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This post is all about Christmas Macarons.
There’s something magical about a white Christmas twinkling light, soft snow, and a little sparkle in every dessert. These White Christmas Coconut Macarons capture that snowy charm in cookie form: light almond shells with creamy coconut buttercream, topped with a dusting of edible “snow.”
They’re crisp on the outside, soft and chewy inside, with a dreamy tropical flavor that balances holiday sweetness with a whisper of warmth.
Whether you’re baking for Christmas brunch, hosting a winter wedding, or styling your holiday dessert table, these macarons deliver a little taste of snow-globe perfection.
🎄 Why You’ll Love These White Christmas Coconut Macarons
- Elegant winter dessert: Pure white color and coconut snow effect for stunning presentation.
- Light & tropical: Sweet coconut buttercream and almond shells that melt in your mouth.
- Make-ahead ready: Flavor deepens after 24 hours in the fridge.
- Perfect for gifting: Simple, sophisticated, and universally loved.
- Pinterest-perfect aesthetic: Soft whites, shimmer, and cozy winter textures drive saves and clicks.
🍬 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 (finely ground) | 1 cup | 100 g |
| Powdered sugar | ¾ cup | 100 g |
| Pinch of salt | — | — |
| Vanilla extract | ¼ tsp | 1 ml |
| White or pearl gel food coloring (optional) | few drops | — |
Coconut Buttercream Filling
| Ingredient | U.S. | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter (softened) | ½ cup (1 stick) | 115 g |
| Powdered sugar | 1 ½ cups | 180 g |
| Coconut milk or cream | 2 Tbsp | 30 ml |
| Sweetened shredded coconut (finely chopped) | ¼ cup | 25 g |
| Vanilla extract | ½ tsp | 2 ml |
| Coconut extract | ½ tsp | 2 ml |
| Pinch of salt | — | — |
Optional garnish: Shredded coconut • Edible glitter • White chocolate drizzle • Silver dragees
🧁 Equipment
Kitchen scale • Electric or stand mixer • Fine sieve • Piping bags + round tip • Silicone mats • Baking trays • Cooling rack
❄️ Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Prep
Wipe bowls clean with vinegar to remove grease. Line trays with parchment or silicone mats.
Step 2 — Sift the Dry Ingredients
Sift almond flour, powdered sugar, and salt together twice to ensure smooth shells.
Step 3 — Make the Meringue
Beat egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar.
Continue whipping 5–7 minutes until stiff, glossy peaks form. Add vanilla and white gel color if desired for a snow-white finish.
Step 4 — Fold (Macaronage)
Add dry ingredients to the meringue in two batches. Gently fold until the batter flows like lava — ribbons should fade into the mixture within 10 seconds.
Step 5 — Pipe & Rest
Transfer to a piping bag with a round tip and pipe 1-inch (2.5 cm) rounds.
Tap trays firmly to remove air bubbles.
Let rest 30–45 minutes until tops are dry and slightly shiny.
Step 6 — Bake
Bake at 300 °F / 150 °C for 12–14 minutes, rotating halfway.
Shells are done when firm with no sticky tops. Cool completely before removing.
Step 7 — Make the Coconut Buttercream
- Beat butter 2 minutes until fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar gradually.
- Mix in coconut milk, vanilla, coconut extract, and salt.
- Stir in finely chopped shredded coconut. Beat until light and creamy.
Step 8 — Assemble
Match similar-sized shells. Pipe a swirl of coconut buttercream onto one shell and sandwich with another.
For a “White Christmas” effect, roll the sides in finely shredded coconut or dust tops with powdered sugar “snow.”
Refrigerate 24 hours before serving for the best flavor and texture.
🌨️ Optional Decoration Ideas
- Coconut Snow Rim: Roll edges in shredded coconut for a snowy effect.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle with melted white chocolate and edible glitter.
- Pearl Shimmer: Brush with pearl luster dust for a frosty glow.
- Silver Accents: Add small dragees or metallic sugar pearls.
- Gift Box Glow: Pack in clear boxes with silver ribbon for Pinterest-worthy photos.
💡 Flavor Variations
- Lime Coconut Macarons: Add lime zest to buttercream for tropical contrast.
- White Chocolate Coconut Macarons: Add 2 Tbsp melted white chocolate to the filling.
- Coconut Almond Macarons: Use almond extract in buttercream for nutty depth.
- Coconut Vanilla Bean Macarons: Add scraped vanilla bean for visual specks.
- Snowball Macarons: Roll tops in powdered sugar for a “snowball” cookie look.
🧠 Troubleshooting
| Issue | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Cracked shells | Too hot or under-rested | Lower oven temp, rest longer |
| Flat shells | Over-folded batter | Fold less next time |
| Hollow shells | Under-baked | Add 1–2 minutes baking |
| Sticky bottoms | Under-baked | Bake slightly longer |
| No shine | Overmixed batter | Stop folding earlier |
🎁 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 |
🎁 Pro Tip: Label with a festive tag — “White Christmas Coconut Macarons — Snowy Sweetness Inside!”
☕ Perfect Pairings
- Coconut latte ☕
- White hot chocolate 🍫
- Peppermint tea 🍃
- Sparkling prosecco 🥂
- Eggnog 🎅
💬 FAQ
Q: Can I use desiccated coconut instead of shredded?
A: Yes — just reduce by 1 Tbsp for finer texture.
Q: Can I use canned coconut milk?
A: Absolutely — just stir well before measuring.
Q: Can I add white chocolate to the filling?
A: Yes, 2 Tbsp melted white chocolate adds creamy richness.
Q: Can I color the shells?
A: Keep them pure white or tint slightly pearl for a winter glow.
Q: Do they freeze well?
A: Yes — up to 2 months, sealed airtight.
💖 Final Thoughts
These White Christmas Coconut Macarons are pure winter magic — delicate, snow-white, and irresistibly sweet.
They’re simple enough for home bakers yet elegant enough for professional dessert tables, making them the perfect cookie to celebrate a white Christmas (even if there’s no snow outside).
So, turn up your holiday playlist, grab a sprinkle of coconut snow, and bake these little winter gems. They’ll bring sparkle to your table! ❄️🎄
