Peppermint Christmas Tree Macarons

A Festive Twist on a Classic French Favorite

If you're looking for a holiday dessert that's as beautiful as it is delicious, these peppermint Christmas tree macarons are just the thing. Light and delicate macaron shells are stacked into tree-shaped layers, filled with a smooth peppermint buttercream made with crushed candy canes. The result is a whimsical treat that's perfect for Christmas parties, gifting, or simply making your holiday dessert table extra special. Peppermint adds a bright, seasonal flavor, while the creamy filling balances everything with buttery richness.

Jump to:

• A Festive Twist on a Classic French Favorite
• Why You'll Love These Peppermint Christmas Tree Macarons
• Ingredients and Smart Substitutions
• How to Make Peppermint Macarons Step by Step
• Assembling and Decorating the Trees
• Tips for Success
• Serving Suggestions
• Storing and Freezing
• Common Questions
• Peppermint Christmas Tree Macarons

This recipe was inspired by a last-minute ingredient swap. Out of peppermint extract, I reached for crushed candy canes—and it turned out even better than expected. Sometimes the best results come from happy kitchen surprises.

this recipe

Why You'll Love These Peppermint Christmas Tree Macarons

Eye-Catching Holiday Treat

These macarons are more than just cookies. They look like tiny Christmas trees, stacked in four sizes with sparkling sprinkles that resemble ornaments. Whether you're bringing them to a holiday party or setting them out as gifts, they’re sure to get plenty of attention.

Balanced Flavor and Texture

Each bite gives you the classic macaron crunch followed by a chewy, almond-flavored center. The filling is smooth, buttery, and minty without being overpowering. Thanks to the candy canes, there’s also a little crunch in the cream that adds fun texture.

Naturally Gluten-Free

Made with almond flour, these macarons are gluten-free by default. You can also adapt the filling for dairy-free needs by using plant-based butter and milk alternatives.

Ingredients and Smart Substitutions

What You’ll Need

Macaron Shells

• 3 large egg whites
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ⅔ cups confectioners’ sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 cup almond flour
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Green gel food coloring

Peppermint Filling

• ¾ cup milk
• 3 egg yolks
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 small candy canes, crushed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 to 4 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar (optional, for thickening)
• Green food coloring
• Sprinkles for decorating

Substitution Tips

• No cream of tartar? Use ½ teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar to stabilize the egg whites.
• For a dairy-free version, swap the butter and milk with your favorite non-dairy options.
• Want a different flavor? Try raspberry or almond extract instead of peppermint.

How to Make Peppermint Macarons Step by Step

Make the Shells

1. Sift almond flour and confectioners’ sugar into a bowl. Discard any large bits.
2. In a clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium-high until foamy. Slowly add granulated sugar.
3. Once soft peaks form, add vanilla and green food coloring. Beat to stiff peaks.
4. Gently fold in ¼ of the dry ingredients, then add the rest. Keep folding until the batter flows like lava and forms ribbons.
5. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Pipe circles in four sizes, from about 2 inches to 1 inch in diameter. You’ll need four sizes per tree.
6. Tap the trays on the counter to remove bubbles. Let them rest for 45 to 60 minutes until a skin forms.
7. Bake at 300°F for 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool completely before filling.

Make the Peppermint Filling

1. In a saucepan, whisk together milk, egg yolks, sugar, crushed candy canes, and cornstarch.
2. Cook over medium heat until it begins to bubble. Simmer for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Pour into a mixing bowl and beat until the mixture is cool.
4. Add vanilla and softened butter. Beat until creamy. If the filling is too soft, mix in confectioners’ sugar.
5. Add green food coloring for extra holiday flair.

Assembling and Decorating the Trees

Match the shells by size. Pipe a small swirl of peppermint filling using a star tip on the bottom piece. Stack the next smallest shell on top and repeat until all four layers are stacked. Add sprinkles before placing the next layer so they stay visible.

Try using sugar pearls, gold stars, or nonpareils to make each tree look like it's lit up for the holidays. You can even dust the tops with powdered sugar for a snowy finish.

Tips for Success

Best Practices

• Use room temperature egg whites for better volume.
• Weigh your ingredients for accuracy. Macarons are sensitive to changes in ratios.
• Let the shells rest long enough before baking to avoid cracking.

Avoid These Mistakes

• Overmixing the batter can cause flat, hollow macarons.
• Not sifting the almond flour will make the shells gritty.
• Underbaking leads to sticky bottoms that won’t release from the parchment.

Save Time Where You Can

• Make the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
• Use a piping template under your parchment paper for even sizes.
• Freeze extra shells and assemble fresh when ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Fun Pairings

• Serve with hot cocoa, a peppermint mocha, or a spiced latte.
• For dessert boards, pair with mini brownies, sugar cookies, or truffles.

Presentation Ideas

• Display the macarons on a white platter or tiered cake stand for a winter wonderland vibe.
• Use edible glitter or gold leaf for a fancy touch.

Drink Pairings

• Try a glass of milk for a classic combo.
• Sparkling cranberry juice or festive cider also pairs well with the peppermint flavor.

Storing and Freezing

How to Store

Keep your macarons in an airtight container in the fridge. They actually taste better the next day after the filling has set. Enjoy them within 4 to 5 days for best texture.

Common Questions

Try These Other Holiday Macaron Recipes

Looking for more festive macaron ideas? Here are a couple of favorites:

• Santa Claus Macarons Recipe
• Hot Chocolate Macarons Recipe

For even more holiday dessert inspiration, follow along on Pinterest for new recipe ideas and baking tips all season long.

Happy baking! Let me know how your peppermint Christmas trees turn out in the comments.

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