17+ Holiday French Macaron Recipe Experience Flavor Like Never Before!

Ingredients

For the macarons:

• 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup almond flour
• 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Red food coloring gel
• Orange food coloring gel

For the cranberry orange filling:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Making the macarons:

1. In a food processor, pulse the powdered sugar and almond flour until well combined.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add in the granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
3. Add in the vanilla extract and beat for an additional minute.
4. Gently fold in the powdered sugar and almond flour mixture into the egg whites until well combined.
5. Divide the batter into two separate bowls. Add red food coloring to one bowl and orange food coloring to the other. Mix until the desired color is achieved.
6. Transfer the batter into separate piping bags fitted with a round tip.
7. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, pipe small circles of batter, about 1 inch in diameter, leaving space in between each one.
8. Tapping the baking sheet on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles.
9. Let the macarons sit at room temperature for 30-40 minutes, until a skin forms on top. This will help create the signature "feet" of the macaron.
10. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
11. Bake the macarons for 12-15 minutes, until they are set and easily lift off the parchment paper.
12. Let them cool completely before removing them from the parchment paper.

Making the cranberry orange filling:

1. In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, water, orange juice, and orange zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have burst and the mixture has thickened.
2. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the butter until smooth.
4. Add in the powdered sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy.
5. Once the cranberry mixture has cooled, fold it into the buttercream until well combined.

Assembling the macarons:

1. Take two macaron shells of similar size and spread a generous amount of the cranberry orange filling on one half.
2. Gently press the other half on top to create a sandwich.
3. Repeat with the remaining macaron shells.
4. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving to allow the flavors to develop.

These cranberry orange french macarons are not only delicious, but they also add a beautiful pop of color to your holiday dessert table. They may seem intimidating to make, but with a little patience and practice, you will have a batch of these elegant treats ready to impress your guests. Happy baking!