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This post is all about Christmas Macarons.
If Christmas is cozy, New Year’s Eve is pure sparkle — champagne bubbles, glittering lights, and something golden to celebrate the countdown.
These Salted Caramel Gold Macarons capture that energy in dessert form: crisp almond shells brushed with edible gold and filled with silky salted-caramel buttercream.
They’re sophisticated, indulgent, and dazzling on any dessert table. Whether you’re hosting a New Year’s toast or sending edible gifts, these macarons deliver luxury in every bite.
✨ Why You’ll Love These Salted Caramel Gold Macarons
- Rich & buttery flavor: Sweet caramel meets a whisper of sea salt for perfect balance.
- Golden presentation: Metallic shimmer makes them instant showstoppers.
- Make-ahead friendly: Texture and flavor improve after 24 hours.
- Perfect for gifting: Elegant in clear boxes tied with black or gold ribbon.
- Pinterest goldmine: Luxe color palette + glamorous styling = viral-ready photos.
🍯 Ingredients (Makes 20 Macarons / 40 Shells)
Macaron Shells
| Ingredient | U.S. | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Egg whites (aged overnight) | 3 large (≈ ⅓ cup) | 100 g |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup | 100 g |
| Almond flour (finest grind) | 1 cup | 100 g |
| Powdered sugar | ¾ cup | 100 g |
| Salt | pinch | — |
| Gold or ivory gel food color (optional) | few drops | — |
| Vanilla extract | ¼ tsp | 1 ml |
Salted Caramel Buttercream
| Ingredient | U.S. | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup | 100 g |
| Water | 2 Tbsp | 30 ml |
| Heavy cream | ¼ cup | 60 ml |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | ½ cup (1 stick) | 115 g |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup | 120 g |
| Sea salt flakes | ¼ tsp | 1 g |
| Vanilla extract | ½ tsp | 2 ml |
Optional decoration: Edible gold dust • Gold leaf • Coarse sea salt flakes
🧁 Equipment
Kitchen scale • Electric mixer • Candy thermometer (optional) • Piping bags • Round tip • Silicone mats • Cooling rack
🎇 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Prep
Clean bowls with vinegar to remove grease. Line two baking trays with silicone mats or parchment. Pre-measure ingredients — precision is key for macarons.
Step 2 — Sift the Dry Ingredients
Sift almond flour, powdered sugar, and salt twice to remove lumps. This creates smooth, glossy shells.
Step 3 — Make the Meringue
Beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar while mixing on medium-high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form (about 6 minutes).
Add vanilla and 1–2 drops of ivory or gold gel color if desired.
Step 4 — Macaronage (Folding)
Add dry ingredients in two batches, folding gently until the batter flows like lava and ribbons disappear in 10 seconds. Do not overmix.
Step 5 — Pipe & Rest
Pipe 1-inch (2.5 cm) circles onto prepared mats, spacing 1 inch apart. Tap trays firmly to release bubbles. Let rest 30–45 minutes until touch-dry.
Step 6 — Bake
Bake at 300 °F / 150 °C for 12–14 minutes, rotating halfway. Shells should rise with defined “feet” and firm tops. Cool completely.
Step 7 — Make the Salted Caramel
- Heat sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat until amber (about 5–7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and slowly stir in warm cream — it will bubble.
- Add ½ tsp salt and 1 Tbsp butter; stir smooth. Cool 15 minutes.
Step 8 — Make the Buttercream
Beat butter for 2 minutes until pale. Add powdered sugar and mix. Pour in the cooled caramel and vanilla. Beat until creamy and pipeable. Add a pinch of sea salt to taste.
Step 9 — Assemble
Match shells by size. Pipe a small swirl of salted caramel buttercream onto one shell and sandwich with another.
Brush tops lightly with edible gold dust or press on tiny flakes of gold leaf for that New Year’s glow.
Refrigerate 24 hours to develop the classic chewy texture.
✨ Decoration Ideas for The Perfect Macarons
- Gold Brush Finish: Use a dry food-safe brush to dust gold across shells.
- Salt Fleck: Sprinkle coarse sea salt on top for contrast.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add dark chocolate lines for a triple flavor effect.
- Gold Splatter: Flick gold paint for a firework look.
- Gift Box Glow: Arrange in black or clear boxes with metallic ribbon for Pinterest photos.
🍫 Flavor Variations
- Dark Chocolate Caramel Macarons: Add 2 Tbsp cocoa powder to shells.
- Champagne Caramel: Swap 2 Tbsp cream for champagne in the caramel stage.
- Maple Caramel: Add ½ tsp maple extract to buttercream.
- Coffee Caramel: Add ½ tsp espresso powder to caramel for mocha depth.
- White Chocolate Salted Caramel: Whisk 2 Tbsp melted white chocolate into filling for extra sweetness.
💡 Troubleshooting
| Issue | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Flat shells | Over-mixed batter | Fold less next time |
| Hollow shells | Under-baked / too hot oven | Bake 1–2 min longer at lower temp |
| Cracked tops | Didn’t rest enough | Rest until dry to touch |
| Caramel too thin | Undercooked sugar | Cook until amber |
| Filling oozing | Too warm | Chill 10 min before piping |
🎁 Storage & Gifting
| Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unfilled shells | 3 days room temp | Airtight container |
| Filled macarons | 4–5 days fridge | Bring to room temp before serving |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Layer with parchment |
| Gift boxes | 1–2 days | Store cool & dry |
🎁 Presentation Idea: Gold-tied clear boxes labeled “Golden Caramel Macarons — Happy New Year!”
☕ Perfect Pairings
- Espresso martinis 🍸
- Champagne or Prosecco 🥂
- Dark roast coffee ☕
- Sea salt caramel latte 🍯
💬 FAQ
Q: Can I skip the gold decoration?
A: Yes — they’re just as delicious plain, but gold makes them Pinterest-ready.
Q: Can I use store-bought caramel?
A: Absolutely — warm ½ cup caramel sauce and mix into the buttercream.
Q: My caramel crystallized — what happened?
A: Sugar was stirred too early; next time, swirl the pan instead of stirring.
Q: Can I color the shells gold instead of dusting?
A: Yes — mix a tiny bit of edible gold paint into the batter for a subtle shine.
Q: Do they freeze well?
A: Yes — freeze filled or unfilled for up to 2 months.
💖 Final Thoughts
These Salted Caramel Gold Macarons close out the holiday season with sparkle and sophistication.
Sweet caramel, a kiss of sea salt, and that golden shimmer make them the perfect New Year’s Eve showpiece — the kind of dessert that catches candlelight and camera flashes alike.
So pop the champagne, cue the countdown, and celebrate a golden start to the new year — one luxurious macaron at a time. 🥂✨
