If there’s anything that screams holiday magic louder than twinkling lights and fresh pine scent, it’s a tray of adorable Christmas Tree Cake Macarons. These tiny green beauties bring instant cheer, and honestly, who doesn’t love a dessert that looks like it stepped straight out of Santa’s workshop? Whether you’re deep into Christmas Themed Baking or just looking for Fun Holiday Treats To Make, this recipe brings the festive vibes fast.
The holiday season moves quickly — no surprise there — and finding a dessert that feels special without stealing your whole day is priceless. This recipe fits the bill. It’s cute, quick, and unbelievably fun. And here’s the best part: these macarons deliver big “wow” energy while staying totally beginner-friendly. Yup, even if you’ve had a few macaron fails in the past (been there!), this one levels the playing field.
So grab your mixing bowl, turn up the Christmas playlist, and get ready to bake something that actually feels joyful. Let’s dive in!
Why This Macaron Christmas Tree Recipe Wins the Season
These little treats check so many boxes that you’ll start thinking of them as your official December superpower. They’re easy enough to pull off on a weekday, yet impressive enough to serve at a party. They’re festive, cute, and—bonus!—they make amazing Macaron Gift Ideas.
You’ll love them because:
- They’re fun to decorate
- They look gorgeous no matter your piping skills
- They taste like holiday nostalgia
- Kids and adults both flip for them
- They fit any gathering, from cozy nights in to full-blown Christmas parties
- And they’re fast — like, surprisingly fast
If you like desserts that make people gasp a little (in a good way), these are your new go-to holiday macarons.
Ingredients for Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll need and why you need it. Keeping things simple helps make this Christmas Macaroons Recipe much less intimidating.
Powdered Sugar
Gives your shells that smooth, soft finish we all love.
Almond Flour
The heart of a classic macaron — it creates that tender bite.
Egg Whites
Room temperature works best; cold whites are stubborn and don’t whip well.
Granulated Sugar
Strengthens your meringue and helps the shells rise.
Cream of Tartar
A stabilizer that keeps your meringue from collapsing.
Green Gel Food Coloring
Liquid coloring won’t work here. Gel adds bold color without ruining texture.
Unsalted Butter
Makes the filling rich and creamy.
More Powdered Sugar (for filling)
Sweetens and thickens your buttercream so it pipes beautifully.
Vanilla Extract
Adds warmth and flavor depth.
Heavy Cream
Adjusts the filling so it’s smooth instead of stiff.
Finely Crumbled Snack Cakes
Think Christmas Tree snack cakes — pure holiday nostalgia blended right into the filling.
Pinch of Salt
Balances the sweetness, because your tastebuds deserve it.
White Chocolate Drizzle
Adds elegance and a little crunch.
Red and Green Sprinkles
Instant Christmas charm.
Edible Gold Stars (optional)
Because why not go full holiday sparkle?
Each ingredient pulls its weight here. Combined, they create macarons that taste like your childhood wrapped in modern holiday whimsy.
How to Make It: Christmas Tree Cake Macarons Simplified
You don’t need a pastry degree for this — just patience and good vibes. Here’s a breezy overview of the process.
1. Prep the Batter
Sift your powdered sugar and almond flour — twice. Bold tip: Always sift for smoother texture.
Meanwhile, whip your egg whites until foamy, add cream of tartar, then gradually sprinkle in the granulated sugar until stiff peaks form. Think “little meringue mountains.”
Stir in your green gel coloring, then fold in the dry ingredients until the batter flows like lava. Too thick? It won’t pipe. Too thin? It’ll spread everywhere (IMO, this is where most macaron mishaps happen).
2. Pipe the Trees
Transfer that gorgeous green batter into a piping bag. Pipe tiny tree shapes or simple circles onto your parchment or silicone mats. Don’t overthink it — even imperfect trees look adorable.
Tap your trays to release air bubbles. It’s oddly satisfying.
Let them rest 30–60 minutes, or until they develop a skin. This step keeps them from cracking.
3. Bake the Shells
Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 14–16 minutes, rotating halfway. You’ll know they’re ready when they lift cleanly and have perfect little “feet.”
4. Make the Filling
Whip butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, heavy cream, and salt. Fold in finely crumbled snack cakes. It’s fluffy, sweet, nostalgic — like holiday magic in a bowl.
5. Assemble
Match up similarly sized shells, pipe the filling generously, and gently sandwich them together.
6. Decorate
Drizzle with melted white chocolate and add sprinkles. Go wild or keep them elegant — your kitchen, your rules.
7. Mature Them
Refrigerate 24 hours for the best texture. Macaron lovers know this is where the magic happens.
The Story Behind These Holiday Macarons Christmas Treats
Every recipe has a little backstory, right? This one started during a chaotic December many years ago when I desperately needed a cute holiday dessert that didn’t take six hours. I wanted something festive, something nostalgic, and something that would make my kitchen feel like the North Pole in the best way.
