As I unwrapped the festive ribbon from a box of homemade cookies, the delightful aroma of peppermint instantly transported me to winter gatherings filled with laughter and joy. Peppermint Macarons, with their delicate shells and creamy buttercream filling, are the perfect representation of holiday cheer wrapped in a sweet bite. This recipe brings together ordinary ingredients to create extraordinary treats that are not only simple to master but also a surefire way to impress your friends and family during any festive occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious novice, these macarons offer a charming mix of elegance and fun that everyone can enjoy. Ready to take your dessert game to the next level? Let’s dive in and discover how to craft these delightful peppermint-flavored treasures together!
Why are Peppermint Macarons a Must-Try?
Magical Festive Flavors: These macarons burst with a refreshing peppermint taste that perfectly captures the holiday spirit.
Simple Yet Impressive: You don’t need to be a pro baker to create these elegant treats—just a few straightforward steps transform ordinary ingredients into show-stopping delights.
Unique Textural Experience: Enjoy the contrast of a crisp shell and a creamy buttercream filling that melts in your mouth, making every bite a perfect moment of joy.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy family nights, or as a delightful surprise for friends, these macarons fit seamlessly into any celebration.
Make-Ahead Delight: Allowing the macarons to mature in the fridge not only intensifies their flavors, it also saves you time on the day of your event—what’s not to love?
Creative Customization: Feel free to explore flavor variations or even substitute almond flour for hazelnut for a unique twist. Why not pair these beauties with a warm cup of hot chocolate or coffee? You’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Peppermint Macaron Ingredients
Get ready to bake these delightful treats!
For the Macaron Shells
- Almond Flour – Essential for structure; use finely ground for the lightest texture.
- Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness; sift it to maintain a smooth batter.
- Egg Whites – Create a light meringue; ensure they are at room temperature for the best volume.
- Granulated Sugar – Gradually added to stabilize the meringue for perfect shells.
- Peppermint Extract – Infuses refreshing flavor; consider substituting with vanilla or almond if desired.
- Salt – A pinch enhances stabilization in egg whites.
- Food Coloring (optional) – For festive visual appeal, use any color you like.
For the Buttercream Filling
- Unsalted Butter – Create a creamy filling; soften it for easy blending.
- Powdered Sugar (for filling) – Adjust sweetness as you blend; ensure a smooth consistency.
These Peppermint Macarons will surely bring joy and a festive touch to any gathering!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Delightful Peppermint Macarons
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) while lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This setup is essential for your peppermint macarons to bake evenly. Keep your baking sheets handy, as you will need them for piping the batter shortly.
Step 2: Sift Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar. This crucial step helps to eliminate lumps and aerate the mixture, ensuring a smooth batter for your macarons. Set aside the sifted dry ingredients while you get ready to beat the egg whites.
Step 3: Whip Egg Whites
In a separate, clean bowl, whip the room temperature egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat. Whip until you achieve stiff peaks, which should hold their shape when you lift the beater. This meringue is the foundation for your peppermint macarons.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gently fold the sifted almond flour mixture and peppermint extract into the whipped egg whites. Use a spatula and be careful not to overmix; the batter should flow slowly off the spatula in a ribbon-like consistency. If desired, add food coloring at this stage for festive flair.
Step 5: Pipe the Batter
Transfer the macaron batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles (about 1.5 inches in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each one. Aim for even shapes to create a professional look for your peppermint macarons.
Step 6: Let Rest
Allow the piped macarons to rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a skin forms on the surface—this is crucial for achieving that perfect outer shell. They should look matte and feel tacky but not wet.
Step 7: Bake the Macarons
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the macarons for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they develop a firm shell and easily lift off the parchment paper without sticking. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Once baked, remove the macarons from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheets. This step is essential as it helps the shells to firm up before they are assembled with the filling. A soft touch will ensure they haven’t become too fragile.
Step 9: Make the Buttercream Filling
While the macaron shells cool, prepare the buttercream filling. Beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar and peppermint extract. Continue to mix until you reach a smooth and fluffy consistency—a perfect complement to your peppermint macarons.
Step 10: Assemble the Macarons
Pipe the buttercream filling onto half of the macaron shells. Top each filled shell with another shell to create delightful sandwiches. Ensure an even amount of filling so each bite is equally delicious. Feel free to experiment with decorative touches if desired.
Step 11: Mature the Macarons
For the best flavor, place the assembled peppermint macarons in the fridge for at least 24 hours. This maturation process allows the flavors to meld beautifully. They can be enjoyed after this period, bringing a burst of festive joy to any gathering.
Tips for the Best Peppermint Macarons
- Room Temperature Egg Whites: Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for maximum volume in your meringue—this prevents flat macarons.
- Sifting Is Key: Always sift your almond flour and powdered sugar to eliminate lumps, creating a smooth batter that bakes evenly.
- Let Them Rest: Allow macarons to rest until a skin forms, which helps achieve that coveted crisp shell—skipping this step can lead to cracks.
- Watch Your Mixing: Be cautious not to overmix the batter; it should flow like a ribbon off the spatula, creating perfect peppermint macarons.
- Baking Time Matters: Keep a close eye while baking to avoid over-baking—perfect macarons should lift easily from the parchment and not be too dry.
- Flavor Maturation: Allow your assembled macarons to mature in the fridge for a day; this step enhances flavor and texture, making them irresistibly delicious.
Peppermint Macarons Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and adjust this recipe to suit your taste and dietary preferences!
- Nut-Free: Substitute almond flour with sunflower seed flour to create a nut-free macaron that’s equally delightful.
