Ready to up your festive dessert game? These Snowflake Macarons are dreamy little clouds that melt in your mouth, sparkling with frosty elegance and just the right amount of holiday magic. Delicate shells, billowy vanilla buttercream, and a dusting of edible glitter make them a showstopper fit for winter celebrations or cozy afternoons with a cup of cocoa. While macarons have a reputation for being fussy, this recipe breaks it down step-by-step so anyone can create bakery-worthy cookies, complete with shimmering snowflake flair!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to perfect Snowflake Macarons lies in simple, high-quality ingredients—each one playing an essential role in the final cookie’s taste, texture, and irresistible appearance. A handful of pantry staples, plus a bit of kitchen magic, will have you conjuring up the prettiest treats of the season.
- Almond flour (1 cup, finely sifted): Almond flour gives macarons their signature chewy texture and subtle nutty flavor; sifting ensures the smoothest shells.
- Powdered sugar (1¾ cups): This sweetens the shells and blends seamlessly into the almond flour for a crisp, delicate bite.
- Egg whites (3 large, room temperature): Whipped egg whites create the airy structure that gives macarons their iconic lift and chew.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Stabilizes and sweetens the meringue for glossy, sturdy peaks.
- Cream of tartar (¼ teaspoon): This tiny pinch helps your egg whites whip up to stiff, beautiful peaks with ease.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon for shells, 1 teaspoon for filling): Adds a warm, fragrant note that complements both the shells and the luscious buttercream.
- Blue gel food coloring (optional): Just a drop makes your Snowflake Macarons look as magical as a wintry sky.
- Edible white glitter or luster dust (optional): For that sparkling, snowy finish that makes these cookies so enchanting.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): The base for a silky-smooth buttercream filling that pairs perfectly with the delicate shells.
- Heavy cream (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and whips the buttercream into a fluffy dream.
- Salt (pinch): Just a pinch to balance sweetness and highlight flavors.
How to Make Snowflake Macarons
Step 1: Sift to Perfection
Begin your Snowflake Macarons adventure by lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Next, sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar into a large bowl. Don’t rush this part! Sifting is the secret to getting shells that are flawlessly smooth.
Step 2: Whip the Meringue
In a separate clean mixing bowl, add your room-temperature egg whites and cream of tartar. Using a mixer set to medium speed, beat until the mixture turns delightfully foamy. Gradually sprinkle in the granulated sugar, and continue beating until you achieve stiff, glossy peaks. At this point, add vanilla extract and, if you want that icy blue hue, a drop or two of blue gel food coloring.
Step 3: Fold and Flow
Gently fold your sifted dry ingredients into the meringue using a spatula. Take your time and use sweeping motions, so you don’t deflate your beautiful egg whites. The batter is ready when it flows off the spatula in thick, glossy ribbons and you can draw a figure-eight without the stream breaking. This flowing consistency is what gives Snowflake Macarons their iconic feet.
Step 4: Pipe and Tap
Transfer the perfectly-mixed batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe 1½-inch rounds onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about an inch between each for spreading. After piping, firmly tap the trays on your counter a few times to pop air bubbles—this helps avoid cracks or hollows.
Step 5: Rest and Dry
Set your trays aside and let the piped rounds rest at room temperature for 30–60 minutes, or until their tops are dry to the touch. This step might feel like a waiting game, but it’s crucial! A dry shell ensures those signature macaron feet rise beautifully as they bake.
Step 6: Bake to Shine
While your macarons dry, preheat your oven to 300°F. Once ready, bake the macarons for 15–18 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through to ensure even baking. They’re done when they can be gently lifted off the parchment and sport a glossy surface with ruffled feet. Let them cool completely before moving on.
Step 7: Whip Up the Dreamy Filling
While your shells cool, beat the butter for the filling until utterly creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the buttercream is fluffy and smooth—like a swirl of snow. Transfer it to a piping bag and you’re ready for the fun part!
Step 8: Fill, Sandwich, and Sparkle!
Pipe a generous dollop of buttercream onto the flat side of half your cooled macaron shells. Gently top with the remaining shells to form adorable sandwiches. For the final, frosty touch, brush or sprinkle the tops with edible white glitter or luster dust. There you have it—a tray of Snowflake Macarons ready to stun!
