Peppermint Macarons: A Delightful Snack to Brighten Your Day
There’s just something about peppermint macarons that can flip a regular afternoon into a tiny celebration. Maybe it’s the crisp shell, or maybe it’s that cool burst of peppermint tucked inside—either way, these are more than just cookies. They’re little bites of joy, honestly.
First, you notice that playful crunch, then comes the creamy ganache and a hint of candy cane. I mean, if you’re having a rough day or just want a sweet dessert after dinner, peppermint macarons sort of work their magic. They remind me of winter holidays, but, well actually, I end up making them all year round. Messy kitchen, powdered sugar everywhere, but worth it every single time.
Personal Anecdote
So, the first time I tried baking peppermint macarons, I had no clue what I was getting into. There was almond flour dust on my shirt, and I kept second-guessing if my egg whites were whipped enough. But, after the baking sheet came out, I just stood there grinning at those glossy shells. Meanwhile, the kitchen smelled like a candy shop. My kids wandered in sniffing the air, and we all grabbed one, still a bit warm, and—wait—no, you’re supposed to let them chill. Couldn’t resist.
Why This Recipe is Special
Peppermint macarons aren’t just a fancy Dessert; they’re a mood. The combo of white chocolate ganache and peppermint? It’s festive, but not over the top. Also, they’re perfect for gifting (if you don’t eat them first). If you want something savory before your sweet fix, maybe check out this Best Easy White Chicken Chili Cozy Creamy Family Approved Soup—it’s a comfort meal right before dessert. Kind of rounds out the day, you know?
Ingredients breakdown
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Almond flour | 125 grams |
| Confectioners sugar | 125 grams |
| Egg whites (room temp) | 100 grams |
| Vanilla extract | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cream of tartar | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 80 grams |
| Red gel food coloring (optional) | as needed |
| White chocolate chips | 226 grams |
| Heavy cream | 1/2 cup |
| Peppermint extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Candy canes (crushed) | 1/4 cup |
Utensils and substitutions
You’ll need a piping bag (or a zip bag with the corner snipped, if you’re in a pinch), a mixer, and a baking sheet lined with parchment. Also, if you don’t have white chocolate chips, just chop up a white chocolate bar. No gel food coloring? Skip it—the macarons still taste amazing, just less festive. Afterward, if you’re still in the mood for something cozy, this Pumpkin Butter Chicken Dinner Recipes is worth a peek. Oh, and for food safety tips about eggs and cream, here’s something handy from foodsafety.gov. Better safe than sorry, right?
Step-by-step method
Step 1
First, let’s make that dreamy peppermint white chocolate ganache. Place your white chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for a minute, then let it sit. After five minutes, stir in peppermint extract until everything melts into smooth perfection. Pop it in the fridge while you move on to the shells. You might be tempted to sneak a taste—don’t worry, I always do!
Step 2
Next, prep your piping bag with a round tip, and line your baking sheet. In a food processor, pulse almond flour and confectioners sugar until fine, then sift. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until foamy, add cream of tartar, then pour in sugar slowly, and finally the vanilla. Beat to stiff peaks. Fold the egg whites into your dry mixture in three goes, being gentle—macaron batter can be fussy, but you’ll get it.
Step 3
If you want a candy cane swirl, paint red gel streaks inside your piping bag. Pipe circles, tap the tray, and pop bubbles. Let them rest until a skin forms, about 30–60 minutes. Bake at 300˚F for 15–18 minutes, then let cool. Pair shells by size, pipe ganache, sprinkle with crushed candy canes, and sandwich together. For a cozy dinner idea, check out Crockpot Ranch Beef Pasta Shells Dinner Recipes.
Tips and tricks to make this recipe shine
Always use room-temperature egg whites for fluffier macarons. Sift your dry ingredients for smooth shells. If your macarons crack, try letting them rest longer before baking. And don’t worry if your first batch isn’t picture-perfect—the taste is what matters most, especially with that peppermint ganache!
What to serve with this recipe
Peppermint macarons are perfect with a cup of hot cocoa or a cozy herbal tea. Their cool mint flavor pairs nicely with warm drinks, making them a winter favorite. For a festive dessert spread, serve alongside chocolate truffles or simple butter cookies. You could even add them to a holiday dessert platter for a pop of color and flavor. Honestly, these little treats fit in just about anywhere—don’t stress too much, just enjoy them.
How to store and reheat
For best results, store your peppermint macarons in an airtight container in the fridge. Let them rest for 24 hours before serving so the flavors and textures meld. They’ll keep fresh for up to five days. If you want to enjoy them at room temp, just take them out 20 minutes before serving. Reheating isn’t really needed, but if you must, a few seconds at room temp does the trick. Try them after a savory meal like Pumpkin Chicken Pasta Dinner Recipes for a sweet finish!
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Must-Try Peppermint Macarons Dessert Recipe for Festive Flavors
- Total Time: 24 hours 1 hour 3 to 8 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal, Vegetarian
Description
Delicious peppermint macarons with a smooth white chocolate peppermint ganache and a hint of crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
Ingredients
125 grams almond flour
100 grams egg whites (at room temperature)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
80 grams sugar
Red gel food coloring (optional)
226 grams white chocolate chips
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
¼ cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
Make the Ganache
Place white chocolate and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl.
Heat for 1 minute in microwave, then let sit 5 minutes.
Stir in peppermint extract until smooth.
Chill in fridge.
Make the Macarons
Prepare piping bag with round tip and line baking sheet.
Pulse almond flour and confectioners sugar in food processor until fine.
Sift mixture into a bowl.
Beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
Gradually add sugar while beating until stiff peaks.
Add vanilla extract and mix.
Fold one-third egg whites into almond mixture, then fold in remaining in two additions.
Fold until batter flows in ribbons.
Paint red streaks inside piping bag if desired.
Fill bag with batter and pipe 1½-inch circles on baking sheet spaced ½ inch apart.
Tap baking sheet five times and pop bubbles.
Let rest 30-60 minutes until dry skin forms.
Preheat oven to 300˚F (150˚C).
Bake 15-18 minutes until macarons don’t move when tapped.
Cool completely before handling.
Assemble
Match shells by size.
Pipe ganache onto one shell, sprinkle with crushed candy canes, then sandwich.
Store in airtight container and chill in refrigerator 24 hours before serving.
Notes
Doubling or tripling the recipe increases ingredient quantities accordingly.
Use red gel food coloring for festive stripes on macarons.
Resting macarons before baking is essential for a smooth top and proper texture.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 to 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 40
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 30
FAQ
Can I double this peppermint macarons recipe?
Yes! Just double each ingredient—nothing else changes.
Why did my macarons crack?
Cracking is usually from not letting them rest long enough. Make sure a skin forms before baking.
Can I freeze peppermint macarons?
Absolutely. Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Do I have to use red gel food coloring?
Nope! It’s just for looks. The flavor is the same without it.
How long do peppermint macarons stay fresh?
They’re best within 5 days if kept in the fridge.
Making peppermint macarons is a bit of a journey, but honestly, it’s so worth it. There’s something magical about biting into that crisp yet chewy shell with creamy peppermint ganache inside. If you’re new to macarons, don’t worry about perfection—each batch teaches you something new, and the results are always delicious. For more cozy dinner inspiration, peek at our Pumpkin Chicken Pasta Dinner Recipes. And if you want to save this recipe for later, follow us on Pinterest for more sweet ideas!
