Elegant Peppermint Macarons Recipe

Delicate Peppermint Macarons Recipe with Creamy Filling

Delicate French peppermint macarons dance with festive elegance, capturing the crisp winter spirit in every delightful bite.

Smooth almond meringue shells embrace a cool, refreshing peppermint filling that melts on your tongue.

The macaron’s delicate texture emerges from precise techniques and careful ingredient selection.

Crafting these elegant treats requires patience and a steady hand.

Each perfectly round shell tells a story of culinary craftsmanship and sweet sophistication.

The contrast between the crisp exterior and creamy center creates a symphony of textures that enchants dessert lovers.

Dive into this recipe and unlock the secrets of creating these irresistible holiday confections.

How To Whip Up Peppermint Macarons

  • Macaron Shells Foundation

Crafting perfect macaron shells requires precision and patience. You’ll mix delicate ingredients to create a silky smooth batter that transforms into elegant, airy cookies. Focus on technique and gentle movements to achieve those classic smooth tops and ruffled feet.

  • Egg White Transformation

Whip egg whites into a glossy, stable meringue that forms stiff peaks. This crucial step determines the macarons’ texture and structure. The meringue should be smooth and hold its shape when the bowl is tilted.

  • Batter Consistency

Carefully fold dry ingredients into the meringue using a precise technique called macaronage. The mixture should flow like thick ribbon when lifted, creating a smooth, shiny surface. Avoid overmixing, which can deflate the delicate meringue.

  • Resting and Drying

Allow piped shells to rest at room temperature, forming a protective skin. This step is critical for developing the signature macaron texture. The surface should feel dry and slightly tacky when gently touched.

  • Precise Baking

Bake in a carefully controlled oven, creating the perfect environment for developing those classic macaron feet. The shells should lift cleanly from the baking sheet with a smooth, crisp surface.

  • Creamy Peppermint Filling

Whip a luxurious buttercream infused with cool peppermint essence. The filling should be light, smooth, and perfectly balanced between sweet and minty flavors.

  • Final Assembly

Carefully match macaron shells, creating perfect sandwich cookies. Gently pipe filling between matched shells, ensuring even distribution. Refrigerate to allow flavors to meld and develop a sublime texture.

Helpful Tips For Peppermint Macarons

  • Perfect Piping Technique: Use a steady hand and consistent pressure when piping macaron shells to create uniform, professional-looking circles that bake evenly and look Instagram-worthy.
  • Moisture Management
  • Flavor Flexibility: Swap peppermint extract for other extracts like almond, vanilla, or orange to create endless macaron flavor combinations that suit different seasonal or personal preferences.
  • Dietary Adaptations: Create gluten-free macarons by ensuring almond flour is certified gluten-free, and make dairy-free versions by substituting butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut butter for equally creamy filling.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Assembled macarons actually taste better after 24-48 hours of refrigeration, allowing flavors to develop and shells to soften slightly – perfect for advance party or gift preparation.

Fun Ways To Serve Peppermint Macarons

  • Festive Holiday Platter: Arrange macarons in a stunning circular pattern on a elegant white ceramic plate, dusted with light powdered sugar and sprinkled with crushed candy cane pieces for a magical winter wonderland presentation.
  • Gifting Delights: Package these peppermint macarons in clear cellophane bags tied with red and white ribbon, perfect for holiday hostess gifts or sweet personal treats that showcase your baking skills.
  • Dessert Pairing Magic: Serve alongside a warm mug of hot chocolate or peppermint mocha, creating a delightful sweet combo that elevates the entire dessert experience with complementary mint flavors.
  • Tea Time Elegance: Display these delicate macarons on a vintage silver tiered stand during afternoon tea, making them a sophisticated and eye-catching centerpiece that will impress guests with their refined beauty.

Store Peppermint Macarons Properly

  • Chilled Storage Magic: Carefully place macarons in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Refrigerate up to 5 days for maximum freshness and flavor development.
  • Freezer-Friendly Trick: Wrap individual macarons in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 months without losing their delicate texture or taste.
  • Counter Comfort: Keep assembled macarons at room temperature for 1-2 days in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight. Perfect for quick sweet treat access during gatherings.
  • Make-Ahead Wisdom: Prepare macaron shells and buttercream separately up to 3 days in advance. Store shells in an airtight container and refrigerate buttercream, allowing for stress-free last-minute assembly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15-18 minutes

