There’s something truly magical about Snowflake Macarons. Crisp, delicate shells with a chewy center, filled with fluffy vanilla buttercream and topped with wintry, whimsical designs—these little treats are pure holiday joy in dessert form. Whether you’re celebrating a snowy morning or simply want to delight friends and family, Snowflake Macarons bring a touch of elegance and a whole lot of fun to your table. With a shimmering finish and that melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re guaranteed to steal the show at any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Snowflake Macarons lies in their simplicity. Every ingredient is essential: from the finely ground almond flour that gives the shells their signature bite, to the lush vanilla buttercream filling and sparkling decorations, each component lends something special to taste, texture, and presentation.
- Powdered sugar: This creates the sweet, smooth base essential for light macaron shells.
- Almond flour (finely ground and sifted): Gives the macarons their classic texture—soft on the inside, crisp outside.
- Egg whites (room temperature): Key to that iconic glossy shell; room temp egg whites whip up perfectly for structure.
- Granulated sugar: Stabilizes the meringue and helps achieve those stiff, glossy peaks.
- Cream of tartar: Offers extra stability for your meringue, so you don’t lose air during folding.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and balances the sweetness in both the shells and the filling.
- Blue gel food coloring (optional): A few drops lend an icy tint perfect for winter-themed Snowflake Macarons.
- White sanding sugar or edible glitter (optional): For that frosted, shimmery snowflake look.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Forms the rich, creamy base of the vanilla filling.
- Heavy cream or milk: Loosens the buttercream just enough for a dreamy, pipeable texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch to round out the filling’s sweetness.
- Royal icing or white chocolate: To pipe those dainty snowflakes on top—so fun and festive!
- White sprinkles or edible pearls (optional): Pop these on for a picture-perfect finish.
How to Make Snowflake Macarons
Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
Begin by lining two baking sheets with parchment or silicone mats—this prevents sticking and helps create perfectly rounded macaron shells. Pulse your powdered sugar and almond flour together in a food processor until extra fine, then sift it into a large bowl. This double treatment is the secret to smooth, lump-free shells that look and taste professional.
Step 2: Make the Meringue
In a separate clean bowl, beat your room temperature egg whites together with cream of tartar until they’re foamy. Gradually sprinkle in the granulated sugar, continuing to beat on medium-high until you see stiff, glossy peaks—think marshmallow-like clouds that hold their shape. Add your vanilla extract and, if you like, a touch of blue food coloring for that frosty Snowflake Macarons aesthetic; beat just until evenly colored.
Step 3: Fold Batter and Pipe
Now for the fun part—gently fold your dry mixture into the meringue in batches, using big, careful strokes with a spatula. You’re aiming for a batter that flows slowly and forms thick ribbons—stop folding as soon as that happens to avoid overmixing. Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip, and pipe 1.5-inch rounds onto your prepared trays. Firmly tap the trays on the counter to pop any air bubbles, then let those little circles rest at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes, until the tops are dry to the touch. This is what yields the classic “feet” of perfect macarons!
Step 4: Bake the Macaron Shells
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the macarons for 15 to 18 minutes; they’re done when they easily peel off the parchment and have risen with little ruffled feet. Let them cool completely, right on the trays—moving them too soon can lead to cracks or sticking.
Step 5: Make the Filling
While your shells cool, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add in powdered sugar, vanilla, heavy cream (or milk), and a pinch of salt. Keep beating until your filling is fluffy and spreads easily. Transfer to a piping bag for neat assembly.
Step 6: Assemble and Decorate Your Snowflake Macarons
Pair up shells of matching size—you want symmetrical, tidy macarons. Pipe a generous dollop of filling on the flat side of one shell, sandwich with its partner, and gently twist to spread. For the grand finale, use royal icing or melted white chocolate to pipe delicate snowflakes on each macaron, then sprinkle with sanding sugar, edible pearls, or glitter for a frosty, magical touch. Allow the decorations to set before serving, and enjoy your breathtaking Snowflake Macarons!
How to Serve Snowflake Macarons
Garnishes
Snowflake Macarons are gorgeous on their own, but a scatter of extra edible pearls or a dusting of edible glitter right before serving adds even more wintry sparkle. You can’t go wrong with an artful drizzle of melted white chocolate or a few tiny royal icing stars for a bit of contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair Snowflake Macarons with a pot of fragrant tea, hot chocolate, or bubbly sparkling wine for an elegant touch. Their delicate vanilla-almond flavor matches wonderfully with fresh berries, light citrus sorbets, or even a festive holiday cheese board if you want to balance sweet with savory.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the box: arrange your Snowflake Macarons in a circular “wreath” on a platter, or create a snowy landscape by nestling them in shredded coconut. For parties, box them up in clear gift boxes tied with a ribbon—they make delightful edible favors everyone will remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store assembled Snowflake Macarons in an airtight container in the fridge. Let them mature for 24 hours—this lets the flavors meld and the shells soften ever so slightly, resulting in the dreamy texture we all crave. They’ll stay delicious for up to five days, just bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezing
Macarons freeze beautifully if you want to make them well in advance. Place assembled (and fully decorated) Snowflake Macarons in a single layer or with parchment between layers in an airtight container. Freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then let come to room temp for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Snowflake Macarons—if they’ve been stored in the fridge or freezer, let them sit out until they’re perfectly soft and flavorful. The buttercream filling will return to its creamy texture, and the shells reclaim their delicate chewiness.
FAQs
What’s the secret to smooth macaron shells?
The combination of finely sifted almond flour and powdered sugar, along with careful folding (macaronage), is key. Don’t rush the sifting, and stop folding right when the batter flows in thick ribbons. Letting the unbaked shells rest until dry to the touch also helps deliver that flawless sheen.
Why did my Snowflake Macarons crack or have no feet?
Cracks or feet issues usually come from over- or undermixing the batter, or baking before the shells have dried enough. Make sure you rest the piped batter until tops are no longer sticky, and always bake at the recommended temperature for consistent, lovely results.
Can I flavor the filling with something other than vanilla?
Absolutely! While classic Snowflake Macarons really shine with vanilla, you can switch things up with peppermint, almond, orange, or even white chocolate extracts. Just use a light hand so the flavors don’t overpower the delicate shell.
My filling is too stiff to pipe. What should I do?
If your buttercream is too thick, simply beat in another splash of heavy cream or milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the perfect, smooth consistency. It should be soft enough to pipe but firm enough to hold its shape.
Can I make Snowflake Macarons without a piping bag?
While a piping bag gives the cleanest, most uniform results, you can use a plastic zip-top bag with the tip snipped off in a pinch. The macarons may not be perfectly round, but they’ll still taste heavenly and your snowy decorations will shine.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a magical, memorable dessert to your holiday spread, give Snowflake Macarons a try. They’re as fun to make as they are beautiful and delicious—don’t be surprised if they become your new seasonal showstopper. Happy baking!
