Charming macaron towers featuring delicate pistachio shells, rosewater cream, and festive golden accents shaped like Christmas trees.
Ingredients:
Macaron Shells:
3 large egg whites (room temperature)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
1 cup almond flour
1/2 tsp pistachio extract (optional)
1/2 tsp green food coloring
Rosewater Buttercream:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp rosewater
1 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for consistency)
Garnish:
1/4 cup crushed pistachios
Edible gold leaf or golden sugar pearls
Small edible gold stars
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Macaron Shells:
Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Sift the powdered sugar and almond flour together into a bowl to eliminate any lumps.
In a clean mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites until foamy. Gradually incorporate the granulated sugar, continuing to whisk until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the almond mixture into the meringue in three additions. Incorporate the pistachio extract and green food coloring, folding until the batter flows like thick lava.
Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small, medium, and large circles onto the parchment paper to create layers for the trees.
Firmly tap the trays on the counter to release any air bubbles and allow the macarons to rest for 30-45 minutes until a skin forms.
Bake for 14-16 minutes, then allow to cool completely before removing from the parchment.
2. Make the Rosewater Buttercream:
Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to beat until smooth.
Incorporate the rosewater and heavy cream, if necessary, to achieve a smooth, pipeable consistency. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
3. Assemble the Christmas Trees:
Pipe the rosewater buttercream onto the bottom of the largest macaron shell, then sandwich it with another shell of the same size.
Repeat this process with the medium and small macarons, stacking them to form a tree shape.
4. Decorate:
Sprinkle the trees with crushed pistachios. Add small pieces of edible gold leaf or golden sugar pearls for a festive touch.
Crown each tree with an edible gold star.
5. Serve:
Arrange the assembled trees on a festive platter and serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Details:
Prep Time: 60 minutes
Bake Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6 macaron trees
Calories: Approximately