Cook Time: 30-60 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 19

What’s Inside Peppermint Macarons

For Macaron Shells:
  • Almond Flour, Powdered Sugar: Fine, blanched almond flour ensures smooth texture and prevents graininess; choose sifted powdered sugar for silky consistency.
  • Egg Whites: Room temperature whites whip more efficiently and create stable meringue foundation; fresh eggs provide better structure.
  • Granulated Sugar: Stabilizes meringue and creates glossy, crisp macaron shells; use fine-grain sugar for seamless incorporation.
  • Peppermint Extract: Delivers vibrant, cool mint flavor; choose pure extract for authentic taste and avoid artificial alternatives.
  • Red Gel Food Coloring: Concentrated color allows precise tinting without disrupting batter consistency; gel works better than liquid.
For Buttercream Filling:
  • Unsalted Butter: Softened at room temperature for smooth, creamy texture; higher fat content ensures rich mouthfeel.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates silky, spreadable consistency; sifting prevents lumps in final cream.
  • Peppermint Extract: Intensifies mint flavor; use sparingly to avoid overwhelming sweetness.
  • Heavy Cream: Adjusts buttercream's texture and softens intense sweetness; adds luxurious mouthfeel.
  • Candy Canes: Optional crunchy garnish that enhances mint profile; finely crushed for delicate texture.
For Optional Decoration:
  • Crushed Candy Canes: Provides festive crunch and additional mint burst; creates visual and textural interest.

Tools Needed For Peppermint Macarons

  • Electric mixer: Essential for whipping egg whites to stiff, glossy peaks and beating buttercream smoothly.
  • Large mixing bowls: Needed for sifting dry ingredients and preparing egg white meringue.
  • Spatula: Perfect for gently folding ingredients and creating the right macaron batter consistency.
  • Piping bag with round tip: Critical for creating uniform macaron shells with perfect circular shape.
  • Baking sheet: Holds and supports macaron shells during baking process.
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Prevents shells from sticking and ensures even baking.
  • Sieve: Used for sifting almond flour and powdered sugar to remove lumps.
  • Cooling rack: Allows macarons to cool evenly after baking.
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Elegant Peppermint Macarons Recipe

Elegant Peppermint Macarons Recipe


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4.7 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 19 1x

Description

Delectable peppermint macarons showcase French pastry elegance with festive winter charm. Crisp almond shells sandwich silky white chocolate ganache, delivering pure holiday bliss for sweet-seeking palates.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 70 g (⅓ cup) egg whites, at room temperature
  • 50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
  • 100 g (1 cup) almond flour, finely sifted
  • 100 g (45 cup) powdered sugar
  • 1 ½ cups (190 g) powdered sugar
  • ½ tbsps heavy cream or milk
  • 112 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ tsp peppermint extract
  • ½ tsp peppermint extract (to taste)
  • Red gel food coloring
  • Crushed candy canes (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Meticulously sift almond flour and powdered sugar, eliminating any coarse particles to create a uniform mixture.
  2. Meringue Creation: Whip egg whites in a pristine mixing bowl, gradually incorporating granulated sugar until glossy, stiff peaks form. Blend in peppermint extract and red gel coloring to achieve desired hue.
  3. Batter Technique: Employ the macaronage method by gently folding dry ingredients into the meringue. Mix until the batter flows like molten lava, creating smooth ribbons when dripped from the spatula.
  4. Piping and Resting: Transfer batter to a piping bag with a circular nozzle. Dispense uniform circles onto a lined baking sheet. Tap firmly to release air bubbles and allow shells to develop a delicate skin for 30-60 minutes.
  5. Baking Process: Preheat oven to 300F (150C). Bake macaron shells until they easily lift from the parchment, approximately 15-18 minutes. Cool completely before handling.
  6. Buttercream Preparation: Cream butter, gradually mixing in powdered sugar for a silky texture. Enhance with peppermint extract and heavy cream. Optional: fold in crushed candy canes for added complexity.
  7. Assembly and Aging: Pair matching macaron shells and pipe peppermint buttercream between them. Refrigerate for a minimum of 24 hours to allow flavors to meld. Serve at room temperature for optimal enjoyment.

Notes

  • Control Moisture: Avoid making macarons on humid days, as excess moisture prevents proper shell formation and can lead to cracked surfaces.
  • Precision in Mixing: Perform the macaronage technique with extreme care – under-mixing creates lumpy shells, while over-mixing results in flat, spread-out cookies that lack signature feet.
  • Temperature Matters: Use room-temperature egg whites for more stable meringue and consistently whip them to stiff, glossy peaks that hold their shape when the bowl is inverted.
  • Resting is Crucial: Allow piped macaron shells to develop a skin before baking – this step creates the characteristic smooth top and prevents cracking during the baking process.
  • Prep Time: 15-18 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-60 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 19
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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