Peppermint Macarons: 7 Ways to Indulge in Minty Bliss

Name: Peppermint Macarons: 7 Ways to Indulge in Minty Bliss
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup almond flour; 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar; 3 large egg whites; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar; 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract; Red food coloring; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar (for filling); 1 tablespoon heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (for filling)

July 27, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about peppermint macarons! These little gems are not just cookies; they’re delicate French delights that melt in your mouth with a refreshing minty flavor. I remember the first time I attempted to make them during the holidays—what a delightful chaos! My kitchen looked like a winter wonderland with powdered sugar everywhere, and I was practically bouncing off the walls with excitement. The way they puff up and get that perfect crisp shell is absolutely mesmerizing! Trust me, once you bite into one of these peppermint macarons, you’ll be hooked. They’re perfect for festive gatherings or just treating yourself because, why not?

peppermint macarons - detail 1

Ingredients List

1 cup almond flour
1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
3 large egg whites (room temperature)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Red food coloring (as desired)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar (for filling)
1 tablespoon heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract (for filling)

How to Prepare Peppermint Macarons

Now, let’s dive into the magical world of making peppermint macarons! Don’t worry; once you get the hang of it, it becomes a delightful dance in the kitchen. Trust me, the end result is totally worth it!

Prepping the Macaron Shells

First things first, we want to make sure our almond flour and powdered sugar are super fine. So, grab a sifter and sift them together into a bowl—this is crucial for that smooth macaron shell. While that’s happening, let’s whip those egg whites! Make sure they’re at room temperature; this helps them whip up to those beautiful stiff peaks we’re after. In a separate bowl, start whipping the egg whites until they’re frothy, then gradually add in the granulated sugar. Keep beating until you see those beautiful peaks forming, and don’t forget to add in the cream of tartar—it helps stabilize everything. Once you’ve got that perfect glossy meringue, gently fold in the almond flour mixture and your peppermint extract. Be gentle so you don’t deflate all that air you just whipped in! Oh, and if you want that festive color, now’s the time to add a few drops of red food coloring. It’s all about that holiday vibe!

Baking the Macarons

Next up, let’s get piping! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and get your piping bag ready. Pipe small circles onto the sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one. It’s like a little peppermint army waiting to bake! Once piped, let them sit for about 30 minutes. This resting time is key because it allows a skin to form on the surface, which gives us that lovely smooth top when baked. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake those beauties for about 15-20 minutes. A little tip: check them halfway through to ensure they’re not browning too quickly. They should be set but not overcooked; if they’re undercooked, they’ll crack, and we don’t want that!

Making the Filling

While the macarons are baking, let’s whip up the filling! In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s creamy and smooth, then gradually add in the powdered sugar. Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream and your peppermint extract. Keep blending until it’s light and fluffy—this filling should be a dream! Once the macaron shells are cool, it’s time to sandwich that delicious filling between two shells. I love to get a little generous here; who doesn’t want more peppermint goodness? And there you have it—your homemade peppermint macarons ready to dazzle!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s talk about how to nail those peppermint macarons! First off, make sure your mixing bowls and utensils are squeaky clean—any grease can mess up your meringue. Also, be patient during the resting time; don’t rush it! This step is crucial for preventing cracks. When baking, keep an eye on your macarons; if they start browning, lower the oven temperature slightly. And if you’re new to piping, practice on parchment paper first to get the hang of it. Trust me, a little practice goes a long way! Lastly, don’t forget to let them cool completely before filling; it makes all the difference in texture!

Variations on Peppermint Macarons

Oh, the fun doesn’t stop with just peppermint! You can totally mix things up and get creative with these macarons. For a twist, try using different extracts like almond or vanilla—imagine the delightful combinations you could whip up! If you want to play with color, how about a beautiful green for a festive look or even a swirled effect with both red and green? Feeling adventurous? Add crushed candy canes into the filling for a little crunch, or experiment with flavored ganaches like dark chocolate or white chocolate for a luxurious touch. The possibilities are endless, so let your imagination run wild!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying your peppermint macarons, the right pairing can elevate the experience! I love serving them alongside a steaming cup of hot chocolate—imagine that rich, chocolaty goodness mixing with the cool mint of the macarons. It’s pure magic! If you’re a coffee lover, a nice espresso or a frothy cappuccino makes an excellent companion, too. For a festive touch, consider a splash of peppermint schnapps in your drink for an adult twist! You could also set these delightful treats out on a holiday dessert platter with some fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation. Trust me, your guests will be swooning!

Nutritional Information

Before you dive into these delightful peppermint macarons, it’s good to know a bit about their nutritional content. Keep in mind that values can vary based on specific ingredients and brands you use. On average, each macaron contains about 90 calories, with 4 grams of fat and 8 grams of sugar. They also have around 15 mg of sodium and 1 gram of protein. It’s always a nice treat to indulge, but just like with any dessert, moderation is key. Enjoy these little bites of joy while keeping an eye on your overall intake!

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store my peppermint macarons?
To keep your peppermint macarons fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to save them for longer, they freeze beautifully! Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper and wrap them tightly. Thaw them in the fridge before serving for the best texture.

What are some common mistakes when making macarons?
Ah, the infamous macaron pitfalls! One common mistake is not letting the macaron shells rest long enough before baking. This can lead to cracking. Also, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature and that you’re folding gently to maintain that airy texture. Lastly, don’t skip the sifting step; it really helps in achieving a smooth shell!

Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re allergic to almonds, you can use sunflower seed flour as a nut-free alternative, but keep in mind it might affect the color. For the filling, you can swap out the peppermint extract for vanilla or even orange zest for a different flavor profile. Just remember to adjust the amounts to your taste!

Why are my macarons hollow inside?
Hollow macarons can happen for a couple of reasons, but the most common one is under-mixing or over-mixing the batter. You want to make sure the mixture is smooth but still holds its shape. Also, if they’re undercooked, they won’t set correctly, which can lead to that hollow center. Keep an eye on your baking time!

Can I use a different flavor for the filling?
Definitely! While peppermint is a classic, feel free to get creative! You could make a chocolate ganache filling or even a fruity buttercream. Just keep the ratios similar so the consistency remains perfect for sandwiching between your macaron shells.

I’d love to hear from you! Have you tried making these peppermint macarons? What did you think? Did you put your own spin on them? Maybe you added a twist to the filling or played with colors! Share your experiences, tips, or any questions you might have in the comments below. I’m all ears and can’t wait to connect with fellow macaron enthusiasts. Your feedback not only makes my day but also helps others in the community. Let’s spread the love for these delightful treats together!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.