Peppermint Macarons

Name: Peppermint Macarons
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 140 grams super fine almond flour (about 1 ½ cups); 120 grams confectioners' sugar (about 1 cup); 100 grams egg whites (about 3 large egg whites), at room temperature; 110 grams super fine white sugar (about 1 cup + 2 teaspoons); 1-2 teaspoons red gel food coloring; 4 ounces white chocolate, melted; 3-4 tablespoons crushed peppermint candy canes; ½ cup (114 grams) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup (240 grams) confectioners' sugar; 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

By:

Sarah

Published:

November 18, 2025

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Peppermint macarons are a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season. These sweet, airy cookies, with their vibrant red shells and lovely peppermint flavor, are sure to impress your family and friends. If you’ve never made macarons before, don’t worry! They may seem a bit tricky, but once you get the hang of it, it’s like riding a bike. You’ll soon find yourself whipping up batches for every occasion. Imagine the smiles as your loved ones bite into these festive treats! And if you’re all about giving homemade gifts, these peppermint macarons shine beautifully in a box, showcasing your baking skills and thoughtfulness. So grab your apron and let’s get started on crafting these sweet sensations!

Why This Recipe Works

Peppermint macarons are a delightful treat that brings a touch of elegance to any occasion. The combination of almond flour and a carefully whipped meringue ensures a light, airy texture that melts in your mouth. The festive flavor profile, highlighted by peppermint and a creamy filling, makes them irresistible, especially during the holiday season.

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Macarons

These peppermint macarons are not just visually stunning; they also pack a flavorful punch. With vibrant red shells and a luxurious buttercream filling topped with crushed candy canes, every bite is a holiday celebration. Their unique flavor and perfect texture will make them a favorite among family and friends, not to mention they’re perfect for gifting!

Ingredients

For the Macarons:

140 grams super fine almond flour (about 1 ½ cups)
120 grams confectioners’ sugar (about 1 cup)
100 grams egg whites (about 3 large egg whites), at room temperature
110 grams super fine white sugar (about 1 cup + 2 teaspoons)
1-2 teaspoons red gel food coloring

For the Macaron Tops:

4 ounces white chocolate, melted
3-4 tablespoons crushed peppermint candy canes

For the Peppermint Buttercream:

½ cup (114 grams) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (240 grams) confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon peppermint extract

Make the Macaron Shells

Prepare the Baking Sheet

Before you start, take a moment to prepare your baking sheet. Use a silicone baking mat for easy removal of the macarons. If you have more than one sheet, consider using them to speed things up a bit.

Sift Dry Ingredients

Next, sift the almond flour into a large mixing bowl until you reach 140 grams. Toss any large pieces aside. Then, repeat this process for the confectioners’ sugar. It ensures a smoother batter, which is key for those perfect shells. Whisk the two together and set this mixture aside.

Whip Egg Whites

Now, let’s get to the fun part—whipping the egg whites! Add them to a stand mixer bowl and start mixing at a low speed. Gradually increase the speed to medium once you see soft peaks forming, which will take about two minutes. Slowly introduce the sugar into the mix, then crank the speed up to high until you see stiff peaks. This should take around two more minutes. Lastly, add the red food coloring and mix just until combined.

Fold Dry Ingredients

Carefully sift your dry mixture over the whipped meringue. With a rubber spatula, gently fold the ingredients together. You want to achieve a batter that flows smoothly off the spatula in ribbon shapes. Be cautious—overmixing can cause the batter to lose its airy texture.

Pipe the Macarons

Transfer your batter into a piping bag fitted with a medium to large round tip. Pipe circles of about 1 to 1 ½ inches onto the prepared baking sheet. Keep spaces between them, as they will spread slightly.

Remove Air Bubbles

After piping, gently tap the baking sheet against the counter. This helps remove any air bubbles. If you see any stubborn bubbles lingering, use a toothpick to poke them.

Form a Skin

Preheat your oven to 300°F while letting the piped macarons sit. You want to let them rest until a “skin” forms on top, which typically takes around 8 minutes to an hour. They should feel dry to the touch.

Bake

Once the skin forms, it’s time to bake. Place the macarons in the oven for about 15 to 20 minutes. Check them at the 15-minute mark. They are done when the tops feel firm and stable. Allow them to cool completely before attempting to remove them from the baking sheet.

Decorate the Macaron Tops

Melt White Chocolate

While your macarons are cooling, melt the white chocolate. Use a double boiler or a microwave for this. Just ensure it becomes smooth and silky.

Dip and Decorate

Take half of the cool macarons and dip their tops into the melted white chocolate. After dipping, sprinkle crushed candy canes over the chocolate. Let them set in the fridge until the coating hardens.

Make the Peppermint Buttercream

Beat Butter

In your stand mixer, beat the softened butter on high speed. You want it to become light and fluffy.

Incorporate Sugar

Lower the speed and start adding the confectioners’ sugar gradually. Mix until well combined. Add the peppermint extract and beat until fully incorporated.

Assemble the Macarons

Pipe Buttercream

Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Use a piping bag fitted with a large round tip to pipe buttercream onto the bottom half of the undecorated macarons.

Top Macarons

Gently place the decorated macaron tops onto each filled bottom half, creating a delightful sandwich of flavors.

Mature

For the best flavor, refrigerate the assembled macarons overnight. This allows the tastes to meld beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

When you’re ready to serve your peppermint macarons, enjoy them as a standalone treat. They also pair wonderfully with hot cocoa or coffee during festive gatherings.

Storage Tips

To keep your peppermint macarons fresh, store them in an airtight container inside the refrigerator. They remain tasty for up to one week. Before serving, let them come to room temperature to ensure the optimal flavor and texture.

Tips for Success

Make sure all your bowls and utensils are completely oil-free. This is crucial for achieving proper meringue stiffness.
Utilize a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
Be patient while letting the macarons rest and form a skin. It’s worth the wait!

Variations

If you’re in the mood to experiment, why not try a chocolate twist? Adding cocoa powder to your macaron batter can create a delicious variation. You could also experiment with festive flavors like gingerbread or eggnog for different seasonal vibes.

Pairing Ideas

Pair your peppermint macarons with a nutty espresso or a refreshing peppermint tea. Both options elevate your taste experience and complement the peppermint flavor nicely.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use regular sugar instead of confectioners’ sugar?
A1: It’s best to stick with confectioners’ sugar for the smooth consistency needed in the filling. However, if you must, blend granulated sugar until it’s fine.

Q2: How do I know if the macaron shells are done?
A2: The shells should feel firm and not move around their base when gently touched.

Q3: Can I freeze macarons?
A3: Definitely! You can freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Q4: What can I do if my macarons deflate?
A4: This often happens due to overmixing the batter. Be sure to fold gently and check for the correct consistency.

Q5: How can I achieve a smooth macaron top?
A5: Ensure that your meringue is whipped to stiff peaks and that the batter is mixed properly to achieve that smooth finish.

Enjoy the delight of these peppermint macarons; they are bound to bring joy and sweetness to your festive celebrations! These treats will not only light up your dessert table but also warm hearts as you share them with loved ones. Happy baking!