Name: Snowflake Macarons
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-481153H51M9S
Total time: PT-481153H51M9S
Ingredients: Macarons: 100g granulated sugar; 4g egg white powder (optional); 100g egg whites; 105g almond flour; 105g powdered sugar; White gel food coloring; White Chocolate Ganache: 1/2 cup heavy cream; 4 oz white chocolate, chopped; 1/4 tsp almond extract; Decoration: Royal icing (made from 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 tbsp meringue powder, 1-2 tbsp water); Edible silver or pearl dust (optional)

Snowflake Macarons are the epitome of winter elegance in dessert form. These delicate treats, with their light, airy texture and festive decoration, are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special winter treat. The white chocolate ganache filling paired with intricate royal icing designs makes them not only delicious but also a visually stunning addition to any dessert table.

Ingredients

Macarons:
- 100g granulated sugar
- 4g egg white powder (optional)
- 100g egg whites
- 105g almond flour
- 105g powdered sugar
- White gel food coloring
White Chocolate Ganache:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz white chocolate, chopped
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
Decoration:
- Royal icing (made from 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 tbsp meringue powder, 1-2 tbsp water)
- Edible silver or pearl dust (optional)

Preparation

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Step 2: Sift the almond flour and powdered sugar together and set aside.
Step 3: Over a double boiler, whisk together the egg whites, granulated sugar, and egg white powder until the sugar dissolves. Transfer to a mixer and whip until stiff peaks form.
Step 4: Fold in the sifted ingredients and white gel food coloring into the whipped egg whites until the batter is smooth and flows nicely.
Step 5: Pipe the batter onto the prepared baking sheets in small circles, allowing space for spreading. Let the macarons rest for 1-2 hours to form a skin.
Step 6: Bake for 15-20 minutes, then remove and let cool completely.
Step 7: For the ganache, heat the cream until warm, then pour over the chopped white chocolate. Stir until smooth, add almond extract, and let cool until it reaches a pipeable consistency.
Step 8: Assemble the macarons by piping ganache on one shell and sandwiching with another.
Step 9: Decorate with royal icing to create snowflake patterns and optionally dust with edible silver or pearl dust.

Variations

Flavor Twists: Add peppermint extract to the ganache for a minty touch or use different extracts to match the season.
Color Variations: Experiment with different gel food colorings for a colorful twist on the classic white snowflake theme.

Cooking Note

Be gentle when folding the batter to maintain the airiness necessary for the perfect macaron texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these macarons as part of a holiday dessert platter, or package them beautifully as a heartfelt homemade gift.

Tips

Ensure all equipment used for whipping egg whites is completely grease-free to get the best volume.
Allow macarons to mature in the fridge overnight; this helps develop their flavors and texture.

Prep Time

30 minutes (plus 1-2 hours resting)

Cooking Time

15-20 minutes

Total Time

About 3 hours, including cooling and setting time

Nutritional Information (per macaron, approximate)

Calories: 120
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 25mg

FAQs

How long do macarons last?
- Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, they can last up to 1 week.
Can I make macarons in humid weather?
- Humidity can affect the texture; it’s best to make them on dry days or in air-conditioned environments.

Conclusion

Snowflake Macarons bring a touch of winter magic to your culinary creations. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying macarons for the first time, this recipe provides a rewarding challenge with a spectacularly festive result. Enjoy the process and the praise you’ll surely receive from delighted guests!

Snowflake Macarons

Author: recipes
Total Time: About 3 hours, including cooling and setting time

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Step 2: Sift the almond flour and powdered sugar together and set aside.
Step 3: Over a double boiler, whisk together the egg whites, granulated sugar, and egg white powder until the sugar dissolves. Transfer to a mixer and whip until stiff peaks form.
Step 4: Fold in the sifted ingredients and white gel food coloring into the whipped egg whites until the batter is smooth and flows nicely.
Step 5: Pipe the batter onto the prepared baking sheets in small circles, allowing space for spreading. Let the macarons rest for 1-2 hours to form a skin.
Step 6: Bake for 15-20 minutes, then remove and let cool completely.
Step 7: For the ganache, heat the cream until warm, then pour over the chopped white chocolate. Stir until smooth, add almond extract, and let cool until it reaches a pipeable consistency.
Step 8: Assemble the macarons by piping ganache on one shell and sandwiching with another.
Step 9: Decorate with royal icing to create snowflake patterns and optionally dust with edible silver or pearl dust.

Variations

Flavor Twists: Add peppermint extract to the ganache for a minty touch or use different extracts to match the season.
Color Variations: Experiment with different gel food colorings for a colorful twist on the classic white snowflake theme.

Notes

Be gentle when folding the batter to maintain the airiness necessary for the perfect macaron texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these macarons as part of a holiday dessert platter, or package them beautifully as a heartfelt homemade gift.

Tips

Ensure all equipment used for whipping egg whites is completely grease-free to get the best volume.
Allow macarons to mature in the fridge overnight; this helps develop their flavors and texture

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes