Enchanting Peppermint Macarons Recipe: Sweet Holiday Magic

Delicate French desserts like these peppermint macarons bring magic to your holiday table.

Crisp almond meringue shells sandwich a rich, creamy filling that whispers winter charm.

Bakery-style treats often seem intimidating, but this recipe breaks down complex techniques into simple steps.

Elegant and playful, these confections dance between classic technique and festive flavor.

Each gentle bite promises a cool, sweet encounter with mint’s refreshing essence.

Precise measurements and careful technique craft these delightful cookies that look impressive yet taste wonderfully light.

Let’s create something extraordinary that will surprise and delight everyone at your gathering.

Expert Tips for Macaron Texture and Look

• Measure Precisely: Use a digital kitchen scale for accurate ingredient measurements, crucial for achieving perfect macaron texture and appearance.
• Sifting Secrets: Sift dry ingredients multiple times to eliminate lumps and ensure a smooth, silky macaron shell with no unwanted bumps.
• Egg White Wisdom: Separate egg whites at room temperature and let them sit for 24 hours to stabilize, resulting in better meringue volume and structure.
• Temperature Control: Monitor oven temperature carefully, as even slight variations can cause cracked or underbaked macaron shells, ruining the delicate texture.
• Moisture Management: Avoid making macarons on humid days, as excess moisture can prevent shells from developing the signature crisp exterior and chewy interior.

How to Keep Peppermint Macarons Fresh

• Store macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them away from strong-smelling foods.
• Layer macarons between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, where they'll stay fresh for 3 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Keep macarons away from humidity and direct sunlight to maintain their delicate crisp shell and soft interior.
• When removing from refrigerator, let container sit at room temperature to prevent moisture buildup that could soften the macaron shells.

Pairing Ideas for a Festive Macaron Plate

• Create a luxurious warm beverage matching the macaron's minty profile, offering a comforting and indulgent companion that elevates the delicate cookie's flavor.
• Develop a smooth, rich vanilla cream filling that softens the sharp peppermint notes, providing a balanced and elegant taste experience that harmonizes perfectly with the macaron's texture.
• Design a light, airy dessert featuring white chocolate and fresh raspberries, which adds a fruity brightness that beautifully contrasts the cool peppermint essence and enhances the macaron's delicate shell.
• Select a crisp, slightly sweet champagne rosé that brings effervescence and subtle berry undertones, creating a sophisticated pairing that highlights the macaron's refined and festive character.

Fun Variations on Classic Peppermint Macarons

• Chocolate Peppermint Variation: Replace food coloring with cocoa powder and add dark chocolate ganache filling for a rich winter-themed macaron.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Already gluten-free by using almond flour; ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Alternative: Substitute egg whites with aquafaba (chickpea liquid) and use plant-based powdered sugar for a completely vegan macaron experience.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of traditional sugar, reducing overall calorie and sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor profile.

Why Peppermint Macarons Are Worth Making

• Perfect for bakers who want to elevate their pastry skills with an elegant French treat.
• These macarons deliver impressive visual appeal with their glossy shells and vibrant pink color, making them ideal for special occasions like holidays or dinner parties.
• Though challenging, this recipe teaches precise macaron-making skills that improve with practice, helping home bakers develop professional-level pastry techniques.
• Peppermint extract transforms classic macarons into a seasonal delight, offering a refreshing and cool taste that complements winter gatherings and Christmas celebrations.

Ingredients Needed for Peppermint Macarons

• Almond Flour, Powdered Sugar: A fine base for delicate macaron shells, sifted together to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture. Choose blanched almond flour for the best results and finest consistency.

• Egg Whites: Key component for creating the light, airy macaron structure. Fresh, room temperature eggs work best for maximum volume and stability.
• Granulated Sugar: Stabilizes and sweetens the egg white meringue, creating a glossy and strong shell. White, fine sugar is recommended for the smoothest finish.

• Peppermint Extract: Provides a cool, refreshing mint flavor to the macaron shells. Use pure extract for the most authentic taste.
• Red Gel Food Coloring: Adds a festive pink or red tone to the macaron shells. Gel colors are preferred over liquid as they won't disrupt the delicate meringue structure.

