Santa Claus Macarons with Sugar Cookie Buttercream

If you're looking for a festive dessert that’s as charming as it is delicious, these Santa Claus Macarons are a must-try. With a vibrant red shell, a sweet royal icing belt, and a nostalgic sugar cookie buttercream filling, they’re the perfect holiday treat. These cheerful little cookies bring Christmas magic to every bite, making them ideal for cookie exchanges, gifting, or simply enjoying with a warm drink by the fire.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love These Santa Claus Macarons
• Ingredients and Key Substitutions
• How to Make Santa Claus Macarons
• Tips for Perfect Macarons
• How to Store and Freeze
• FAQ
• Holiday Variations
• More Festive Recipes to Try
• Pin These for Later
• Santa Claus Macarons

Santa Claus Macarons are not just cute they’re packed with flavor and holiday cheer. With their coconut “snow” trim and adorable belt design, they’ll steal the show on any dessert table.

this recipe

Why You'll Love These Santa Claus Macarons

Easy to Impress

Despite their bakery-worthy appearance, these macarons are surprisingly approachable. The royal icing decorations are simple to pipe, and the buttercream is a no-fuss, sugar-cookie-inspired filling that comes together quickly.

Festive Flavor and Texture

Each bite offers a crispy shell that gives way to a chewy center and a rich, cookie dough-like buttercream. The desiccated coconut rolled around the edges adds a touch of texture and a snowy visual finish.

Adaptable for Dietary Needs

This recipe is naturally gluten-free with an easy swap in the buttercream. You can also adjust the sugar or use dairy-free alternatives to fit your preferences.

Ingredients and Key Substitutions

Macaron Shells

• 100 grams golden sugar
• 100 grams egg whites
• 4 grams egg white powder (optional for humid climates)
• 105 grams almond flour
• 105 grams powdered sugar
• Red gel food coloring (about 1 tablespoon)

Royal Icing

• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon meringue powder
• 4 tablespoons water
• Black and yellow gel food coloring

Sugar Cookie Buttercream

• ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free substitute)
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup golden sugar
• 1¼ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅛ teaspoon almond extract
• ½ tablespoon milk or cream
• ¼ cup desiccated coconut (for rolling)

Substitutions
Use gluten-free flour in the buttercream to make the whole recipe gluten-free. Almond flour can also be used as a substitute in the filling for a nutty twist.

How to Make Santa Claus Macarons

1: Prepare the Macaron Batter

Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together. In a separate bowl, gently heat the egg whites and sugar over a simmering pot until the sugar dissolves. Whip into stiff peaks. Fold in the dry ingredients and red gel coloring, mixing until the batter flows slowly and smoothly off a spatula.

2: Pipe and Dry

Pipe onto lined baking trays. Tap the trays to remove air bubbles. Let shells dry for up to 2 hours, especially when using lots of food coloring. The surface should feel dry before baking.

3: Bake

Bake at 300°F for 15 to 20 minutes until the feet are formed and the tops are set. Allow to cool completely before decorating or filling.

4: Make Royal Icing

Mix powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until fluffy and glossy. Adjust consistency with more water or sugar as needed. Color portions black and yellow. Keep covered to prevent drying.

5: Decorate the Shells

Pipe a black belt across the center of half the macaron shells. Once set, add a yellow square buckle in the middle. Let dry completely.

6: Make the Buttercream

Heat-treat the flour in the oven for 5 minutes at 350°F to make it safe to eat. Beat butter and sugars until fluffy, then mix in vanilla, almond extract, cooled flour, and cream. Adjust texture as needed.

7: Assemble

Pipe buttercream on undecorated shells. Sandwich with decorated tops and roll the sides in shredded coconut for a snowy finish.

Tips for Perfect Macarons

Use the Right Food Coloring

To get a bold red color, use gel food coloring and plenty of it. Red powder can help boost intensity, but gel works well on its own if you allow time for drying.

Dry Shells Thoroughly

Because of the heavy coloring, letting the shells rest longer is key to avoiding cracked tops and lopsided feet.

Keep Icing Covered

Royal icing dries quickly. Keep it covered while working or place in piping bags with clips or ties.

How to Store and Freeze

Refrigeration

Macarons are best after a day in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Freeze assembled macarons in layers separated by parchment. Store in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

FAQ

Holiday Variations

Change Up the Flavors

Add peppermint extract to the buttercream or roll the edges in crushed candy canes instead of coconut.

Try Other Designs

Swap the belt decoration for snowflakes or holly using different royal icing colors. Use green shells to make elf macarons or brown ones for reindeer.

More Festive Recipes to Try

If you love these Santa Claus Macarons, here are a few more holiday favorites from our kitchen:

• Hot Chocolate Macarons
• Oreo Fudge (Easy No-Bake)
• White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

Pin These for Later

You’ll want to save this recipe to make every year. Pin it on Pinterest so you can find it again when the holiday baking spirit strikes. Whether you're hosting, gifting, or indulging yourself, these Santa Claus Macarons will make the season brighter.

They look like Santa. taste like Christmas. They feel like home.

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