Introduction

Celebrate the season with these charming Christmas Tree Cake Macarons! Delicate almond meringue shells are filled with a buttery, festive filling featuring crumbled Christmas tree snack cakes. Finished with a white chocolate drizzle and sprinkles, they’re a delightful holiday treat.

The image shows a stack of two festive macarons on a white marbled surface. Each macaron has three layers: the top and bottom layers are light beige with a smooth texture and decorated with red, green, and white sprinkles. The middle layer is a fluffy swirl of cream with red and white stripes resembling peppermint candy. Between the two macarons is a whole green macaron shell acting as a middle separator. Around the macarons, there are small gold star-shaped decorations and red snowflake-shaped items dusted lightly with powdered sugar. The background has other blurred macarons with the same style. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups (175g) powdered sugar
1 cup (100g) almond flour (finely ground, blanched)
3 large egg whites (about 90g), room temperature
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
Green gel food coloring
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups (150g) powdered sugar (for filling)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/2 cup (85g) 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)

Instructions

Step 1: Sift powdered sugar and almond flour together twice for a smooth mixture. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy, then add cream of tartar. Gradually add granulated sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Mix in green gel food coloring until evenly blended.
Step 2: Gently fold the almond flour mixture into the egg whites until the batter flows like lava, smooth but not runny.
Step 3: Transfer the batter to a piping bag. Pipe tree shapes or circles onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Tap the trays firmly to release air bubbles and let them rest for 30–60 minutes until a dry skin forms on top.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake one tray at a time for 14–16 minutes, rotating halfway through for even baking. Allow shells to cool completely on the baking mat before removing.
Step 5: To make the filling, beat softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt, mixing well. Fold in the finely crumbled snack cakes. Transfer the filling to a piping bag.
Step 6: Pair macaron shells of similar size. Pipe filling onto one shell, then sandwich with the other.
Step 7: Decorate each macaron by drizzling with white chocolate, adding red and green sprinkles, and placing an edible gold star on top if desired.
Step 8: Refrigerate the assembled macarons in an airtight container for 24 hours to mature and enhance the flavors before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use room temperature egg whites for better volume when whipping.
Allow the macaron shells to rest until a skin forms to prevent cracking during baking.
Substitute the crumbled snack cakes with your favorite holiday cookies for a different texture and flavor.
For a festive twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling.
If green food coloring is unavailable, you can use matcha powder for natural color and added flavor.

Storage

Store assembled macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Best flavor develops after chilling for 24 hours. Before serving, bring to room temperature for about 20 minutes. Macaron shells without filling can be stored airtight for up to 5 days at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows three white macarons stacked closely on a white marbled surface, each with two smooth, pale cream-colored cookie shells sandwiching a creamy white filling that is thick and slightly swirled with pieces of red and white striped candy. The top shells of the macarons are decorated with small round sprinkles in red, white, and green colors, along with a light sprinkling of turquoise sugar crystals, adding a festive touch. Around the macarons, there are shiny red spherical decorations and two gold glittery star-shaped ornaments, enhancing the holiday feel. The focus is sharp on the macarons with a soft, blurred background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the macaron shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the shells ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Fill and assemble just before serving for the freshest texture.

What if I don’t have cream of tartar?

Cream of tartar stabilizes egg whites but can be omitted. If skipping, whip the egg whites as usual but be extra careful to avoid any yolk contamination for better volume.