Name: Santa Claus Macarons with Irresistible Sugar Cookie Filling
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 170 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Domino® Golden Sugar (Regular granulated sugar can be used if needed.); 1 tbsp Egg White Powder (Optional, helps stabilize the meringue.); 3 large Egg Whites (Using fresh eggs yields the best results.); 1 cup Almond Flour (Finely ground sunflower seeds can be used for a nut-free version.); 2 cups Powdered Sugar (You can substitute half with granulated sugar if necessary.); 2 cups Powdered Sugar (No substitutions are recommended.); 2 tbsp Meringue Powder (Can replace with egg whites but adjust water accordingly.); 1 tbsp Water (Add as needed for icing consistency.); 2 tbsp Gel Food Coloring (Black & yellow for decoration.); 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Important to heat-treat for safety.); 1 cup Unsalted Butter (Use salted butter if preferred but adjust salt content.); 1 cup Domino® Golden Sugar (Substitute with brown sugar for a richer taste.); 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract (Opt for pure vanilla for the best results.); 1 tsp Almond Extract (Can be omitted in case of nut allergies.); 2 tbsp Milk or Heavy Cream (Non-dairy options can also be used.); 1 cup Desiccated Coconut (Optional for decoration.)

As I strolled through a bustling holiday market, the sight of twinkling lights and merry laughter reminded me of the warm treats that fill our homes at this time of year. Enter the Santa Claus Macarons filled with Sugar Cookie Buttercream—a festive delight that adds a sprinkle of joy to any celebration. These delightful little pastries capture the essence of Christmas with their vibrant colors and a rich, chewy texture, making them a perfect party piece—quick to prepare and sure to impress friends and family alike. Plus, the sweetness of the Sugar Cookie Buttercream will transport you straight to cozy kitchen memories, making them a nostalgic treat. Ready to create a showstopping centerpiece for your holiday gathering? Let’s get started!

Why Are These Macarons So Festive?

Vibrant Colors: Bright reds and whites create a cheerful holiday display that delightfully captures the spirit of Christmas.

Easy and Fun: The simple step-by-step process makes creating these macarons an enjoyable experience for bakers of all skill levels.

Deliciously Irresistible: With a rich Sugar Cookie Buttercream filling, each bite is a sweet reminder of holiday baking traditions.

Perfect for Gifting: These macarons make fantastic additions to gift boxes or holiday dessert tables, showcasing your culinary skills while spreading joy.

Customizable Fun: Feel free to experiment with colors and fillings, like chocolate or peppermint buttercream, to create your signature festive treat!

If you’re also looking to elevate your holiday drink options, don’t miss our delightful Santa Snowball Punch, which pairs perfectly with these sweet creations!

Santa Claus Macarons Ingredients

For the Macaron Shells

Domino® Golden Sugar – Essential for sweetness and structure; regular granulated sugar can be used if needed.
Egg White Powder (optional) – Helps stabilize the meringue; particularly useful in humid environments.
Egg Whites – Provide structure and leavening; using fresh eggs will yield the best results.
Almond Flour – The core ingredient that gives this macaron its unique texture; finely ground sunflower seeds can be used for a nut-free version.
Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth texture; you can substitute half with granulated sugar if necessary.

For the Royal Icing

Powdered Sugar – Key for sweetness and structural integrity; no substitutions are recommended.
Meringue Powder – Ensures the right frosting texture; can replace with egg whites but adjust water accordingly.
Water – Activates the meringue powder for icing consistency; add as needed.
Gel Food Coloring (black & yellow) – Provides rich, vibrant colors; ensure it’s gel for a smooth finish.

For the Sugar Cookie Buttercream

All-Purpose Flour – Adds flavor and texture; important to heat-treat for safety.
Unsalted Butter – Gives richness and creaminess; use salted butter if preferred but adjust the salt content.
Domino® Golden Sugar – Enhances the depth of flavor; substitute with brown sugar for a richer taste.
Vanilla Extract – Boosts flavor; opt for pure vanilla for the best results.
Almond Extract – Adds a festive touch; can be omitted in case of nut allergies.
Milk or Heavy Cream – Adjusts the buttercream’s consistency; non-dairy options can also be used.
Desiccated Coconut (shredded) – Optional for decoration, adding a snowy effect to your festive dessert!

