Gingerbread Macarons

I remember the first time I made Gingerbread Macarons for my family. It was a chilly December evening, and the scent of ginger and spices danced through our home. My grandmother used to make gingerbread cookies every Christmas, and those visits filled me with warmth. I wanted to capture that same feeling in a new way. The idea of making delicate macarons with the flavors of gingerbread intrigued me. As I mixed the ingredients, I felt a sense of nostalgia washing over me. This recipe not only brought back memories but also created new ones with my loved ones. The joy on their faces as they tasted these treats filled my heart with happiness. Each macaron held a piece of tradition, and I knew this recipe would become a part of my family’s holiday gatherings for years to come.

Why Make This Recipe

Gingerbread Macarons stand out for many reasons. First, these delightful treats blend French macaron techniques with classic gingerbread flavors. You get to experience a crispy shell with a soft and chewy center, all while enjoying the warm spices that make gingerbread irresistible. As the seasons change, these macarons offer a comforting reminder of cozy winter nights filled with laughter and warmth.

Moreover, Gingerbread Macarons hold great versatility. You can serve them during holiday parties, gift them to friends, or enjoy them as a sweet treat after dinner. They fit perfectly in any setting. Imagine presenting these beautifully decorated macarons alongside a steaming cup of cocoa or coffee. Each bite unleashes layers of spiced goodness, making them especially satisfying. Friends and family will appreciate your efforts, and their taste buds will thank you.

In addition to their flavor and texture, Gingerbread Macarons are convenient to make. While they may seem fancy, the process is straightforward. Each step builds excitement as you create something so beautiful and delicious. The joy of filling them with creamy buttercream adds a special touch. Overall, making Gingerbread Macarons not only feeds your stomach but also warms your heart. You’ll fall in love with them just as my family and I did.

How to make Gingerbread Macarons

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tsp Ginger, ground
• 100 g Egg whites
• 1 tbsp Molasses, fancy
• 137 g Almond flour, super fine
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp Cloves, ground
• 1 3/4 cup Confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tbsp Gingerbread men sprinkles
• 1 tsp Vanilla
• 57 g White chocolate
• 110 g White sugar, super fine
• 1/2 cup Butter, unsalted

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, 1 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
3. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add in white sugar until stiff peaks form.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg whites along with molasses and vanilla. Add brown gel food coloring if desired.
5. Pipe small circles onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Let the macarons sit for 30 minutes to form a skin.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the shells are firm to the touch.
8. Allow to cool completely.
9. For the filling, beat unsalted butter until creamy, then mix in melted white chocolate and remaining confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
10. Pipe the buttercream filling between two macaron shells.
11. Decorate with gingerbread men sprinkles. Enjoy!

How to Serve Gingerbread Macarons

Serving Gingerbread Macarons can take your experience to the next level. For a cozy winter gathering, present them on a festive platter, perhaps with sprigs of holly or pine branches as decoration. The warmth of the spices complements classic holiday beverages, so pair them with hot cocoa or spiced cider. Serving them at room temperature works best, as it allows the macarons to showcase their delicate texture.

You can also create a delightful dessert table featuring Gingerbread Macarons alongside other seasonal treats like ginger snaps or eggnog cookies. This arrangement creates a festive atmosphere. For added fun, you can even drop small, creamy chocolates or spiced nuts around the macarons on the table. They create an inviting touch that guests will love.

Finally, consider wrapping a few macarons as gifts. Use clear cellophane bags and tie them with a ribbon. They make thoughtful gifts for friends, co-workers, or neighbors. No matter how you serve them, these Gingerbread Macarons will shine and spread warmth wherever they are shared.

How to Store Gingerbread Macarons

Storing Gingerbread Macarons properly keeps them fresh and tasty. First, let the macarons cool completely once you bake them. This crucial step helps prevent moisture from ruining their texture. Place the cooled macarons in an airtight container. You can layer them with parchment paper between each row to keep them from sticking together.

In the refrigerator, your macarons can last about 3-5 days. Make sure to seal the container tightly. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. You can freeze assembled macarons for up to a month. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, ensuring they have enough space to avoid sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.

Regardless of how you choose to store them, always remember to enjoy Gingerbread Macarons fresh for the best flavor and texture!

Tips to Make Gingerbread Macarons

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your egg whites are at room temperature before beating them. This helps them whip better, creating a lighter, airier texture. If you need to quickly warm them up, place the egg whites in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.

2. Measure Accurately: Precision in measuring ingredients is vital for making perfect macarons. Weigh your ingredients using a kitchen scale for the best results. Even slight discrepancies can affect the texture and overall result.

