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Macarons may look fancy and delicate, but with the right recipe and a few simple techniques, they’re completely doable at home — and absolutely perfect for holiday baking. These Christmas Macarons bring holiday magic to your dessert table with their soft, chewy shells, smooth buttercream filling, and festive red and green colors. Whether you’re planning a Christmas party, gifting homemade treats, or adding elegance to your cookie boxes, these macarons never fail to impress.
Macarons are known worldwide as the most beautiful cookie: glossy tops, ruffled feet, and a crisp-yet-chewy bite. While they require precision, the method itself is simple once you understand it. And during the holidays, there’s nothing quite like presenting a tray of shimmering Christmas-themed macarons — they look like tiny edible ornaments!
In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything you need: the ingredients, the technique, how to color and decorate them, tips for avoiding cracks or hollow shells, filling variations, and storage suggestions. By the end, you’ll be able to master the Christmas macaron like a pro baker.
Let’s get festive!
Why Christmas Macarons Are Worth Making
✔ Stunning Holiday Presentation
Red, green, and white macaron shells look like Christmas decorations.
✔ Perfect for Gifting
Package them in small holiday boxes — they look store-bought.
✔ Light, Chewy, Dreamy Texture
A crisp outer shell with a soft interior and creamy filling.
✔ Customizable
Change colors, fillings, shapes, and decorations.
✔ Make Ahead
Macarons taste even better after 24 hours in the fridge.
Ingredients
Macaron Shells
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¾ cup fine almond flour
- 2 large egg whites (room temperature)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- Red gel food coloring
- Green gel food coloring
Vanilla Buttercream Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk or cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Prepare Dry Ingredients
- Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together.
- Discard any large pieces for smooth macaron shells.
2. Make the Meringue
- Beat egg whites until foamy.
- Slowly add granulated sugar.
- Beat to stiff, glossy peaks.
3. Macaronage (Folding)
- Add dry ingredients to the meringue.
- Fold gently until batter flows like thick lava.
- Separate into two bowls and tint one red, one green.
4. Pipe the Shells
- Transfer batter into piping bags.
- Pipe small circles on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Tap the sheets to release air bubbles.
- Let shells rest 25–40 minutes until surface is dry.
5. Bake
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 13–16 minutes.
- Let cool completely before removing.
6. Fill
- Mix buttercream ingredients until creamy.
- Pipe onto half the shells.
- Top with remaining shells.
7. Mature the Macarons
Refrigerate 12–24 hours for best texture.
Christmas Macarons
Festive red and green French macarons filled with creamy vanilla buttercream. Perfect for holiday gifting and dessert tables.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together.
- Beat egg whites and sugar to stiff peaks.
- Fold dry ingredients into meringue until batter flows like lava.
- Divide batter and color red and green.
- Pipe circles onto parchment-lined trays and rest 30 minutes.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 13–16 minutes.
- Mix buttercream and pipe onto cooled shells.
- Refrigerate 12–24 hours before serving.
Notes
For best texture, let macarons mature overnight in the fridge.
Tips for Perfect Macarons
Use Gel, Not Liquid Colors
Liquid coloring can ruin texture.
Dry the Shells Before Baking
This ensures they rise properly and form feet.
Avoid Humidity
Macarons bake best in dry weather.
Weigh Ingredients for Accuracy
Precision matters more than anything.
Don’t Over-Fold
Over-mixing leads to flat, cracked shells.
Decorating Ideas
Holiday Sparkle
Brush shells lightly with edible glitter or luster dust.
Snowy White Drizzle
Drizzle white chocolate over red and green macarons.
Sprinkle Toppers
Add festive sprinkles before shells dry.
Christmas Shapes
Pipe them into ornament or tree shapes.
Flavor Variations
Peppermint Macarons
Add peppermint extract to the buttercream.
Gingerbread Macarons
Fill with spiced molasses buttercream.
Eggnog Macarons
Add nutmeg and rum extract to the filling.
Chocolate Ganache Filling
Swap buttercream for a rich holiday ganache.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on a dessert platter
- Package in holiday tins for gifting
- Add to a hot chocolate bar
- Perfect for Christmas Eve or holiday brunch
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
✔ Shells last 5 days in the fridge.
✔ Filled macarons last 4–5 days refrigerated.
✔ Freeze shells up to 2 months.
✔ Freeze filled macarons up to 1 month.
Fun Holiday Fact:
Macarons became a Christmas tradition in many pastry shops across Europe because their bright colors resemble ornaments and festive jewels — making them the perfect edible decoration
