Gingerbread Macarons

Gingerbread macarons are the perfect blend of holiday cheer and culinary finesse. These delightful treats combine the rich flavors of gingerbread with the delicate texture of macarons, making them an ideal dessert for festive gatherings. Their stunning appearance and unique taste will surely impress your guests, whether you’re celebrating a party or enjoying a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavors: Enjoy the warm spices of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves that evoke the spirit of the holiday season.
• Elegant Presentation: These macarons look beautiful on any dessert table, adding a touch of sophistication to your celebrations.
• Easy to Customize: You can adjust colors and decorations to match different occasions, making them versatile for various events.
• Decadent Filling: The molasses buttercream adds a rich sweetness that perfectly complements the gingerbread flavors.
• Perfect for Gifting: Pack these macarons in a lovely box for a thoughtful homemade gift that friends and family will cherish.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process. Having everything ready will make creating your gingerbread macarons enjoyable and hassle-free.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Sifter
• Food scale (for precise measurements)

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Essential for beating egg whites to stiff peaks for that perfect macaron structure.
• Sifter: Helps achieve a smooth batter by removing lumps from dry ingredients, ensuring light and airy shells.
• Baking sheets: Provide an even surface for baking, allowing consistent heat distribution for uniform cooking.

Ingredients

For the Macaron Shells

• 137 grams super fine almond flour (about 1 ½ cups)
• 117 grams confectioners’ sugar (about 1 cup)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 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 brown gel food coloring (I used Chefmaster Buckeye Brown)

For the Filling

• 57 grams (2 ounces) white chocolate, melted
• 2 tablespoons gingerbread men sprinkles
• 1/2 cup (114 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cup (210 grams) confectioners’ sugar
• 1 tablespoon (20 grams) fancy molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

How to Make Gingerbread Macarons

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, sift together:
1. Almond flour
2. Confectioners’ sugar
3. Cinnamon
4. Ground ginger
5. Ground cloves

This step ensures there are no lumps in your dry mixture.

Step 3: Whip Egg Whites

In a clean mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature egg whites until frothy. Gradually add white sugar while continuing to beat until you achieve stiff peaks. This may take about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the whipped egg whites using a rubber spatula. Add brown gel food coloring gradually until you reach your desired shade.

Step 5: Pipe Macarons

Transfer the macaron batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each one.

Step 6: Rest Before Baking

Let the piped macarons sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes until they form a skin on top. This helps create that sought-after macaron “foot” during baking.

Step 7: Bake

Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should not brown too much.

Step 8: Make the Filling

While they bake, prepare your filling by creaming together softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until fluffy. Add melted white chocolate, molasses, and vanilla; mix until smooth.

Step 9: Assemble Macarons

Once cooled, pair up macaron shells of similar sizes. Pipe or spread filling onto one shell before topping it with another to create a sandwich.

Step 10: Decorate

Sprinkle some gingerbread men sprinkles on top of each assembled macaron for that festive touch!

Enjoy your homemade gingerbread macarons!

How to Serve Gingerbread Macarons

Gingerbread macarons are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for a sweet snack, here are some serving suggestions.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee – The rich flavors of coffee complement the spices in gingerbread macarons, enhancing their taste.
• Tea – Pair with a warm spiced tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Hot Chocolate – Enjoy with a cup of creamy hot chocolate for an indulgent experience.

On Dessert Platters

• Holiday Dessert Table – Include these festive macarons on your holiday dessert spread for a charming touch.
• Gift Boxes – Package them in decorative boxes as gifts for friends and family during the festive season.

As Party Favors

• Mini Gift Bags – Fill small bags with macarons to give as favors at parties, adding a personal touch to your celebrations.
• Brunch Treats – Serve them alongside other brunch favorites to impress your guests.

How to Perfect Gingerbread Macarons

Creating perfect gingerbread macarons requires attention to detail. Here are some essential tips to ensure success:

• Boldly sift dry ingredients – Sifting almond flour and confectioners’ sugar helps create a smooth batter and prevents lumps.
• Boldly age egg whites – Letting egg whites sit at room temperature for several hours improves their volume when whipped.
• Boldly fold gently – When combining the dry ingredients with the whipped egg whites, use gentle folding motions to maintain the airiness of the batter.
• Boldly pipe evenly – Use a steady hand while piping the batter onto the baking sheet to ensure uniform shapes.
• Boldly bake correctly – Keep an eye on your macarons while baking; they should have a slight sheen and form feet without browning too much.

Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Macarons

Pairing side dishes with gingerbread macarons can enhance your dessert experience. Consider these options:

1. Bold Spiced Nuts – Roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg add crunch and warmth.
2. Bold Fruit Salad – A fresh fruit salad can balance the sweetness of the macarons with its vibrant flavors.
3. Bold Cream Cheese Frosting – Serve with cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of creaminess that complements the spices.
4. Bold Mini Cheesecakes – Bite-sized cheesecakes provide a rich, creamy contrast to the lightness of the macarons.
5. Bold Chocolate Dipped Fruits – Fruits dipped in dark chocolate add elegance and decadence to your dessert table.
6. Bold Pumpkin Pie Bites – These mini pies echo holiday flavors, creating a cohesive dessert theme.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making gingerbread macarons, it’s easy to encounter some common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Not Sifting Ingredients: Failing to sift almond flour and confectioners’ sugar can lead to a grainy texture. Always sift these ingredients together to ensure a smooth mixture.
• Overbeating Egg Whites: Beating egg whites too much can cause them to become dry and difficult to incorporate. Aim for stiff peaks but stop once they are glossy and hold shape.
• Skipping the Aging Process: Not letting the macarons sit before baking can result in cracked tops. Allow the piped macarons to rest at room temperature until a skin forms, about 30-60 minutes.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect the macaron’s rise and texture. Always use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy, baking at 300°F (150°C).
• Not Using Gel Food Coloring Sparingly: Adding too much food coloring can alter the structure of your macarons. Use just enough to achieve your desired shade without compromising texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing Gingerbread Macarons

• Place macarons in a single layer in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Gingerbread Macarons

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Warm macarons on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 10-15 seconds until slightly warm.
• Stovetop: Place macarons in a covered pan over low heat for about 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making gingerbread macarons, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

How do I know if my Gingerbread Macarons are done?

Gingerbread macarons are done when they have formed a firm shell and easily lift off the baking sheet without sticking.

Can I customize the filling for my Gingerbread Macarons?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different fillings such as cream cheese frosting or flavored ganache to suit your taste preferences.

What should I do if my Gingerbread Macarons crack?

Cracking usually indicates that either the batter was too runny or they didn’t rest long enough before baking. Make sure to follow resting times closely.

How do I achieve perfect feet on my Gingerbread Macarons?

To get those lovely feet, make sure your batter is not overmixed and that you allow adequate time for drying before baking.

Final Thoughts

Gingerbread macarons are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them perfect for festive occasions. Their rich flavors and unique texture will impress your guests, while the versatility allows for plenty of customization. Don’t hesitate to try this delightful recipe; it’s sure to become a holiday favorite!