Embarking on a culinary adventure this holiday season? Let’s take a whirlwind journey to the enchanting streets of Paris, where every sweet treat is a work of art—none more so than delightful macarons! These heavenly confections are the epitome of festive indulgence, perfect for stealing the spotlight at any gathering.
Why make this recipe
Picture this: a crisp winter evening, twinkling lights illuminating the chilly air, laughter bouncing around the room, and the unmistakable aroma of vanilla wafting through your kitchen. Christmas Drizzle Vanilla Macarons capture all that cozy, joyful essence and wrap it up in delicate shells that dissolve in your mouth. With a luscious creamy filling drizzled in festive holiday goodness, these macarons are not just desserts—they’re little bites of magic!
How to make Christmas Drizzle Vanilla Macarons
Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and create these darling delights? Get ready for a charming adventure that will have everyone singing your baking praises.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for filling)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for filling)
- Festive edible glitter or sprinkles (for drizzling)
Directions:
- Prep your space: Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper and get that oven preheating to 300°F (150°C).
- Mix it up: In a bowl, sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar. This creates a silky blend that buttery dreams are made of!
- Whip it good: In a spotless bowl, beat those egg whites until soft peaks form. Slowly add the granulated sugar and continue to whip until you reach stiff peaks. Those whites should shine like a star!
- Fold like a pro: Gently fold the almond mixture into the whipped egg whites. Channel your inner zen and take your time—this is where the magic happens!
- Pipe with flair: Transfer your macaron batter into a piping bag, and then pipe tiny circles onto the parchment-lined sheets. Tap the sheets on the counter to release any air bubbles (make sure to treat them gently).
- Let them breathe: Allow those beauties to sit for about 30 minutes to form a crust. This is a secret key to their smooth tops!
- Bake: Pop them in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make that filling: While they’re cooling, mix butter until creamy, and then gradually blend in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Assemble: Match the macaron shells, and pipe that creamy filling onto half of them. Then, sandwich those fluffy friends together!
- The pièce de résistance: Drizzle those delightful stacks with melted white chocolate, sprinkle edible glitter or festive sprinkles, and let them dry. Voilà!
How to serve Christmas Drizzle Vanilla Macarons
Serve these beauties on a vibrant platter amidst glistening holiday ornaments or wrap them up as gorgeous gifts for friends and family. Pair with a steaming cup of spiced cider or French press coffee for a delicious evening delight!
How to store Christmas Drizzle Vanilla Macarons
Store your macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days; they only get lovelier with a little time! You can even freeze them for up to a month—because every now and then, your future self deserves a surprise treat.
Tips to make Christmas Drizzle Vanilla Macarons
- Use a kitchen scale for precision—the perfect macaron is a delicate balance.
- Ensure that all kitchen tools are squeaky clean and free from any grease; this is crucial for those egg whites to whip to perfection!
- Practice patience—don’t skip the resting period to get those beautiful, signature feet on the shells.
Variations
Feel like mixing it up? Add peppermint extract to the filling for a minty holiday twist, or experiment with festive flavors like eggnog or gingerbread. For those who want an extra crunch, fold in finely chopped nuts or chocolate chips into your batter!
FAQs
1. Why do my macarons crack?
Cracking is typically a sign of too much heat or not enough resting time before baking. Give them a chance to dry out!
2. Can I use different flavors for the filling?
Absolutely! Swap out vanilla for chocolate, raspberry, or even a spicy chai blend for a flavor explosion!
3. Why do my macarons have no feet?
Those darling feet are a sign of success! Not allowing the batter to rest or not folding the batter correctly can result in flat shells. Less is more, friends!
Embark on this festive journey and let your taste buds travel to a world where every moment is sweet and every bite is a celebration of life! Happy baking!
Christmas Drizzle Vanilla Macarons
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar in a bowl.
- In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, gradually adding the granulated sugar until stiff peaks are reached.
- Gently fold the almond mixture into the whipped egg whites carefully.
- Transfer the batter into a piping bag and pipe small circles onto the prepared sheets.
- Tap the sheets on the counter to release air bubbles and allow to rest for about 30 minutes.
- Bake the macarons for 15-20 minutes and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- Beat the softened butter until creamy and gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Match macaron shells and pipe the creamy filling onto half of them.
- Sandwich the filled shells together.
- Drizzle melted white chocolate over the macarons and sprinkle with edible glitter or decorations.