Description
Delight in these elegant Snowflake Macarons, a classic French dessert perfect for winter celebrations and holiday gatherings. Delicately crisp on the outside and soft inside, these macarons are beautifully decorated with snowflake patterns, making them a festive treat to impress family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaron Shells
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup almond flour (finely ground)
- 2 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Blue gel food coloring (optional)
- White royal icing or edible food marker for decorating
- Snowflake sprinkles (optional)
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 teaspoons milk or heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. In a food processor, pulse the almond flour and powdered sugar until well combined and fine. Sift into a large bowl and set aside to ensure a smooth macaron texture.
- Make Meringue: In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form, then add vanilla extract and optional blue food coloring. Gently fold to combine the colors evenly without deflating the meringue.
- Fold Batter: Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the meringue in batches using a spatula, mixing just until the batter flows like lava and forms ribbons. This step is critical for perfect macaronage ensuring the right texture.
- Pipe Macarons: Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip and pipe 1 1/2-inch circles onto the prepared baking sheets. Tap the trays firmly on the counter to release air bubbles and help shells settle evenly.
- Rest Shells: Let the macarons rest at room temperature for 30–60 minutes, or until the tops are dry to the touch. This helps create the characteristic macaron feet during baking.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the macarons for 15–17 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through to ensure even baking. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet before removing to avoid breakage.
- Prepare Filling: Beat the softened butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk or cream until creamy and spreadable. Adjust the consistency as needed for easy piping.
- Assemble Macarons: Pipe the filling onto the flat side of one shell and sandwich with another matching shell to form pairs.
- Decorate: Use white royal icing or edible food markers to create beautiful snowflake patterns on top. Add optional snowflake sprinkles for extra festive flair.
Notes
- For best flavor and texture, allow macarons to mature in the refrigerator for 24 hours before serving.
- Bring macarons to room temperature before serving for optimal taste.
- Store assembled macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature to achieve stable meringue peaks.
- Be careful not to overfold the batter to prevent dense macarons.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
