Festive Peppermint Macarons Recipe: A Holiday Treat Magic

Sweet, delicate peppermint macarons dance with a cool, minty elegance that turns ordinary desserts into extraordinary moments.

These French-inspired treats blend crisp almond meringue shells with a luscious peppermint filling that melts on your tongue.

Crafting these delicate cookies requires precision and patience, but the result is pure culinary magic.

Each macaron promises a perfect balance of light, airy texture and refreshing mint flavor.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this elegant dessert with careful technique and attention to detail.

The delicate shells, kissed with a hint of peppermint, create a festive and sophisticated treat that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Prepare to embark on a delightful baking adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a stunning confectionery masterpiece.

Macaron Variations for Holiday Cheer

• Gluten-Free Holiday Macarons: Replace traditional almond flour with a certified gluten-free almond flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive bakers.
• Vegan Festive Macarons: Substitute egg whites with aquafaba (chickpea liquid), using vegan butter and plant-based powdered sugar for the buttercream filling.
• Low-Sugar Christmas Macarons: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of powdered sugar, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining classic macaron texture.
• Dairy-Free Winter Macarons: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegetable shortening in the buttercream, creating a lighter, allergen-friendly version of the classic holiday treat.

Serving French Macarons Like a Pro

• Festive Holiday Plating: Arrange macarons on a classic white porcelain platter with a light dusting of powdered sugar for elegant presentation.
• Winter Dessert Companion: Serve alongside hot peppermint cocoa or a smooth espresso to complement the macaron's delicate flavor profile.
• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Pack macarons in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons, perfect for holiday hostess gifts or personal treats.
• Garnish Elegance: Sprinkle additional crushed peppermint around the plate and add a small mint sprig for a fresh, decorative touch.

Storing French Holiday Macarons Right

• Store macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their delicate texture and flavor.
• Wrap individual macarons in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to preserve for up to 3 months without losing quality.
• Remove macarons from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to allow them to soften and reach optimal taste and texture.
• Keep macarons away from humid areas to prevent shells from becoming soggy or losing their signature crisp exterior.

FAQs

• Are French macarons difficult to make?

French macarons require precision and practice. Success comes from carefully following each step, especially when whipping egg whites and folding ingredients. Don’t get discouraged if first attempts aren’t perfect.

• Why do macarons need to rest before baking?

Resting allows a skin to form on the macaron shell, which helps create the signature smooth, glossy top and prevents cracking during baking. This 20-40 minute waiting period is crucial for achieving professional-looking results.

• What's the importance of sifting dry ingredients?

Sifting almond flour and powdered sugar ensures a smooth, lump-free mixture. This step helps create a fine, delicate texture in the macaron shells and prevents uneven surfaces that could impact the final appearance.

What’s So Special About French Holiday Macarons

• Craft Culinary Elegance: Master the art of creating delicate French macarons with this sophisticated recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a gourmet dessert.
• Impress with Expertise: Perfect for bakers wanting to elevate their skills, this recipe offers a delightful challenge that results in professional-looking treats guaranteed to wow friends and family.
• Holiday Showstopper: Featuring festive peppermint buttercream and crushed candy accents, these macarons become an instant centerpiece for seasonal gatherings and special celebrations.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Designed with convenience in mind, these macarons can be prepared in advance and actually improve in flavor after chilling, making party preparation stress-free and enjoyable.

French Holiday Macaron – Ingredient Essentials

• Almond Flour: A fine, protein-rich flour that provides the classic macaron texture and nutty flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet base for the delicate macaron shells.
• Egg Whites: Essential for creating the light and airy meringue structure of the macarons.
• Granulated Sugar: Stabilizes the egg white meringue and adds sweetness.

• Butter: Provides a rich and creamy base for the filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the buttercream.
• Peppermint Extract: Adds a refreshing and festive flavor to the filling.

• Food Coloring, Milk, Crushed Peppermint: Enhance the visual appeal and flavor of the macarons.

Macaron Instructions for Home Bakers

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 310F, getting ready for macaron magic.

Step 2: Create Powdery Perfection

Grab your sifter and gently blend almond flour and powdered sugar until they become a cloud-like mixture, ensuring no lumps remain.

Step 3: Sugar Bath Technique

Set up a double boiler and combine sugar and egg whites, stirring carefully until sugar completely melts and mixture becomes silky smooth.

