There’s something undeniably magical about a holiday dessert that sparkles with festive cheer. These festive green wreath macarons are the perfect embodiment of holiday joy—crafted with emerald-green meringue shells, crowned with ruby-red bows, and dusted with iridescent white sprinkles. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, these macarons will elevate your dessert table with their elegant charm. Let’s dive into how to create these show-stopping confections that taste as good as they look.
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of these macarons lies in their simplicity and visual impact. The green meringue shells are made with natural food coloring, ensuring a vibrant hue without artificial additives. The red bows, crafted from fondant or royal icing, add a pop of color and a festive touch, while the white sprinkles mimic a dusting of snow. What’s more, they’re incredibly versatile—perfect for gifting, holiday parties, or even as a centerpiece for your dessert table. Best of all, the assembly is quick, making them ideal for last-minute holiday baking.
Ingredients You'll Need
To make these festive green wreath macarons, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (120g) almond flour
- 1 cup (200g) powdered sugar
- 3 large egg whites (at room temperature)
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/4 tsp green food coloring (gel or paste)
- 1/4 tsp red food coloring (for bows)
- 1/4 tsp white edible glitter or sugar sprinkles
- 1/4 cup (50g) powdered sugar (for royal icing)
- 1 tbsp egg white (for royal icing)
- Edible fondant or royal icing (for bows)
How to Make It
Start by preparing the macaron shells. In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour and powdered sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg whites, folding gently to avoid deflating the mixture. Add the green food coloring and continue folding until the batter is smooth and glossy.
Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a 1/4-inch round tip. Pipe small mounds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Tap the tray gently on the counter to remove air bubbles. Let the piped macarons sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes until a skin forms on the surface.
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the macarons for 12–15 minutes, or until they’re firm to the touch. Allow them to cool completely before gently popping them off the parchment paper.
Assembling the Wreath Macarons
To create the wreath shape, take two macaron shells and place them together to form a ring. Use a small amount of royal icing to secure them. Repeat this process to form a complete wreath shape. For the bows, use red fondant or royal icing to craft small bows and attach them to the top of each wreath using a dab of icing. Finally, dust the macarons with white edible glitter or sprinkles to mimic snowflakes.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These festive green wreath macarons pair beautifully with a classic red velvet cupcake, whose rich chocolate flavor complements the lightness of the macarons. Serve them alongside a snowflake shortbread cookie for a cohesive holiday dessert spread. For a refreshing beverage, a cranberry sparkling punch adds a festive touch. Together, these elements create a complete holiday meal experience.
Tips for Success
Here are a few pro tips to ensure your macarons turn out perfectly:
- Use a kitchen scale to measure ingredients precisely. Macarons are sensitive to even small variations in weight.
- Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to collapsed macarons. The ideal consistency should flow like lava when drizzled.
- If your macarons don’t form the signature “foot” during baking, don’t worry! The wreath shape will still look festive.
Storage and Leftovers
Store assembled macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked shells for up to 1 month. When ready to use, bake them as instructed and assemble just before serving.
Final Thoughts
These festive green wreath macarons are more than just a treat—they’re a celebration of the holiday spirit. Whether you’re gifting them to friends or enjoying them on your dessert table, their vibrant colors and elegant design are sure to impress. For best Pinterest visibility, post this recipe pin as part of a complete meal series over 5-7 days: start with the macarons, followed by complementary sides, and finish with a dessert completion pin.
