Celebrate the New Year with Elegant Pink Champagne Macarons
Ring in the New Year with elegance and flair by serving Pink Champagne Macarons. These delightful French pastries feature a delicate, pastel pink hue, a light, airy texture, and a rich champagne-flavored filling that melts in your mouth. Perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your dessert table, these macarons are sure to impress your guests and elevate your celebrations.
Ingredients
For the macaron shells:
1 cup (100g) almond flour
1 3/4 cups (200g) powdered sugar
3 large egg whites, at room temperature
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
1-2 drops pink gel food coloring
For the champagne buttercream filling:
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
1 3/4 cups (200g) powdered sugar
2 tbsp champagne or sparkling wine
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the macaron batter:
Sift the almond flour and powdered sugar together into a large bowl. Discard any large pieces.
In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric mixer until frothy. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to whip until stiff, glossy peaks form.
Add a drop of pink gel food coloring to the meringue and gently fold it into the almond flour mixture until well combined. The batter should flow like molten lava when lifted.
2. Pipe and rest the macarons:
Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
Pipe small circles (about 1.5 inches in diameter) onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Tap the baking sheet firmly on the counter to release air bubbles. Allow the macarons to rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until a skin forms and the tops are no longer sticky to the touch.
3. Bake the macaron shells:
Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
Bake the macarons for 13-15 minutes, or until they develop a “foot” (the ruffled edge at the base).
Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before removing them.
4. Make the champagne buttercream:
Beat the softened butter until creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, champagne, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
5. Assemble the macarons:
Pair similar-sized macaron shells together.
Pipe a small amount of champagne buttercream onto the flat side of one shell and sandwich it with the other.
Refrigerate for at least 24 hours for the best texture and flavor.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Baking Pro Tips
Use a kitchen scale to ensure precise measurements for the macaron ingredients.
Age your egg whites by leaving them at room temperature for a few hours to achieve better meringue consistency.
Don’t skip the resting period before baking; it helps create the macaron’s iconic smooth top and feet.
Practice patience: macarons taste best after maturing for a day in the refrigerator.
Pink Champagne Macarons are the epitome of festive elegance and a delightful addition to your New Year’s Eve celebrations. Pair them with sparkling desserts like chocolate-covered strawberries or champagne panna cotta for a dessert spread that will leave your guests in awe. With a little practice, you’ll master the art of making these sophisticated treats and turn every occasion into a celebration.