Step 4: Whip Into Cloudlike Peaks

Transform your sugar mixture into a gorgeous meringue by whipping vigorously until stiff, glossy peaks emerge (about 13-15 minutes of arm workout).

Step 5: Colorful Folding Dance

Softly incorporate dry ingredients and food coloring, using gentle folding motions to maintain the delicate air bubbles.

Step 6: Piping Precision

Transfer mixture to a piping bag and create perfect round shells on parchment-lined baking sheets with smooth, consistent movements.

Step 7: Resting Period

Allow shells to sit quietly at room temperature, developing a delicate skin (20-40 minutes) until they feel dry when gently touched.

Step 8: Baking Brilliance

Slide sheets into the oven, rotating midway through to ensure even golden edges, baking for 15-20 minutes.

Step 9: Cooling Countdown

Let shells cool completely on baking sheets, giving them time to set perfectly.

Step 10: Buttercream Bliss

• Powdered sugar
• Peppermint extract

Step 11: Smooth Adjustments

If buttercream seems too thick, add a splash of milk to reach dreamy consistency.

Step 12: Filling Finale

Generously fill macaron shells with buttercream and roll edges in crushed peppermint for festive flair.

Step 13: Flavor Development

Refrigerate macarons for 24 hours, allowing flavors to mingle and texture to become absolutely divine.

Tips for Perfect Holiday Macarons

• Use a digital kitchen scale for exact ingredient measurements to ensure macaron success.
• Allow egg whites to reach room temperature and avoid any yolk contamination for perfect meringue stability.
• Create a protective skin on macaron shells by letting them rest at room temperature, which helps develop signature smooth tops and feet.
• Refrigerating macarons overnight allows flavors to meld and texture to soften, enhancing overall taste and tenderness.

Peppermint Macarons Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delicate French peppermint macarons blend crisp almond shells with silky chocolate ganache for a festive winter treat. Elegant cookies promise pure indulgence with delightful peppermint notes that melt perfectly on your palate.

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Ingredients

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Macarons Base:

• 105 g almond flour
• 100 g granulated sugar
• 100 g egg whites
• 4 g egg white powder (optional)
• 105 g powdered sugar

Filling Ingredients:

• 113 cups (113 g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1–2 tablespoons milk or water as needed

Decorative Elements:

• Red food coloring gel
• Crushed peppermint candies

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Instructions

1. Calibrate the oven temperature precisely to 310°F, ensuring an even heating environment for delicate macaron preparation.
2. Meticulously sift almond flour and powdered sugar through a fine-mesh strainer to eliminate any potential lumps and create a smooth, uniform mixture.
3. Create a gentle water bath and carefully warm sugar and egg whites, stirring continuously until sugar completely dissolves and mixture becomes glossy.
4. Whip the sugar-egg mixture vigorously, transforming it into a voluminous, glossy meringue with pronounced stiff peaks, which typically requires 13-15 minutes of consistent beating.
5. Gently incorporate dry ingredients and selected food coloring, using a precise folding technique to maintain the meringue’s delicate air bubbles.
6. Transfer macaron batter into a piping bag with a round tip, then expertly pipe uniform circular shells onto parchment-lined baking sheets.
7. Allow piped shells to rest at room temperature, developing a protective skin that typically takes 20-40 minutes, ensuring a smooth, crisp exterior when touched.
8. Position baking sheets in preheated oven, rotating midway through the 15-20 minute baking process to guarantee even coloration and consistent texture.
9. Remove shells from oven and permit complete cooling on baking sheets, preserving their delicate structure.
10. Cream butter until exceptionally light and fluffy, then gradually integrate powdered sugar and peppermint extract for a vibrant flavor profile.
11. Adjust buttercream consistency by incorporating small amounts of milk, creating a spreadable yet stable filling.
12. Carefully sandwich buttercream between macaron shells, then delicately roll exposed edges in crushed peppermint for festive decoration.
13. Refrigerate assembled macarons for 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld and texture to optimize before serving.

Notes

• Precise temperature control matters for perfect macaron texture, so use an oven thermometer to ensure exact 310F heat.
• Humidity impacts shell formation, so avoid making macarons on rainy or extremely humid days to prevent cracking.
• Egg whites work best at room temperature and aged overnight, helping create more stable meringue with smoother peaks.
• Folding technique determines macaron success – gently mix batter until it flows like lava, stopping before it becomes too runny.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 10mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 10mg