- Chocolate Twist: Add cocoa powder to the almond flour mixture for a rich chocolate peppermint macaron experience.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into the buttercream filling for a surprising and exciting twist to balance the sweetness.
- Mint Chocolate: Fold in mini chocolate chips into your buttercream for a delightful mint-chocolate chip flavor that everyone will adore.
- Holiday Colors: Use red and green food coloring to make your macarons festive and fun, perfect for holiday parties!
- Vegan Option: Replace egg whites with aquafaba and butter with vegan butter for a plant-based version that still delivers on flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Add a little orange or lemon zest to the filling for a bright, citrusy twist that complements the peppermint beautifully.
- Matcha Delight: Swap in some matcha powder in the macaron shells for a green tea flavor that pairs wonderfully with peppermint.
These exciting variations can transform your peppermint macarons into something truly unique. Enjoy them with a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and don’t forget to check out our recipe for Hot Chocolate Bombs to elevate your dessert experience!
What to Serve with Delightful Peppermint Macarons?
Indulge in a delightful dessert experience by pairing these enchanting treats with complementary flavors and textures that elevate your gathering.
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Rich Hot Chocolate: The creamy cocoa harmonizes with the peppermint, creating a warming contrast that’s irresistibly cozy on chilly nights.
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Spiced Chai Latte: The aromatic spices perfectly complement the refreshing peppermint, offering a comforting sip alongside your macarons.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries provide a burst of natural sweetness that balances the sweetness of the macarons and adds a refreshing note.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream is a delightful accompaniment, bringing a rich creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the crisp shells.
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Classic Coffee: A steaming cup of coffee enhances the festive vibes with its robust flavor, creating a delightful backdrop for the sweet macarons.
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Lemon Sorbet: The tangy freshness of lemon sorbet cleanses the palate and pairs wonderfully with the creamy peppermint filling, offering a refreshing twist.
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Chocolate Ganache: Drizzling a rich, dark chocolate ganache adds a decadent touch and complements the peppermint flavor for an indulgent treat.
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Mandarin-Orange Salad: The bright citrus adds a light, fresh burst, enhancing the holiday spirit while balancing the sweetness of the macarons.
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Mint Tea: For a soothing option, serve peppermint tea that complements the macaron’s flavor while providing a calming effect—perfect for winding down after a festive meal.
How to Store and Freeze Peppermint Macarons
Fridge: Store your peppermint macarons in an airtight container for up to 1 week. This helps maintain their delicate texture and flavor.
Freezer: If you want to keep them longer, peppermint macarons can be frozen for up to 1 month. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper.
Thawing: To enjoy frozen macarons, transfer them to the fridge for several hours or overnight before serving. This gradual thawing helps retain their soft, creamy filling.
Reheating: Typically, there’s no need to reheat macarons. They are best served chilled or at room temperature for that delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Make Ahead Options
Peppermint Macarons are a fantastic treat to prep in advance, making your holiday baking a breeze! You can prepare the macaron shells up to 3 days ahead—simply follow all the steps until they are piped and rested. After baking, let the shells cool completely, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For the buttercream filling, whip it up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated. On the day you’re ready to serve, just assemble the macarons by piping the filling between the cooled shells. This way, you’ll have perfectly delightful Peppermint Macarons ready to impress your guests, with minimal effort on the day of your event!
Peppermint Macarons Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best almond flour for my macarons?
Absolutely! For the best results, always opt for finely ground almond flour. This type of almond flour creates a light and airy texture that is essential for achieving that classic macaron feel. Look for options labeled “blanched” as they will have the skins removed, contributing to a smoother shell.
What’s the best way to store peppermint macarons?
For optimal freshness, store your peppermint macarons in an airtight container in the fridge, where they can last for up to 1 week. This method helps to maintain their delicate texture while keeping the flavors vibrant. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I freeze my peppermint macarons?
Yes, you can! In fact, peppermint macarons can be frozen for up to 1 month. To do this, arrange them in a single layer inside a freezer-safe container, ensuring to separate layers with parchment paper. When you’re ready to enjoy them, transfer the macarons to the fridge to thaw for several hours or overnight.
What should I do if my macarons turn out flat?
Good question! Flat macarons can often result from a few common missteps. First, ensure you’ve whipped the egg whites to stiff peaks, as this creates the necessary structure. Also, avoid overmixing the batter; it should flow slowly off the spatula. If your macarons are still flat, consider letting them rest longer to allow the skin to form properly before baking.
Are peppermint macarons suitable for people with nut allergies?
Not at all! Since the primary ingredient in macarons is almond flour, they are not suitable for individuals with nut allergies. For alternatives, you can experiment with sunflower seed flour, although this may require adjustments in the recipe due to differences in moisture content. Always consult with guests regarding dietary restrictions!
Can I use substitutes for egg whites in macarons?
Certainly, but the results may vary. Many bakers have had success using aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as a vegan substitute for egg whites. Use 3 tablespoons of aquafaba for each egg white. Whip it until it forms stiff peaks just like regular egg whites for a delightful result in your peppermint macarons!
Irresistible Peppermint Macarons for Holiday Cheer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Sift together almond flour and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl.
- Whip room temperature egg whites with salt until foamy; gradually add granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Fold the almond flour mixture and peppermint extract into the whipped egg whites.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag and pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Allow the piped macarons to rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until a skin forms.
- Bake the macarons for 15-20 minutes until they have a firm shell.
- Cool completely on the baking sheets.
- Beat softened unsalted butter until creamy; mix in powdered sugar and peppermint extract until smooth.
- Pipe buttercream filling onto half the macaron shells and top with the other half.
- Refrigerate the assembled macarons for at least 24 hours for best flavor.