These Santa Claus Macarons are not just a treat; they’re a delightful experience filled with warmth and nostalgia, perfect for holiday gatherings!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Santa Claus Macarons

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Begin by gathering and measuring all your ingredients for the Santa Claus Macarons. Preheat your oven to a steady 300ºF (150ºC) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This ensures that your macaron shells will release easily after baking, setting a solid foundation for your festive creations.

Step 2: Make Macaron Shells
In a heatproof bowl, combine the granulated sugar and egg whites, then place it over simmering water to form a double boiler. Stir gently until the mixture feels warm to the touch and the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat, whip the mixture to stiff peaks, then carefully fold in the sifted almond flour and powdered sugar until a glossy, thick batter forms, suitable for piping.

Step 3: Pipe Macarons
Transfer the macaron batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe 1.5-inch circles on your prepared baking sheets, leaving space for them to spread. Once piped, firmly bang each tray on the counter to release air bubbles. Let the macarons sit at room temperature for about 1–2 hours until they form a dry outer shell that’s slightly tacky to the touch, which enhances their texture.

Step 4: Bake Shells
Place the trays of macarons in your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, monitoring closely. You’ll know they’re ready when they have risen beautifully and hold their shape. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow the shells to cool on the baking sheets completely before attempting to remove them—this is crucial for preserving their delicate structure.

Step 5: Make Royal Icing
While the macaron shells cool, prepare the royal icing. In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar and meringue powder. Gradually add water until you’ve achieved a consistency that will hold its shape yet flow easily. Divide the icing into separate bowls and add gel food coloring—black and yellow—for your Santa Claus decorations to liven up your festive macarons.

Step 6: Decorate Macarons
Using the colored royal icing, pipe black icing for Santa’s belt and yellow for the buckle onto half of the macaron tops. Once decorated, allow the icing to dry completely at room temperature for about 30–45 minutes, giving your Santa Claus Macarons a delightful, festive touch and a charming appearance.

Step 7: Make Buttercream
For the Sugar Cookie Buttercream, start by heat-treating your all-purpose flour to eliminate any potential pathogens. In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter with the sugars until the mixture is creamy and fluffy. Then, add the vanilla and almond extracts, adjusting the consistency with milk or heavy cream until it’s smooth and spreadable, perfect for your macarons.

Step 8: Assemble Macarons
Spoon or pipe the prepared buttercream onto the bottom of half the macaron shells. Gently sandwich them with the decorated tops, pressing down slightly to ensure they stick. For an extra festive flair, consider rolling the sides of the assembled macarons in shredded coconut, resembling snow, completing your enchanting Santa Claus Macarons that bring holiday joy!

What to Serve with Santa Claus Macarons?

Pairing these sweet treats with delightful accompaniments can elevate your holiday celebrations to new heights.

Festive Hot Chocolate: The rich, creamy flavors of hot chocolate perfectly complement the sweetness of the macarons, making for a cozy pairing.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light, fluffy element that balances the richness of the Sugar Cookie Buttercream.
Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider offers a burst of holiday flavors that perfectly contrasts the sweetness of the macarons.
Christmas Sugar Cookies: Pair these festive macarons with traditional sugar cookies for a double dose of holiday cheer on your dessert table.
Peppermint Bark: The crunch and minty freshness of peppermint bark enhance the flavors, making this a must-try combination during the festive season.
Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce provides a refreshing contrast, cutting through the sweetness of the macarons in a delightful way.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully for those who enjoy a chilled dessert experience, with the contrast of temperatures being a treat.
Gingerbread Cookies: The spicy notes of gingerbread cookies combined with the sweet macarons create a holiday flavor explosion that’s irresistible.
Sparkling Water with Citrus: For a light, refreshing drink, consider serving sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime to cleanse the palate between sweet bites.
Holiday Fruit Platter: A colorful fruit platter brings a fresh and healthy balance to the table, complementing the rich flavors of the macarons beautifully.

Santa Claus Macarons Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to explore these tempting twists and adjustments to make these festive macarons your own!