Baking Instructions for These Sweet Macarons

Step 1: Create Flour Mixture

Sift almond flour and powdered sugar into a large bowl. Remove any large chunks remaining in the sieve.

Step 2: Whip Egg Whites

Use a clean mixing bowl to beat egg whites with an electric mixer until they become frothy. Slowly add granulated sugar while continuing to beat until the mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks.

Step 3: Enhance Flavor and Color

Mix in peppermint extract. Add a small amount of red gel food coloring to create a soft pink or vibrant red shade.

Step 4: Blend Batter

Carefully fold dry ingredients into whipped egg whites using a spatula. Mix until the batter reaches a lava-like consistency that creates a smooth ribbon when dripped from the spatula.

Step 5: Shape Macaron Shells

Fill a piping bag with a round tip. Pipe small circular shapes (about 1 inch/2.5 cm wide) onto a parchment-lined or silicone mat-covered baking sheet.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Gently tap the baking sheet against the counter to eliminate air bubbles. Let shells sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until a dry skin forms on the surface.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Heat oven to 300F (150C). Bake macarons for 15-18 minutes until they can be easily lifted from the parchment paper. Allow complete cooling before removing from the tray.

Peppermint Macarons Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 18 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delicate French Peppermint Macarons blend crisp almond shells with cool mint ganache, creating a festive winter dessert. Elegant French patisserie meets holiday cheer in these delightful cookies that melt smoothly on your palate.

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Ingredients

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Macarons:

• 100 g (1 cup) almond flour, finely sifted
• 100 g (⅘ cup) powdered sugar
• 50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
• 70 g (⅓ cup) egg whites, at room temperature

Flavoring and Coloring:

• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
• Red gel food coloring

Filling and Garnish:

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups (190 g) powdered sugar
• 12 teaspoons peppermint extract (to taste)
• 12 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• Crushed candy canes (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Meticulously sift almond flour and powdered sugar through a fine-mesh strainer into a pristine mixing bowl, ensuring no coarse particles remain.
2. Using an electric mixer, whip egg whites until they transform into a foamy texture, gradually incorporating granulated sugar while continuing to beat until peaks become stiff and luxuriously glossy.
3. Infuse the meringue with peppermint extract, then delicately introduce a touch of red gel food coloring to create a soft blush or vibrant crimson hue.
4. Execute the macaronage technique by gently folding dry ingredients into the whipped meringue, using a silicone spatula with precise, deliberate strokes until the batter achieves a molten, ribbon-like consistency that smoothly cascades from the spatula.
5. Carefully transfer the macaron batter into a piping bag equipped with a circular tip, then artfully pipe uniform circles approximately 1 inch in diameter onto a parchment-lined or silicone mat-covered baking sheet.
6. Firmly tap the baking sheet against the countertop to eliminate any trapped air bubbles, then allow the delicate shells to rest at ambient temperature for 30-60 minutes until a protective skin forms.
7. Calibrate the oven to 300F (150C), then gently bake the macarons for 15-18 minutes, ensuring they can be effortlessly lifted from the parchment without sticking, and permit complete cooling before carefully removing from the tray.

Notes

• Sifting Secrets: Always sift dry ingredients twice to ensure ultra-smooth, lump-free macaron shells with a perfectly delicate texture.
• Egg White Wisdom: Use room temperature egg whites for maximum volume and stability when whipping, guaranteeing those signature glossy peaks.
• Color Control: Add gel food coloring sparingly to maintain the meringue’s structure and prevent deflating the delicate egg white foam.
• Moisture Management: Allow piped shells to develop a skin before baking, which creates the classic macaron “feet” and prevents cracking during baking.
• Temperature Precision: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature, as macarons are notoriously sensitive to heat fluctuations.
• Dietary Adaptations: Substitute almond flour with ground sunflower seeds for nut-free version or use aquafaba for a vegan alternative.
• Storage Strategy: Store finished macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld for 24 hours before serving for optimal taste and texture.

• Prep Time: 15-18 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-60 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg