Christmas Tree Cake Macarons | Festive & Fun Recipe

Name: Christmas Tree Cake Macarons
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 70 g almond flour, fine and sifted; 63 g powdered sugar; 55 g egg whites, room temperature; 1/4 tsp cream of tartar, optional; 55 g granulated sugar; 1 stick unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream; 1 1/2–2 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, crumbled; 1/2 cup white chocolate, melted; Green sprinkles; Red buttercream frosting or royal icing

by Peter Harper

Published on: December 2, 2025

Delicious Christmas Tree Cake Macarons decorated for the festive season

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Christmas Tree Cake Macarons are a delightful treat that captures the magic of the holiday season in every bite. These whimsical macarons, with their vibrant green color and festive presentation, evoke the essence of Christmas and are sure to bring smiles to your face. Imagine sinking your teeth into a crisp shell that gives way to a creamy, flavorful filling reminiscent of classic Christmas cakes. What makes these macarons truly special is their simplicity, using easily accessible ingredients to create something truly remarkable for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons at home.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This festive macaron recipe is perfect for holiday celebrations, cozy gatherings, or even as a special treat for yourself. With their stunning appearance and delightful flavor, they’re sure to impress guests at any party or festive gathering. Christmas Tree Cake Macarons are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize their filling or decorations to match your holiday theme. Plus, they are a fun and rewarding baking project that allows you to unleash your creativity while enjoying the sweet aroma of baking in your kitchen.

Seasonal Ingredients Spotlight

This recipe highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients that evoke the tastes and smells of the holidays. Almond flour adds a delicate nutty flavor and a lovely texture, while powdered sugar wraps the macarons in sweetness. The creamy filling, featuring luscious butter and the nostalgic taste of Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, adds indulgence with a vibrant green hue that’s reminiscent of a snowy forest of holiday trees. These ingredients not only enhance the flavors but also promote sustainability and support local producers, creating treats that feel good to make and enjoy.

What You’ll Need

For the Christmas Tree Cake Macarons, you’ll need the following ingredients to create these delightful treats:

70 g almond flour, fine and sifted
63 g powdered sugar
55 g egg whites, room temperature
1/4 tsp cream of tartar, optional
55 g granulated sugar
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
1 1/2–2 Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, crumbled
1/2 cup white chocolate, melted
Green sprinkles
Red buttercream frosting or royal icing

The almond flour provides a nutty flavor, while the Little Debbie cakes integrate nostalgia into every macaron. For dietary swaps, consider using aquafaba instead of egg whites for a vegan version or gluten-free flour if required.

How to Make This Recipe

1. Prepare the Base

Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together by weight into a large bowl. This process ensures a smooth texture and eliminates clumps in your macaron shells.

2. Beat Egg Whites

Combine egg whites and cream of tartar in a mixing bowl. Beat until frothy, then gradually add granulated sugar. Whip to stiff, glossy peaks, which should take about 7–9 minutes. The meringue will become light and airy.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients

Fold the dry ingredients into the meringue in two batches, gently incorporating them until the batter flows like lava. This process should take about 60 folds to achieve the right consistency for piping.

4. Pipe the Rounds

Using a round piping tip, pipe 1 1/2 inch rounds onto lined baking sheets. Keep the piping steady and consistent for evenly sized macarons.

5. Rest the Shells

Tap the trays firmly on the counter to release air bubbles. Pop any surface bubbles with a toothpick. Allow the shells to rest for 20–40 minutes until they feel dry to the touch.

6. Bake to Perfection

Bake the macarons at 300°F (150°C) for 15–17 minutes. Avoid opening the oven door before the 13-minute mark to ensure they rise properly. Cool completely after baking.

7. Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, adding cream to achieve a fluffy consistency. Fold in the crumbled Christmas Tree Cakes for a burst of flavor.

8. Assemble the Macarons

Pipe the filling onto half of the macaron shells, then cap with the remaining shells. Be generous with the filling for a rich experience.

9. Decorate Delightfully

Dip the tops of the assembled macarons in melted white chocolate, then sprinkle with green sprinkles. Use red buttercream or royal icing to pipe thin stripes for a festive touch.

10. Mature the Macarons

For the best texture, place the filled macarons in an airtight container and refrigerate for 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Essential Tools

To create your Christmas Tree Cake Macarons, you’ll need the following essential tools:

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Sifter for dry ingredients
Piping bags with round tips
Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
Toothpick for bubble popping

Consider investing in high-quality baking sheets for even cooking and chocolate melting bowls for the chocolate coating.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

You can make the macarons ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze unfilled shells in an airtight container for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge before filling. Always ensure they’re kept in a cool, dry place to maintain their delicate texture.

Perfect Pairings

These festive macarons pair wonderfully with a warm cup of hot chocolate or a velvety eggnog latte during the holiday season. Their elegant appearance also makes them a show-stopping dessert for any festive gathering. Serve on a tiered cake stand alongside assorted holiday cookies for a delightful spread that will surely impress.

Nutrition Facts

Here’s a nutritional breakdown per macaron:

Calories: ~180 kcal
Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Protein: 3 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 14 g

Avoid These Common Pitfalls

Dough Too Dry: If your batter feels dry, add a splash of milk until it becomes pliable and more to your desired consistency.

Chocolate Coating Breaks: Ensure that your melted chocolate is smooth and warm. If it’s too thick, it will crack when hardened.

Unevenly Shaped Balls: Use a cookie scoop to ensure consistent sizing when piping your macarons.

Pro Tips for Best Results

For reliably smooth shells, sift the almond flour and powdered sugar several times to aerate them.
Keep an eye on the macarons while baking; remember, every oven is different.
Consider adding a hint of peppermint extract to the filling for a festive flavor twist.

Recipe Variations to Explore

Explore these fun variations on the Christmas Tree Cake Macarons:

Chocolate Macarons: Substitute half the almond flour for cocoa powder for a chocolate version.
Coconut Cream: Swap the Christmas Tree filling with toasted coconut for a tropical twist.
Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the filling for a zesty sparkle against the sweetness.

Dietary Adaptations & Safety Info

These macarons can be adapted for various dietary needs. For a vegan option, substitute egg whites with aquafaba and use dairy-free butter. Additionally, those who are gluten-sensitive can replace almond flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other cake flavors for the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to try different flavored cakes for a unique filling.
How do I know my egg whites are at the right temperature?
Room temperature egg whites whip better and achieve more volume, so let them sit out for about 30 minutes before using.
What should I do if my macarons crack while baking?
Cracking can be a sign of overmixing or overbaking; make sure your shells are rested properly before baking.
Can I freeze filled macarons?
It’s best to freeze unfilled macarons. You can store them filled in the fridge for a week.
What can I use instead of Little Debbie Christmas Cakes?
You can use any cake or cake mix for the filling as long as it provides the moisture and flavor you desire.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

In summary, these Christmas Tree Cake Macarons are not just a treat; they’re an experience. We encourage you to share your festive baking moments with us! Tag us in your creations on social media or leave a comment below. Explore more delightful dessert recipes here. Happy baking!