That’s when the idea for blending classic macarons with those beloved holiday snack cakes hit me. A little French technique. A little childhood nostalgia. A whole lot of holiday sparkle.
These macarons became the star treat at my annual cookie exchange that year — and honestly, they’ve held their VIP spot ever since.
Pro Tips for Success
Here are the tricks I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way):
- Use room temp egg whites. They whip faster and fluffier.
- Don’t skip sifting. It’s the secret to smooth shells.
- Resting the shells is non-negotiable. It creates that essential skin.
- Mix until the batter flows like lava. Not thicker, not thinner.
- Cool completely before handling. Warm shells = breakage (and heartbreak).
- Decorate lightly. Too much drizzle weighs the shells down.
- Use gel coloring only. Liquid coloring will sabotage texture, FYI.
Following these will make your macarons look bakery-level — promise.
Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? Here are a few fun twists:
- Peppermint extract instead of vanilla
- Almond extract for classic bakery flavor
- Swap the snack cakes for gingerbread cookies
- Make red or gold versions for extra glam
- Use sunflower seed flour for a nut-free version
- Try a reduced-sugar version using your preferred substitute
These work beautifully whether you’re baking for fun or doing some Christmas Baking To Sell this year.
Best Way to Serve These Little Xmas Macarons
These babies shine on a:
- Tiered holiday dessert stand
- Festive cookie platter
- Hot cocoa bar
- Christmas brunch table
- Cute cellophane bags as gifts
They also pair insanely well with hot cocoa or a gingerbread latte. Just saying.
Quick Tips for Storage & Leftovers
These macarons store beautifully, which makes them ideal for gifting and prepping ahead.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for 4–5 days
- Freeze (unfilled or filled) for up to 3 months
- Bring to room temperature before serving
- Keep decorations minimal if freezing
They thaw like champs and taste just as festive weeks later.
FAQs About This Christmas Recipe Dessert
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
You can refrigerate piped shells for a few hours, but bake the same day for best results.
How do I know when the macarons are done?
They shouldn’t wobble when you touch the tops gently.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely — they’re freezer-friendly and thaw perfectly.
What if I can’t find snack cakes?
Use any soft vanilla snack cake or even pound cake crumbs.
What if my shells crack?
Usually it’s from skipping the resting period or an oven that runs hot.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Tree Cake Macarons combine charm, nostalgia, and pure holiday joy. They’re the perfect blend of whimsy and elegance — truly the dessert that makes people smile before they even take a bite.
Whether you’re making them for fun, giving them as gifts, or adding them to your list of treats for Christmas Baking To Sell, they’re guaranteed to steal the show. Each bite feels like a little holiday hug, and honestly, who couldn’t use more of that this season?
So grab your piping bag, crank the Christmas playlist, and start building your own edible Macaron Christmas Tree magic. Happy baking, and may your holiday season be sweet, sparkly, and absolutely delicious! 🎄✨ Print
Adorable Christmas Tree Cake Macarons – Fun Holiday Treats to Make This Season
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12–15 macarons 1x
Description
Bring a little holiday cheer into your kitchen with these charming Christmas Tree Cake Macarons! They’re festive, flavorful, and just the right blend of cute and delicious.
Ingredients
For the shells:
- 1 3/4 cups (175g) powdered sugar
- 1 cup (100g) finely ground, blanched almond flour
- 3 large egg whites (about 90g), room temperature
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Green gel food coloring
For the filling:
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (85g) crumbled snack cakes (like Christmas Tree Cakes)
- Pinch of salt
For decorating:
- White chocolate drizzle
- Red and green sprinkles
- Edible gold stars (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Macaron Batter: Sift the powdered sugar and almond flour together twice to remove any lumps. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until they begin to foam. Add the cream of tartar, then slowly sprinkle in the granulated sugar while beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. Tint the meringue with green gel coloring. Gently fold in the dry mixture until the batter flows smoothly and slowly, similar to thick lava.
- Pipe the Macarons: Scoop the batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe Christmas tree shapes—or simple circles—onto parchment- or silicone-lined baking sheets. Tap the trays firmly on the counter to release trapped air. Allow the piped batter to rest for 30–60 minutes, or until the surface feels dry to the touch.
- Bake the Shells: Heat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake one tray at a time for 14–16 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through. Let the shells cool completely before peeling them off the lining.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt, whipping until smooth and fluffy. Stir in the crumbled snack cakes. Place the filling into a piping bag.
- Assemble: Match shells in pairs. Pipe a swirl of filling onto one shell and gently press the second shell on top to complete the macaron.
- Decorate: Drizzle the tops with melted white chocolate, sprinkle on the festive red and green sprinkles, and add a gold star if you want extra sparkle.
- Rest for Best Flavor: Place the finished macarons in an airtight container and refrigerate for 24 hours. This resting time allows the shells to soften slightly and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Room temperature egg whites whip more quickly and create a stronger meringue.
- Letting the piped batter sit before baking helps develop smooth shells and prevents cracking.
- Customize the colors and decorations to match any holiday theme you love.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaron
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
