whites with aquafaba. Use vegan butter for a dairy-free option. For low-carb, explore almond flour and erythritol mixes.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These festive macarons are perfect alongside a hot cup of cocoa or a sparkling glass of cider. Present them on a decorative plate during holiday gatherings, or package them in clear bags tied with ribbon for memorable gifts. Pair with a quick five-minute peppermint chocolate sauce for dipping!

Nutrition & Notes

Each macaron is flavorful and rich, containing approximately 120 calories, with 5g of fat and 10g of carbs. They are gluten-free but contain nuts and dairy; please take precautions for allergies.

Conclusion

Indulge in the delightful flavors of the season with Christmas Tree Cake Macarons | Festive & Fun Recipe. They’re sure to become a holiday favorite among family and friends! Don’t forget to leave your comments, ratings, or share your holiday creations with us!

FAQs

Can I make Christmas Tree Cake Macarons | Festive & Fun Recipe ahead?
Yes! You can prepare the macaron shells a day in advance and fill them on the day you plan to serve them. Store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready.

Storage & reheating?
Store the assembled macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Do not freeze filled macarons; unfilled shells can be frozen for up to three months.

Sub for key ingredient?
If you don’t have almond flour, sunflower seed flour works as an excellent nut-free substitute, but the flavor will differ.

Scaling up/down?
You can easily double or halve the recipe. Just ensure that your egg whites are measured by weight for precise results.

Christmas Tree Cake Macarons | Festive & Fun Recipe

Table of Contents

What Are Christmas Tree Cake Macarons?

Ingredients for Christmas Tree Cake Macarons