There’s something inherently comforting about the holiday season that beckons us to indulge in sweet treats, especially those that evoke fond childhood memories. These Christmas macarons filled with Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes whisk me back to cozy family gatherings where laughter danced alongside the aroma of baked goods filling the air. Light and crisp with a chewy interior, these vibrant macarons are a playful twist on a classic French pastry, perfect for festive gatherings or a delightful treat to enjoy while watching your favorite holiday movie.
Why make this recipe
What makes these Christmas macarons so special? For starters, they’re a delightful mash-up that captures the joy of nostalgia wrapped in the elegance of a macaron. Imagine biting into the delicate shell and discovering a luscious filling reminiscent of those beloved Little Debbie treats you might have devoured as a child. Best of all, this recipe allows you to celebrate the spirit of the holidays while letting your inner pastry chef shine.
"I made these for a small holiday gathering, and they stole the show! The mix of flavors was just irresistible—everyone couldn’t get enough!"
Whether you’re looking to impress your friends, sweeten up a festive brunch, or simply indulge yourself with something special, these macarons bring a fun, personal touch to any holiday occasion.
Preparing Christmas Macarons with Little Debbie Cake
Ready to get started? Let’s break this process down into simple, manageable steps. You’ll create beautiful macaron shells and a filling that honors the charm of Little Debbie’s Christmas Tree Cakes—what’s more festive than that? Rest assured, they may look challenging, but with a little patience, you’ll master these delightful confections in no time.
What you’ll need
Before you dive into the kitchen, here’s the list of ingredients that will make these macarons a reality:
For the macaron shells:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 3 large egg whites
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
For the filling:
- Crumbled Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes
- Buttercream frosting (in red and green colors)
- White chocolate (for drizzling)
- Sprinkles (green and red)
Don’t have almond flour? No worries! You can substitute it with finely ground blanched almonds if needed. Just be aware that the texture might differ slightly.
Directions to follow
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar. This step will give your shells that airy texture we all love.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy, then gradually add in the granulated sugar. Keep whisking until you achieve stiff peaks—this is crucial for those perfect shells!
- Gently fold in the sifted almond flour mixture and the vanilla extract until just combined. If you’re feeling festive, add a few drops of food coloring at this stage.
- Pipe small circles onto your prepared parchment paper. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to form a skin, which helps create that signature macaron texture.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, then let cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the filling, combine the crumbled Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes with the buttercream frosting until you achieve a delightful, creamy mixture.
- Sandwich the macaron shells together with the filling—this is where the magic happens!
- Melt the white chocolate and drizzle it over the assembled macarons, finishing off with a sprinkle of festive colors.
- Enjoy your festive macarons!
Best ways to enjoy it
While these macarons are stunning as they are, you might want to elevate the experience! Consider serving them on a festive platter alongside a steaming cup of hot cocoa or a winter-inspired tea. Their vibrant colors and whimsical theme pair beautifully with the warmth of any holiday gathering, making them as much a visual treat as they are a culinary delight.
Keeping leftovers fresh
If you happen to have any macarons left (though I doubt it!), they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2-3 days. However, if you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just ensure they are well-protected; they can easily take on the flavors of the freezer.
Tricks for success
Here are a few handy tips that can help you perfect your macarons:
- Make sure your mixing bowls and utensils are completely clean and free of any grease or moisture. This will help your egg whites whip up beautifully.
- Patience is key! Allowing the piped macarons to sit before baking is essential for achieving that glossy finish.
- If your first batch isn’t perfect, don’t get discouraged. Each step brings you closer to honing that macaron-making skill!
Creative twists
While this recipe brings a classic festive flavor, feel free to explore! Swap out the Little Debbie filling for other nostalgic treats—think crushed Oreos for a cookies-and-cream version or peanut butter cups for a richer taste. Dusting with cocoa powder instead of sprinkles can also add a sophisticated touch.
Your questions answered
Q: How long does it take to make these macarons?
A: From preparation to baking, you should budget about 1.5 to 2 hours, with some additional time for cooling.
Q: Can I make these macarons gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! As long as you stick to almond flour, which is naturally gluten-free, you’re all set.
Q: What if my macarons don’t have feet?
A: No stress! This usually happens due to insufficient resting time or improper folding techniques. With practice, you’ll unlock the secret to achieving those lovely feet!
With these cheerful Christmas macarons, not only are you whipping up a sweet treat, but you’re also creating an experience—one that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones as you celebrate the joy of the season. Happy baking!
Christmas Macarons
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy, then gradually add in the granulated sugar, whisking until you achieve stiff peaks.
- Gently fold in the sifted almond flour mixture and vanilla extract until just combined. Add food coloring if desired.
- Pipe small circles onto your prepared parchment paper and let them sit for about 30 minutes to form a skin.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, then let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Combine the crumbled Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes with the buttercream frosting until creamy.
- Sandwich the macaron shells together with the filling.
- Melt the white chocolate and drizzle it over the assembled macarons, finishing with a sprinkle of festive colors.
- Enjoy your festive macarons!