Gingerbread Macarons

Gingerbread macarons are a delightful way to celebrate the holiday season, combining the beloved flavors of gingerbread cookies with the elegance of French macarons. These treats are perfect for festive gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply as a sweet indulgence at home. With their crispy shells and rich molasses buttercream filling, gingerbread macarons offer a unique twist that will impress any dessert lover.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor – The combination of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves creates a taste that is both comforting and festive.
• Versatile Treat – Perfect for holiday parties, gift-giving, or simply enjoying at home with friends or family.
• Beautiful Presentation – The stunning appearance of these macarons will elevate your dessert table and impress your guests.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delightful gingerbread macarons, having the right tools will ensure success in your baking adventure.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Sifter
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Piping bag with round tip
• Oven thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer – Essential for whipping egg whites to the perfect stiff peaks for those airy macaron shells.
• Sifter – Ensures even mixing of dry ingredients and prevents clumping, which is crucial for smooth batter.
• Piping bag with round tip – Allows for precise control when piping macaron shells onto baking sheets.

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 Baking Sheets

Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. You can also draw circles as guides if you want uniform macaron sizes.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites

In a clean mixing bowl, whip the egg whites until frothy. Gradually add in the super fine white sugar while continuing to beat until you achieve stiff peaks. The mixture should be glossy and form peaks that hold their shape.

Step 3: Sift Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the almond flour, confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves. This step ensures there are no lumps.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the whipped egg whites using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the mixture; it should flow like lava when ready.

Step 5: Add Color

Once combined, add your brown gel food coloring slowly while folding until you achieve your desired shade.

Step 6: Pipe Macarons

Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles onto your prepared baking sheets. Tap the sheets on the counter to release air bubbles.

Step 7: Rest Before Baking

Allow the piped macarons to rest at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes until they form a skin that doesn’t stick to your finger when touched.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Bake macarons for about 20 minutes. They should have risen slightly and look set but not discolored.

Step 9: Cool and Fill

Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before carefully removing them. Fill each macaron shell with molasses buttercream made by creaming softened butter with confectioners’ sugar, melted white chocolate, molasses, and vanilla.

Enjoy your homemade gingerbread macarons as delightful treats during this festive season!

How to Serve Gingerbread Macarons

Gingerbread macarons are a delightful addition to any holiday dessert table. Their unique flavors and festive appearance make them perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Pair with Coffee or Tea

• Espresso: A rich espresso balances the sweetness of the macarons.
• Chai Tea: The spiced flavor of chai complements the gingerbread perfectly.
• Hot Cocoa: Enjoy these treats with a warm cup of cocoa for a cozy experience.

Create a Festive Dessert Platter

• Assorted Cookies: Include various cookies like sugar cookies and peppermint bark for variety.
• Seasonal Fruits: Add fresh cranberries or slices of orange for a pop of color and freshness.
• Chocolate Truffles: Rich truffles provide a decadent contrast to the lightness of the macarons.

Use as Decorations

• Holiday Centerpiece: Arrange macarons on a tiered stand as an eye-catching centerpiece.
• Gift Boxes: Package individual macarons in decorative boxes for thoughtful gifts.

How to Perfect Gingerbread Macarons

Making perfect gingerbread macarons requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Boldly sift ingredients: Sifting almond flour and confectioners’ sugar ensures a smooth texture, preventing lumps.
• Boldly whip egg whites: Make sure egg whites are at room temperature and whipped until stiff peaks form for structure.
• Boldly fold gently: When combining dry ingredients with meringue, fold gently to maintain airiness in the batter.
• Boldly use a piping bag: Piping allows for uniform shapes. Use a round tip for even-sized macaron shells.
• Boldly rest before baking: Let piped macarons sit at room temperature until they form a skin. This helps them rise properly during baking.

Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Macarons

When serving gingerbread macarons, consider pairing them with complementary side dishes that enhance their flavors.

1. Spiced Apple Cider: Warm cider infused with spices creates a cozy drink pairing.
2. Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup offers warmth and richness that pairs well with the cookies.
3. Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese to balance the sweetness of the macarons.
4. Candied Nuts: Sweet and crunchy candied nuts add texture that contrasts beautifully with soft macarons.
5. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce on top of each macaron for an indulgent twist.
6. Fruit Compote: A tart berry compote provides acidity that cuts through the sweetness, refreshing the palate after each bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making gingerbread macarons can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold Measurement Errors: Ensure you measure your ingredients accurately. Using too much almond flour or sugar can lead to macaron shells that are too dry or too sweet.

• Bold Incorrect Egg Whites: Always use room temperature egg whites. Cold egg whites do not whip properly, affecting the texture of your macarons.

• Bold Overmixing the Batter: Be gentle when folding in the dry ingredients. Overmixing can cause your macarons to spread instead of rising during baking.

• Bold Skipping the Aging Process: Letting your piped macaron batter sit before baking helps form a skin. This is crucial for achieving that perfect foot and smooth top.

• Bold Baking Temperature Issues: Make sure your oven is preheated and calibrated correctly. Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to unevenly cooked macarons.

• Bold Not Using a Silpat or Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking, always use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper on your baking sheets for easier removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store macarons in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Gingerbread Macarons

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator before serving for best texture.

Reheating Gingerbread Macarons

• Bold Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm for about 5 minutes. This method helps maintain their crispness.
• Bold Microwave: Use low power for no more than 10 seconds. This is quick but may soften them.
• Bold Stovetop: Avoid reheating on the stovetop, as it can lead to sogginess and loss of texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about gingerbread macarons that might help clarify any doubts you have.

What makes Gingerbread Macarons unique?

Gingerbread macarons combine traditional gingerbread flavors with the delicate texture of French macarons, creating a festive treat that’s both crispy and chewy.

Can I customize my Gingerbread Macarons?

Absolutely! You can add different spices like nutmeg or even chocolate chips for added flavor and texture variations.

How do I know if my macaron shells are ready?

Look for a smooth surface and a slight sheen. When they form a skin after piping, they are ready to bake!

How do I achieve the perfect foot on my Gingerbread Macarons?

Proper mixing and resting time before baking are key factors in achieving that desirable foot on your macarons.

Final Thoughts

Gingerbread macarons are not only delicious but also versatile. Their unique combination of flavors makes them perfect for holiday gatherings or as an everyday treat. Feel free to experiment with different fillings or decorations to make them your own!