Description
Delicate and beautiful, these Snowflake Macarons are the perfect treat for the holiday season. With a crisp exterior and a creamy filling, these French-inspired delights will impress your guests with their festive charm.
Ingredients
Scale
For the macarons:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup almond flour (finely ground and sifted)
- 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 sanding sugar or edible glitter (optional)
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk
- pinch of salt
For decoration:
- Royal icing or white chocolate (for piping snowflakes)
- white sprinkles or edible pearls (optional)
Instructions
- Make the macarons: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. In a food processor, pulse together powdered sugar and almond flour until fine. Sift into a large mixing bowl and set aside. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar while beating on medium-high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form. Add vanilla extract and food coloring if using, and beat just until combined. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg white mixture in batches, using a spatula. Continue folding until the batter flows like lava and forms ribbons—do not overmix. Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe 1.5-inch rounds onto the prepared baking sheets. Tap the trays firmly on the counter a few times to release air bubbles. Let the macarons sit at room temperature for 30–45 minutes, or until the tops are dry to the touch. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the macarons for 15–18 minutes. Let cool completely on the baking sheets before removing.
- Make the filling: In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, cream, and salt. Beat until fluffy and smooth. Transfer to a piping bag.
- Assemble the macarons: Pair up similar-sized shells. Pipe the buttercream filling onto the flat side of one shell and gently sandwich with another.
- Decorate: Use royal icing or melted white chocolate to pipe delicate snowflake designs on top of each macaron. Add sanding sugar, edible pearls, or glitter for a frosted effect. Let set before serving.
Notes
- Macarons are best after maturing in the fridge for 24 hours.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days and bring to room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaron sandwich
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
