Gingerbread macarons are a delightful twist on a classic treat. They bring the cozy flavor of gingerbread cookies into a fun and elegant little dessert. With their crispy shells and creamy filling, they are perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet afternoon snack with the family. Plus, they’re easy to make, even if you’re new to baking!

Why You Will Love This Gingerbread Macarons

These macarons are truly irresistible. They combine the rich, warm flavors of molasses and spices that remind you of home-baked gingerbread. The process is simple, making them a great project to do with your kids. You’ll impress your family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. They also make wonderful gifts during the holiday season!

How to Make Gingerbread Macarons

Making gingerbread macarons is straightforward. You’ll start by preparing the macaron shells. After that, you’ll whip up a smooth and sweet molasses buttercream filling. With just a few steps, you’ll have beautiful macarons that look as good as they taste!

What You Need

1 3/4 cups almond flour
1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large egg whites
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar (for filling)
1/4 cup molasses (for filling)

Step-by-Step

Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together almond flour, powdered sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar and whip until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg whites until combined.
Transfer the mixture to a piping bag and pipe small rounds onto the prepared baking sheets.
Let the macarons sit for 30-60 minutes to develop a skin.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until they don’t stick to the parchment. Cool completely.
For the filling, beat together softened butter, powdered sugar, and molasses until smooth.
Pipe the molasses buttercream onto half of the cooled macarons and top with the other half.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How to Serve Gingerbread Macarons

These gingerbread macarons shine at holiday parties but can also make a sweet addition to your afternoon tea. They pair wonderfully with coffee or hot cocoa. If serving guests, consider placing them on a festive platter. They’re not just cute but also deliciously cozy!

How to Store Gingerbread Macarons

To keep your macarons fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for about a week. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure they’re well sealed! When ready to eat, let them thaw in the fridge, then bring to room temperature.

Recipe Tips

Timing: Ensure you let the macarons sit to form a skin, which helps with texture.
Texture: Be gentle when folding in the dry ingredients; overmixing can lead to flat macarons.
Swaps: Almond flour can be replaced with ground sunflower seeds for nut-free options.
Common Mistakes: Avoid humid days for baking, as moisture can affect the macarons’ rise.
Kids: Let little ones help with piping the filling; it’s fun and encourages teamwork!

Variations & Swaps

Chocolate Version: Swap some almond flour with cocoa powder for rich chocolate gingerbread macarons.
Spice Mix: Add a touch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth in the flavor.
Decorative Touch: Use a vanilla buttercream filling instead of molasses for a lighter taste.

FAQs

Can I make these gingerbread macarons ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the macarons a day or two in advance. Store them in the fridge in an airtight container. For even longer storage, freeze the unfilled shells and assemble them when you’re ready to serve.

How do I freeze macarons?
To freeze macarons, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or zip-top bag. This way, they can stay fresh for about a month.

What’s the best way to reheat gingerbread macarons?
There’s no need to reheat macarons. Enjoy them cold from the fridge or at room temperature. If they’ve been frozen, let them thaw in the fridge, and then they’ll be ready to eat.

Can I substitute any ingredients?
Yes! You can use ground sunflower seeds instead of almond flour for a nut-free option. You could also substitute molasses with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

What are common mistakes to avoid?
One common mistake is not allowing the macarons to dry properly before baking. Make sure they sit long enough to form a skin. Also, be gentle and precise when folding the ingredients to maintain the right texture.