Nut-Free: Use finely ground sunflower seeds instead of almond flour to accommodate nut allergies while retaining that lovely macaron texture.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the unsalted butter in the buttercream with a plant-based alternative, ensuring a creamy consistency without compromising flavor.
Flavor Infusion: Try adding peppermint extract to your Sugar Cookie Buttercream for a refreshing holiday twist. It’s a delightful nod to seasonal flavors!
Fun Colors: Swap traditional food coloring for natural alternatives like beet juice for red or turmeric for yellow, giving a unique and healthier spin to your decorations.
Different Fillings: Mix it up with chocolate ganache or pistachio buttercream as fillings to surprise your taste buds with diverse flavors and textures.
Seasonal Decor: For extra festive flair, decorate with edible glitter or sprinkle some instant hot cocoa mix to add a chocolatey touch and holiday sparkle.
Chocolate Macarons: Replace part of the almond flour with cocoa powder to create a rich chocolate macaron shell—a perfect pairing with any filling!

For delightful drink pairings that complement your holiday creations, don’t miss our festive Santa Snowball Punch recipe to add some bubbly cheer to your gatherings!

Make Ahead Options

These Santa Claus Macarons are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the macaron shells up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their delicate texture. The Sugar Cookie Buttercream can also be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days—just stir it well before using to ensure a smooth consistency. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the macarons by piping the buttercream onto the bottom shells and sandwiching them with the decorated tops. With these make-ahead options, you’ll have more time to enjoy the festivities, while still impressing your loved ones with these delightful treats!

How to Store and Freeze Santa Claus Macarons

Fridge: Store your Santa Claus Macarons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days to maintain their chewy texture and delicious filling.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the macarons by placing them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be enjoyed after 1-2 months in the freezer.

Reheating: Allow frozen macarons to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This helps restore their delightful texture.

Tip: Make sure the macarons are completely cool before storing to prevent moisture buildup, ensuring they stay fresh longer.

Expert Tips for Santa Claus Macarons

Use a Scale: Weighing your ingredients precisely will ensure consistency in each batch of your Santa Claus Macarons, helping you achieve that perfect texture.
Resting Time is Key: Let piped macarons sit for at least 1-2 hours to form a skin; this is crucial for preventing cracks during baking.
Humidity Check: If baking in high humidity, consider adding egg white powder to stabilize your meringue and maintain the perfect structure in your macarons.
Oven Thermometer: Ensure your oven temperature is accurate with an oven thermometer; even slight variations can lead to over- or undercooked shells.
Creative Fillings: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fillings like peppermint or chocolate buttercream for a unique twist on your Santa Claus Macarons.
Storage Tips: Keep your macarons in an airtight container; they’ll last up to 5 days in the fridge and freeze well for 1-2 months, preserving those festive flavors!

Santa Claus Macarons with Sugar Cookie Buttercream Recipe FAQs

What type of eggs should I use for macarons?
It’s best to use fresh egg whites for the Santa Claus Macarons to ensure optimal structure and leavening. However, if you’re unable to use fresh eggs, egg white powder can be a helpful alternative, particularly in humid conditions, as it stabilizes the meringue and helps achieve that perfect texture.

How should I store my Santa Claus Macarons?
To keep your macarons fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This will help maintain their chewy texture and delicious filling. For longer-lasting enjoyment, consider freezing them!

Can I freeze Santa Claus Macarons?
Absolutely! To freeze your Santa Claus Macarons, place them in an airtight container, ensuring to separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes to restore their delightful texture.

What should I do if my macarons crack during baking?
Cracking can occur for several reasons, so it’s helpful to troubleshoot. First, ensure you’ve allowed piped macarons to rest for at least 1-2 hours to form a skin, which is key to preventing cracks. Additionally, check that your oven temperature is accurate with an oven thermometer, as even slight variations can affect baking. If it’s particularly humid, incorporating egg white powder into your meringue will help stabilize it better.

Are there any dietary considerations for Santa Claus Macarons?
If you have nut allergies, you can substitute almond flour with finely ground sunflower seeds to create a nut-free version of these delicious macarons. Additionally, always verify the quality of your extracts to ensure they meet your dietary needs, and feel free to adjust the recipe to accommodate any personal preferences or allergies you may have.