Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?

Yes, gel food coloring is ideal for vibrant red without altering the batter consistency. Use ½ tsp gel to achieve the rich red color shown in the recipe.

What if I can't find almond flour?

You can substitute with a 1:1 ratio of ground blanched almonds for a similar texture, though it may increase the cost slightly.

How long can I store these macarons?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours or refrigerate for 3 days. The fondant decorations may soften in the fridge.

Should I chill the assembled macarons?

Yes, chilling for 1 hour helps the filling set properly and prevents the fondant decorations from shifting.

Why did my meringue collapse?

Overmixing is common! Stop folding as soon as the batter flows like lava. The batter should form a ribbon that disappears within 10 seconds.

Red Holiday Macarons with Santa Belts – Festive Christmas...

Name: Red Holiday Macarons with Santa Belts
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1½ cups almond flour; 1½ cups powdered sugar; 3 large egg whites (room temperature); 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ tsp cream of tartar; 1 tsp red food coloring gel; ¼ tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 2 cups powdered sugar (for filling); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 oz black fondant (for belts); 1 oz yellow fondant (for buckles)

Elegant red macarons with Santa-themed decorations and creamy vanilla filling. A showstopping holiday dessert that's surprisingly easy to make.

There's something magical about the first bite of a warm, freshly-baked macaron. The aroma fills the kitchen, and suddenly everyone gathers around. This recipe for Red Holiday Macarons with Santa Belts takes that magic to the next level with festive colors, playful decorations, and a creamy vanilla center that will have your guests asking for seconds.

What makes these macarons special is the perfect balance of technique and creativity. The glossy almond shells are filled with a light, airy vanilla buttercream, and the hand-painted Santa belts add a whimsical touch. Whether you're hosting a Christmas party or simply want to celebrate the season, these macarons are sure to impress.

The secret to perfect macarons lies in the meringue. By whipping the egg whites to stiff glossy peaks and folding them gently into the dry ingredients, you create a smooth, uniform batter that pipes beautifully. The rest of the process is all about patience and attention to detail, from letting the piped shells rest to forming the perfect shell pairs.

Why This Recipe Works

What You'll Need

You'll need just a handful of pantry staples to make these cookies.

Almond flour – The foundation of these cookies. Don't substitute with self-rising flour.

Powdered sugar – Use a fine grind for the best results.

Egg whites – Use room temperature egg whites for better volume.

Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps form the meringue.

Cream of tartar – Helps stabilize the meringue.

Red food coloring – Use gel food coloring for vibrant color.

Unsalted butter – Use softened butter for smooth filling.

Vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor.

Black and yellow fondant – For the Santa belts and buckles.

How to Make It

Start by sifting the almond flour and powdered sugar twice through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. This ensures a smooth texture and removes any lumps. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar while whipping to stiff glossy peaks. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the meringue in three batches until smooth. Add the red food coloring and mix until uniform.

Transfer the batter to a piping bag and pipe 1½-inch rounds onto baking sheets. Let the piped shells rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until a skin forms. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15-18 minutes. Let cool completely before removing from pans.

Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whip until light and fluffy. Pair the shells of similar size. Pipe the buttercream onto one shell and attach another to form pairs. Chill for 1 hour.

Roll the black fondant into thin ropes and cut into belt shapes. Attach the yellow fondant buckles with a small amount of water. Use a paintbrush to gently attach the belts to the macarons. Let the decorations set completely before serving.

Tips for Success

Don't skip the resting step. This forms a skin that prevents cracking.
Use a piping bag with a ½-inch round tip for consistent shapes.
Let the macarons cool completely before removing from the pan to avoid breaking.

Variations

For a different twist, try using other holiday colors like green or gold. You can also experiment with different fillings, such as chocolate or fruit curd.

Make them gluten-free by using a gluten-free almond flour. For a vegan version, substitute the egg whites with aquafaba and the butter with vegan butter.

Storage and Leftovers

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These macarons pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. For a complete holiday meal, serve them alongside a roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. They also make a perfect addition to a festive dessert table with gingerbread cookies and chocolate truffles.

Final Thoughts

These Red Holiday Macarons with Santa Belts are more than just a dessert—they're a celebration of the season. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can create a showstopping treat that will impress your guests and bring a smile to their faces. So what are you waiting for? Preheat that oven and get baking!