There's something magical about the first bite of a warm, freshly-baked cookie. The aroma fills the kitchen, and suddenly everyone gathers around. This Festive Christmas Macarons & Cookies recipe has been a family favorite for years. My grandmother used to make these every Sunday afternoon, and now I share the joy of holiday baking with my own family.
What makes these cookies special is the perfect balance of crispy edges and soft, chewy centers. The vibrant colors and festive shapes make them not just a treat for the taste buds, but a visual delight that brings joy to any holiday table.
The secret is in the technique. By chilling the dough overnight, you allow the flavors to develop fully. The butter solidifies, which means the cookies spread less during baking. Another key factor is the brown sugar to white sugar ratio. Using more brown sugar creates a chewier texture with deeper caramel notes.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of macarons and cookies in this recipe creates a versatile holiday treat. The macarons add a sophisticated touch with their glossy finish, while the cookies provide a comforting, classic flavor. Together, they form a festive centerpiece that's both elegant and delicious.
The use of food gel colors allows for vibrant, festive hues that stand out against the snowy white frosting. This makes the cookies perfect for gift boxes or as decorations for holiday parties. The spiced gingerbread adds a warm, spicy note that complements the sweetness of the macarons.
Ingredients You'll Need
You'll need just a handful of pantry staples to make these cookies. The ingredients are simple but essential for achieving the right texture and flavor.
All-purpose flour – The foundation of these cookies. Don't substitute with self-rising flour.
Butter – Use unsalted butter at room temperature for best results.
Brown sugar – Dark brown sugar adds more molasses flavor.
How to Make It
Start by creaming the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing leads to tough cookies. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it's too dry, add a tablespoon of milk.
For the macarons, sift the flour and powdered sugar into a bowl. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites with granulated sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg whites until smooth. Transfer the batter to a piping bag and pipe 1-inch circles onto baking sheets. Tap the sheets gently to remove air bubbles. Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes until a skin forms.
Bake the macarons at 300°F (150°C) for 15-18 minutes. Cool completely before assembling. For the cookies, mix the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Add the butter and egg, then the milk. Knead until the dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes. Roll out and cut into festive shapes.
Bake the cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. Cool completely. Beat the powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Divide into bowls and tint with food coloring. Frost the macarons and attach them to the cookies for a festive tree shape. Add edible stars or sprinkles for decoration.
Tips for Success
- Don't skip the chilling step. Cold dough = thicker cookies with better texture.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes. This ensures even baking.
- For the macarons, let the piped circles rest until a skin forms to prevent cracking.
Variations
For a chocolatey twist, add 1/2 cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients. Make them gluten-free by substituting with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
You can also add different spices to the cookies, like nutmeg or cardamom, for a unique flavor. Experiment with different food coloring combinations to create a rainbow of festive colors.
Storage and Leftovers
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. The macarons can be frozen for up to 2 months if stored properly in a freezer-safe container.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. They're also a great addition to a holiday cookie platter. Serve them with a festive beverage like spiced apple cider or a mulled wine for a complete holiday experience.
So what are you waiting for? Preheat that oven and get baking! These festive Christmas macarons and cookies are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. Share the joy of baking with your loved ones and create lasting memories.
