gift giver Macarons

These delightful gift giver Macarons are perfect for adding a festive touch to your holiday celebrations. Not only do they feature a delicious Sugar Cookie Buttercream filling, but their charming royal icing decoration makes them look just like Santa himself. Ideal for special occasion parties, gift-giving, or simply enjoying at home, these macarons are sure to spread joy and sweetness wherever they go.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Appearance: These macarons are beautifully decorated to resemble gift giver, making them a fun and eye-catching dessert for any holiday gathering.
• Delicious Flavor: With a rich Sugar Cookie Buttercream filling, each bite is filled with sweet, buttery goodness that will please any palate.
• Easy to Customize: While the Santa theme is perfect for special occasion, you can easily adapt the colors and decorations for different occasions or holidays.
• Impressive Treat: Show off your baking skills with these elegant macarons that are easier to make than you might think!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your gift giver Macarons, gather all your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Sifter
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Essential for achieving the perfect meringue consistency required for macarons.
• Sifter: Helps ensure that the almond flour and powdered sugar are free of lumps, resulting in smooth macaron shells.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

These festive gift giver Macarons are filled with a Sugar Cookie Buttercream that is delicious. And feature a royal icing decoration on top to make them look like Santa.

For the Macaron Shells

• 100 grams Domino® Golden Sugar
• 4 grams egg white powder (optional, read notes)
• 100 grams egg whites
• 105 grams almond flour
• 105 grams Domino® Powdered Sugar

For the Royal Icing Decoration

• 1 1/2 cups Domino® Powdered Sugar (187 grams)
• 1 tbsp meringue powder
• 4 tbsp water
• 2 drops black gel food coloring
• 1 drop yellow gel food coloring

For the Sugar Cookie Buttercream Filling

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (63 grams)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113 grams)
• 1/4 cup Domino® Golden Sugar (50 grams)
• 1 1/4 cup Domino® Powdered Sugar (156 grams)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp almond extract
• 1/2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
• 1/4 cup desiccated coconut (shredded (50 grams))

How to Make gift giver Macarons

Step 1: Prepare the Macaron Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour and powdered sugar. Sift together to remove lumps.
2. In a stand mixer, whip the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add in the golden sugar until stiff peaks form.
3. Carefully fold in the sifted dry ingredients into the egg whites using a spatula until combined.

Step 2: Pipe Macaron Shells

1. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Transfer the macaron batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
3. Pipe small circles onto the parchment paper, leaving space in between each shell.

Step 3: Bake the Macarons

1. Allow the piped macarons to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes until they form a skin.
2. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
3. Bake in preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until set.

Step 4: Prepare Royal Icing

1. In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water.
2. Mix until glossy and thick enough to hold its shape.
3. Divide into separate bowls if coloring; add gel food coloring as desired.

Step 5: Assemble Your Macarons

1. Once cooled, pair macaron shells of similar size.
2. Spread or pipe some Sugar Cookie Buttercream onto one shell and sandwich it with another shell on top.
3. Decorate each macaron with royal icing to resemble gift giver.

Enjoy your festive creations! These gift giver Macarons will not only delight your taste buds but also charm everyone during this joyous season!

How to Serve gift giver Macarons

These delightful gift giver Macarons can bring joy to any festive occasion. Their charming appearance and sweet flavor make them perfect for a variety of serving suggestions.

As a Festive Dessert Platter

• Create a colorful dessert display by pairing gift giver Macarons with other holiday treats like cookies and candies. This adds visual appeal and variety.

With Hot Cocoa

• Serve these macarons alongside steaming cups of hot cocoa. The sweet flavors complement the rich chocolate, making it a cozy treat for winter evenings.

At Holiday Parties

• Present the macarons on tiered trays during holiday gatherings. They act as a whimsical centerpiece, adding charm to your festive table.

As Gifts

• Package the macarons in decorative boxes or bags for thoughtful homemade gifts. Friends and family will appreciate the personal touch during the holidays.

