Festive Santa Macarons: Easy Holiday Baking for Christmas Cheer

Ingredients

• • 2 ⅞ cups almond flour
• • 1 ⅞ cups powdered sugar
• • 3 ⅞ large egg whites (room temperature)
• • ⅞ cup granulated sugar
• • ⅞ teaspoon salt
• • ⅞ teaspoon baking powder
• • ⅞ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• • 1 ⅞ teaspoon vanilla extract
• • Red food gel (for hats)
• • White icing (for beards)
• • Pink gel (for cheeks)

Instructions

1. 1

   Sift almond flour, powdered sugar, salt, and baking powder into a bowl. Set aside.

2. 2

   Using a stand mixer, whip egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add granulated sugar, then increase speed to high until stiff, glossy peaks form.

3. 3

   Gently fold dry ingredients into meringue in three batches until smooth. The batter should flow like lava slowly off the spatula.

4. 4

   Transfer batter to a piping bag. Pipe 2-inch Santa-shaped circles onto a silicone mat. Tap the tray firmly on the counter to release air bubbles. Let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes until a skin forms.

5. 5

   Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 20 minutes. Turn off the oven, open the door slightly, and let cool completely before removing.

6. 6

   Beat butter and vanilla extract until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar until smooth. Divide into three bowls: tint red, white, and pink.

7. 7

   Pipe red icing for hats, white icing for beards, and pink dots for cheeks. Let decorations set for 15 minutes before serving.