How to Serve Snowflake Macarons
Garnishes
A little shimmer goes a long way! Finish your Snowflake Macarons with a dusting of edible glitter, or a careful brush of luster dust for that icy, snow-kissed look. If you want to get even fancier, pipe delicate snowflake patterns on top with royal icing, or add a few edible pearls for a touch of glam.
Side Dishes
Pair your Snowflake Macarons with a steaming mug of hot cocoa, a pot of fragrant earl grey tea, or even a silky eggnog for the ultimate winter treat. They’re ideal nestled beside a platter of holiday cookies or as a luxurious finish to a cozy dinner with friends and family.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your macarons shine at any gathering by arranging them on a vintage cake stand dusted with powdered sugar “snow.” Stack them in snowy-white boxes tied with silver ribbon for the sweetest homemade gift, or set them atop place settings at a winter party for a touch of edible elegance. Your Snowflake Macarons will steal the show wherever they go!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Snowflake Macarons store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. In fact, macarons taste even better after the flavors meld for 24 hours in the fridge—just make sure they’re well-sealed so they stay soft and perfect.
Freezing
Snowflake Macarons freeze surprisingly well! Once filled, arrange them in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to one month. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight, then bring them to room temperature before serving for ideal texture and taste.
Reheating
No need to reheat these little beauties—Snowflake Macarons are best enjoyed at room temperature. If they’ve come straight from the fridge or freezer, let them sit out for about 30 minutes to soften up so you get their signature tender bite.
FAQs
Why did my macarons crack?
Cracking can happen if the shells haven’t dried enough before baking or if air bubbles remain in the batter. Always let them rest until the tops feel dry and firmly tap your trays to release trapped air. A gentle, thorough fold and precise oven temperature are also key for smooth, crack-free Snowflake Macarons.
Can I make these without food coloring?
Absolutely! The blue gel food coloring is purely for aesthetics and wintry vibes. Leaving it out will yield classic, ivory shells that look just as beautiful dusted with glitter or luster dust—your Snowflake Macarons will still shine.
How do I know when to stop folding the batter?
The trick is to watch for the batter to flow in thick ribbons and form a figure-eight without breaking. Over-mixing leads to flat shells, while under-mixing can cause uneven, puffy results. Practice makes perfect—even a first batch of Snowflake Macarons is a delicious experiment!
What’s the best way to get smooth, round macarons?
Sifting dry ingredients thoroughly, using a round piping tip, and holding the bag perpendicular to the tray all help create consistently round, smooth shells. Give the trays a few taps to pop bubbles, and you’ll be rewarded with professional-looking Snowflake Macarons every time.
Can I use other fillings?
Definitely! While simple buttercream highlights the subtle almond shells, you can try tangy lemon curd, rich chocolate ganache, or even peppermint buttercream for a festive twist. Snowflake Macarons are endlessly customizable, so have fun and make them your own!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about setting a plate of Snowflake Macarons on the table—delicate, dazzling, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or simply want to treat yourself, don’t hesitate to make a batch and share the winter magic with someone you love!
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Snowflake Macarons Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 3 minutes
- Yield: 24 macarons 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicate and festive Snowflake Macarons perfect for the holiday season. These French cookies are filled with a creamy butter filling and decorated with a sparkling snowflake effect.
Ingredients
For the Macarons:
- 1 cup almond flour (finely sifted)
- 1¾ cups powdered sugar
- 3 large egg whites (room temperature)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Blue gel food coloring (optional)
- Edible white glitter or luster dust (optional for snowflake effect)
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Macarons: Line baking sheets, sift almond flour and powdered sugar, whip egg whites with cream of tartar and sugar, add vanilla and food coloring, fold in dry mixture, pipe rounds onto sheets, let dry, bake, cool.
- Make the Filling: Beat butter, add powdered sugar, vanilla, cream, and salt until fluffy. Pipe onto macaron shells, sandwich, and decorate with glitter or luster dust.
Notes
- Store macarons in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Flavor improves after 24 hours of refrigeration.
- Bring to room temp before serving.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaron
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