Alongside Coffee or Tea

• Pair your macarons with freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea. The sweetness of the macaron balances well with both beverages, creating a delightful afternoon snack.

How to Perfect gift giver Macarons

Creating flawless gift giver Macarons requires attention to detail and technique. Follow these tips to achieve the best results.

• Sift Your Ingredients: Ensure that almond flour and powdered sugar are sifted together to create a smooth batter, preventing lumps that can affect texture.
• Age Your Egg Whites: For optimal meringue consistency, let egg whites sit at room temperature for several hours before whipping. This helps achieve better volume and stability.
• Use a Kitchen Scale: Measuring ingredients by weight instead of volume ensures accuracy, which is crucial for macaron success.
• Macaronage Technique: Mix your batter until it flows like lava but still holds its shape when piped. Under-mixing can lead to rough surfaces, while over-mixing can flatten the shells.
• Rest Before Baking: Allow piped macarons to rest until they form a skin (about 30 minutes). This step helps create the signature foot and prevents cracking during baking.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure consistent baking temperatures. Uneven heat can result in unevenly baked macarons.

Best Side Dishes for gift giver Macarons

While gift giver Macarons shine on their own, they can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance your festive spread. Here are some great options:

1. Cheesecake Bites: These mini cheesecake squares add a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the lightness of macarons.
2. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad offers vibrant colors and sweetness, balancing out the richness of the macarons.
3. Chocolate Truffles: Indulge in rich chocolate truffles that provide a decadent option alongside your festive treats.
4. Mini Cupcakes: Serve small cupcakes with seasonal flavors like peppermint or gingerbread to maintain the holiday spirit.
5. Nut Mix: A spiced nut mix provides a crunchy complement that enhances the overall snacking experience during celebrations.
6. Cookies: Include an assortment of holiday-themed cookies for variety; classics like sugar cookies or ginger snaps pair well with macarons.
7. Ice Cream Floats: Create festive ice cream floats using seasonal sodas for a fun drink option that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
8. Savory Pastries: Offer light savory pastries filled with cheese or vegetables as an alternative to balance out all the sweetness from desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making gift giver Macarons, it’s easy to encounter some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to keep in mind:

• Boldly neglecting the drying process: Skipping the drying time before baking can lead to cracked shells. Always allow your macarons to rest until a skin forms.
• Boldly measuring inaccurately: Using incorrect measurements can ruin your macarons. Use a kitchen scale for precise ingredient weights.
• Boldly overlooking room temperature eggs: Cold egg whites can affect the meringue’s stability. Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature before whipping.
• Boldly mixing too vigorously: Over-mixing your batter can deflate the meringue and result in flat macarons. Gently fold until just combined.
• Boldly underbaking or overbaking: Not baking the macarons for the right amount of time can lead to chewy or burnt shells. Keep an eye on them and adjust as needed.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store gift giver Macarons in an airtight container.
• They will keep fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing gift giver Macarons

• Place macarons in an airtight container separated by parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating gift giver Macarons

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid melting.
• Stovetop: Use a double boiler setup, steaming gently for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making gift giver Macarons:

Can I use different food coloring for gift giver Macarons?

Yes, you can! Feel free to use any gel food coloring that fits your theme. Just ensure it’s suitable for baking.

How do I know when my macarons are done?

Macarons are done when they have a smooth shell and don’t wobble when touched lightly. A good tip is to check their feet!

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The Sugar Cookie Buttercream can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to one week.

What should I do if my macarons turn out hollow?

Hollow macarons may indicate that they were overmixed or not baked long enough. Ensure proper folding techniques and baking times next time.

Are gift giver Macarons gluten-free?

Yes, these macarons are naturally gluten-free due to almond flour usage. Just ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

These gift giver Macarons bring festive cheer with their delightful appearance and tasty filling. Their versatility allows for different flavors or decorations, making them perfect for any holiday gathering. Give this recipe a try and enjoy customizing it with your favorite flavors!