Gingerbread Macarons are delightful, festive treats that combine the classic flavors of gingerbread with the delicate texture of macarons. These sweet, spiced cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and make a beautiful addition to any dessert table.

Ingredients

For the Macaron Shells:

• 1 cup (100g) almond flour
• 1 3/4 cups (200g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 large egg whites (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon molasses
• 1-2 teaspoons brown food coloring (optional)

For the Gingerbread Buttercream Filling:

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (as needed for consistency)

Timing

Making Gingerbread Macarons takes about 30 minutes for preparation, 30 minutes for resting, and 15 minutes for baking, plus cooling time.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Macaron Batter

1. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the almond flour, powdered sugar, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
2. Whip Egg Whites: In a clean mixing bowl, whip the egg whites with an electric mixer until foamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Add Flavorings: Gently fold in the vanilla extract, molasses, and food coloring (if using) into the whipped egg whites.
4. Combine Mixtures: Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the egg whites in three additions. Mix until the batter flows like lava and forms a figure-eight when lifted with a spatula.

Step 2: Pipe the Macaron Shells

1. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Pipe Shells: Transfer the macaron batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe 1.5-inch circles onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each.
3. Rest the Shells: Tap the baking sheets gently on the counter to release any air bubbles. Let the macarons sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until a skin forms on the surface.

Step 3: Bake the Macaron Shells

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Bake: Bake the macarons for 15-18 minutes, or until they have risen and formed feet. Let them cool completely on the baking sheets before removing.

Step 4: Prepare the Gingerbread Buttercream Filling

1. Beat Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Add Sugar and Spices: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well. Then mix in the molasses, vanilla extract, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
3. Adjust Consistency: If needed, add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency for spreading.

Step 5: Assemble the Macarons

1. Pair Shells: Match the macaron shells in pairs of similar size.
2. Fill: Pipe or spread a generous amount of gingerbread buttercream filling onto the flat side of one shell and sandwich it with the other shell.
3. Chill: Place the assembled macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld. They can be enjoyed immediately but will taste even better after resting.

Step 6: Serve

1. Bring to Room Temperature: Before serving, let the macarons sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
2. Enjoy: Serve your Gingerbread Macarons as a delightful holiday treat!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Gingerbread Macarons (per macaron, based on 24 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Macaron
Calories	90
Protein	1g
Fat	4g
Carbohydrates	13g
Sugar	8g

Tips for Customization

• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different spices like allspice or cloves for added warmth.
• Decorations: Drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle with edible glitter for a festive touch.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Conclusion

Gingerbread Macarons are a festive and elegant treat that perfectly captures the flavors of the holiday season. With their delicate texture and spiced filling, they are sure to impress your guests!

FAQs

Can I make the macaron shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the shells a day in advance and fill them just before serving.

What can I use instead of almond flour?

You can use finely ground hazelnut flour or sunflower seed flour for a nut-free option.