If you’re looking for a shiny chocolate dipped treat that’s full of crunch and richness, make these Festive Chocolate-Dipped Holiday Macarons. These are the perfect bakery-style cookies, with a simple step-by-step recipe for making them and enjoying them this Christmas.
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Festive Chocolate Dipped Holiday Macarons: Perfect Bakery-Style Cookies
When looking for a stunning Christmas or holiday design that looks stunning and tastes amazing and yet feels fancy, give these festive chocolate-dipped holiday macarons a try.
They won’t disappoint, as these delicate French sandwich cookies are given a seasonal twist with holiday colors (green, red, snow white), along with a shiny chocolate dip that’s perfect for crunch, richness, and the perfect holiday charm.
Make these and enjoy!
If you’re thinking of making sweet gifts for friends, planning a Christmas dessert table, or simply want to surprise your family, this detailed recipe will help you learn how to make bakery-quality macarons at home.
Just follow the steps carefully, as macarons are delicate, but with the right method and technique, anyone can become a master. If you’re a beginner, this article will help you master them. Let’s get started.
Why Festive Chocolate-Dipped Holiday Macarons are perfect for the holidays:
- They’re great with a creamy vanilla or chocolate filling.
- A beautiful red, green, or white sail that perfectly complements the festive season.
- Ready to make in advance,
- Great for gift giving.
- The classic chocolate dip adds flavor and beauty.
- They’re crispy, light, chewy, and rich all at the same time.
- Festive Chocolate Dipped Holiday Macarons, All You Need to Make
Ingredients for Macaron Salads:
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup almond flour
- 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
- Gel food coloring – green, red, or white
- Choose any for the filling.
Vanilla Buttercream Filling Ingredients:
- 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Or Chocolate Ganache Filling Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz chopped semi-sweet chocolate
Chocolate Dip Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil, for a smooth shine
- 6 oz high-quality chocolate, semi-sweet or dark
- Holiday sprinkles – optional
Step-by-step instructions for making holiday chocolate-dipped holiday macarons:
1. Preparing the Dry Ingredients:
- Use a large bowl:
- Sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar.
- Mix and sift twice to create a smooth macaron texture.
- Remove any large almond chunks.
Tip: Thorough sifting will ensure smooth and crack-free macarons. It is formed.
2. Beating the Egg Whites
- Use a clean, dry bowl.
- Add the egg whites and continue beating until frothy.
- Slowly add the granulated sugar and continue beating on medium-high speed.
- Continuously beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Now add the vanilla extract and gel food coloring of your choice.
Suggested holiday colors:
- Green, white, red
- No coloring needed, just a bright white shell.
3. Macaroni – Folding Stage
- Add 1/2 of the dry mixture to the meringue mixture.
- Gently fold in the batter using a spatula, until lightly combined.
- Add the remaining dry mixture and continue folding until the batter flows like lava and falls from the spatula in a ribbon.
- Stop immediately when the ribbon slowly settles back on itself.
4. Piping the Macaron Shells
- Fit the piping bag with a round tip.
- Pour the batter into the bag.
- Make a 1.5-inch circle on parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Tap the baking tray 4 times to remove any air bubbles.
- Let the shells rest for 40 to 45 minutes, ensuring they don’t form a screen.
- Touch them lightly; if your finger doesn’t stick, they’re ready.
5. Baking the Macarons
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, 150°C.
- Bake for 15 to 16 minutes, allowing them to puff up and develop a classic crispness.
- Let them cool completely before lifting them off the mat.
- A perfect macaron will be firm on top and slightly chewy on the inside.
6. Preparing the Filling
- For the Buttercream:
- First, beat the butter until creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar.
- Add the vanilla and cream, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
- For the Chocolate Ganache: Heat the cream until steaming.
- Add the chopped chocolate and butter, mixing until velvety.
- Cool until spreadable.
7. Filling the Macarons
- Place all the matching shells together.
- Apply a swirl of buttercream or ganache to one shell.
- Place the second shell on top to form a sandwich.
- Put a little pressure on the filling to spread evenly.
8. Chocolate Dipping
- Melt coconut oil and chocolate together.
- Dip half of each macaron in the chocolate.
- You can add holiday sprinkles if desired.
- Gently place on parchment paper to set.
- The chocolate now has a beautiful shiny finish, making them perfect for holiday gifts.
9. Maturing Festive Chocolate Dipped Holiday Macarons – Optional but Recommended:
- Letting the chocolate-dipped holiday macarons mature in the refrigerator for 24 hours will enhance their flavor.
- Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them.
- The shells will soften slightly, allowing the flavor to deepen.
Serving Suggestions:
- A few great tips for serving festive chocolate-dipped holiday macarons with a classic twist:
- Use different green, red, and white shells for a festive platter.
- Wrap them individually in clear treat bags for gifting.
- For the holidays – place them in a cookie box.
- For a light treat after Christmas dinner – serve as a wonderful dessert.
Storage:
- Festive chocolate-dipped holiday macarons have some great storage tips for longer shelf life:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for 4 to 5 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 1 month.
- For a perfect texture, let them cool at room temperature before serving.
Some holiday color ideas:
Dip: Classic: Vanilla, White, Dark Flavor, Shell Color, Chocolate, Pepper, Mint, Red, White Chocolate, Pistachio, Green, Dark Chocolate, Brown, Milk Chocolate
FAQ:
Q. Can I use liquid food coloring?
Liquid coloring should always be avoided – it ruins the meringue. Only use gel or powder food coloring.
Q. Why do macarons crack?
Causes:
The shell may not have been properly stored
Undermixing the batter
The oven temperature may have been too high
Dry it thoroughly first and monitor the oven heat.
Q. Can I make macarons without almond flour?
No! Almond flour gives the macarons structure and flavor. Using it instead may result in a different result, even making for a festive chocolate-dipped holiday macaron.
Q. Should macarons be chewy or crisp?
A perfect macaron should have these two things:
a slightly crisp shell and a soft, chewy inside. Baking in the refrigerator helps maintain this balance.
Q. How can I get a perfectly round macaron shell?
Use a template under the parchment, then
place the piping bag upright
Tap the tray lightly to even out the top.
Q. Can I add flavor to the shell?
You can, but avoid adding liquid.
Use very little flavor extract or dry powder.
Q. How far in advance can I make Festive Chocolate Dipped Holiday Macarons for the holidays?
You can make them 4 to 5 days in advance. The macarons actually taste better after resting.
Final Thoughts
Festive Chocolate Dipped Holiday Macarons are more than just a dessert, they’re a unique celebration of the flavors, colors, and joy of the holidays. With their crisp almond shavings, creamy filling, and rich chocolate finish, they’re perfect for Christmas gifts, parties, or cozy winter nights. Follow this step-by-step recipe and make professional-style macarons at home that everyone will love.