3. Sift Dry Ingredients: Always sift your almond flour and confectioners’ sugar before mixing. This step helps remove any lumps and ensures a smoother batter. It will create that perfect macaron foot when baked.

4. Macaron Ageing: For better taste, let the assembled macarons sit in the fridge for 24 hours before serving. This aging process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a more delightful experience.

5. No Overmixing: When folding the dry ingredients into the egg whites, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to flat macarons with no signature rise. The batter should flow smoothly but still hold its shape.

6. Oven Thermometer: Always use an oven thermometer to verify your oven’s temperature. Some ovens can run hot or cold, affecting baking time. Accurate temperature ensures your macarons bake to perfection.

7. Experiment with Colors: Feel free to add a few drops of brown gel food coloring to your batter for a deeper gingerbread look. You can make your treats visually tempting as well as delicious.

8. Substitute Ingredients: If you want to make them gluten-free, ensure you use certified gluten-free almond flour instead of regular. This swap keeps them clinging to the essence of a classic macaron while being gluten-free.

Variation Ideas for Gingerbread Macarons

1. Chocolate Gingerbread Macarons: Add cocoa powder to the almond flour mixture for a chocolatey twist. This variation complements the gingerbread flavor perfectly and provides a rich taste.

2. Cranberry Gingerbread Macarons: Create a fruity version by adding dried cranberries to the white chocolate filling. The tartness of cranberries balances out the sweetness and creates a delicious contrast.

3. Maple Gingerbread Macarons: Use maple syrup instead of molasses for a sweeter flavor. Maple syrup provides a nice twist and offers a lighter flavor while keeping the essence of gingerbread intact.

4. Nutty Gingerbread Macarons: Incorporate finely chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the filling. The crunchiness of the nuts adds an interesting texture that pairs harmoniously with the creamy white chocolate.

5. Caramel Gingerbread Macarons: For a richer treat, drizzle some caramel sauce into the buttercream filling. The gooey caramel enhances the flavor and adds a festive touch.

6. Spiced Pumpkin Gingerbread Macarons: Mix in some pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice into the filling for a seasonal spin. These macarons will be perfect for the fall season, making them a delightful treat for Thanksgiving.

FAQs of Gingerbread Macarons

1. How do I know if my macarons are baked properly?
The key to knowing if your macarons are baked correctly lies in their texture. They should be firm to the touch and have a smooth surface. If they have a shiny appearance while still being soft, give them a few more minutes.

2. Can I use egg whites from a carton instead of fresh eggs?
Yes, you can use pasteurized egg whites from a carton. Just make sure to check your carton for the equivalent amount needed. Using carton egg whites may affect the overall texture slightly, but they should still work for making macarons.

3. How long can I freeze Gingerbread Macarons?
You can freeze Gingerbread Macarons for up to a month. Make sure they are in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. Remember to allow them to thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.

4. What can I do if my macarons crack while baking?
Cracking can result from several factors, such as an overly humid environment or improper oven temperature. Make sure to use an oven thermometer and allow the macarons to dry properly before baking to avoid cracking.

5. Can I make these macarons ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the macaron shells a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble with the filling. They also taste better when aged in the fridge for a day.

6. What should I do if my macaron shells are hollow?
Hollow macarons usually result from under-beating the egg whites or folding the batter too much. To avoid this issue, ensure your egg whites form stiff peaks and pay attention when folding in the dry ingredients to maintain structure.

Gingerbread Macarons

---

• Author: imrane
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delicate macarons infused with warm gingerbread spices, perfect for holiday gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/2 tsp Ginger, ground
• 100 g Egg whites
• 1 tbsp Molasses, fancy
• 137 g Almond flour, super fine
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp Cloves, ground
• 1 3/4 cup Confectioners’ sugar
• 2 tbsp Gingerbread men sprinkles
• 1 tsp Vanilla
• 57 g White chocolate
• 110 g White sugar, super fine
• 1/2 cup Butter, unsalted

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, confectioners’ sugar, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
3. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add in white sugar until stiff peaks form.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg whites along with molasses and vanilla.
5. Pipe small circles onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Let the macarons sit for 30 minutes to form a skin.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the shells are firm to the touch.
8. Allow to cool completely.
9. For the filling, beat unsalted butter until creamy, then mix in melted white chocolate and remaining confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
10. Pipe the buttercream filling between two macaron shells and decorate with gingerbread men sprinkles.
11. Enjoy!

Notes

Macarons taste even better if aged in the fridge for a day before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 macaron
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 30mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: macarons, gingerbread, holiday dessert, festive treats