Peppermint Macarons

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Peppermint macarons feel like the kind of treat that instantly makes a dessert table look special. With their delicate shells, cool minty filling, and festive color, they bring that bakery-style charm that always gets people excited. Even one small bite gives you a mix of crisp shell, chewy center, and creamy sweetness that makes these little cookies hard to resist.

They may look elegant, but peppermint macarons are also a fun project for home bakers who want something beautiful and memorable. Whether you are baking for the holidays, wrapping up edible gifts, or simply craving a dessert with a fresh mint flavor, this recipe gives you a lovely balance of rich sweetness and refreshing peppermint in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Macarons Recipe

These peppermint macarons are light, flavorful, and eye-catching all at once. The shells have that classic tender texture with a slight crispness on the outside, while the filling adds a creamy contrast that ties everything together. The peppermint flavor stands out without overwhelming the almond base, so the final result tastes balanced and polished.

Another reason to love this recipe is how well it fits special occasions. Peppermint macarons feel perfect for winter gatherings, cookie boxes, baby showers, and dessert boards that need a little elegance. They can also be made ahead, which makes them especially helpful when you want an impressive homemade dessert without leaving everything to the last minute.

Are Peppermint Macarons Hard to Make at Home?

Peppermint macarons have a reputation for being tricky, but they become much more approachable once you understand the method. The most important parts are whipping the egg whites properly, folding the batter until it flows like thick ribbon, and letting the piped shells rest before baking. Those small details make a big difference in getting smooth tops and neat little feet.

The good news is that once you practice the rhythm, the process becomes much easier. This recipe is a great place to start because the peppermint filling adds plenty of flavor and personality, so even a first batch feels rewarding. A careful approach, a kitchen scale, and a little patience are often all you need.

Ingredients for the Peppermint Macarons

The ingredient list for peppermint macarons is simple, but every item plays an important role in the final texture and flavor. Almond flour and powdered sugar create the signature delicate shell, while whipped egg whites give the batter structure and lift. Granulated sugar helps stabilize the meringue, and peppermint extract brings the cool, festive flavor that makes these macarons stand out. A touch of food coloring is optional, but it gives them that cheerful bakery-style finish many people love.

Ingredients

• Almond flour keeps the shells fine, tender, and traditionally delicate.
• Powdered sugar blends with the almond flour to create a smooth batter and lightly sweet shell.
• Egg whites form the meringue that gives macarons their lift and signature texture.
• Granulated sugar strengthens the meringue and helps the batter hold its shape.
• Cream of tartar helps stabilize the egg whites while whipping.
• Peppermint extract gives the macarons their fresh, cool flavor.
• Red or pink gel food coloring adds festive color without thinning the batter.
• Unsalted butter creates a rich, creamy filling.
• Extra powdered sugar sweetens and thickens the buttercream filling.
• Heavy cream loosens the filling just enough for a smooth, pipeable texture.
• Crushed peppermint candies add texture and an extra burst of peppermint in the filling or on top.

How To Make the Peppermint Macarons

The method matters just as much as the ingredients when making peppermint macarons. Working slowly and paying attention to texture at each stage will help you get smooth shells and a filling that brings everything together beautifully.

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheets

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone macaron mats. If you want evenly sized shells, trace small circles on the underside of the parchment as a guide. Set everything aside before starting the batter so you can pipe right away once it is ready.

Step 2: Sift the Dry Ingredients

Sift the almond flour and powdered sugar together into a bowl. This helps remove lumps and creates a finer mixture, which leads to smoother macaron shells. If any larger bits of almond flour remain, discard them rather than forcing them through.

Step 3: Whip the Meringue

Place the egg whites in a clean mixing bowl and begin beating until foamy. Add the cream of tartar, then gradually stream in the granulated sugar while continuing to whip. Beat until the meringue reaches stiff, glossy peaks. Add the peppermint extract and a tiny amount of gel coloring near the end so the mixture stays light but festive.

Step 4: Fold the Batter

Add the dry mixture to the meringue in stages, folding gently with a spatula. Keep folding until the batter loosens and flows slowly off the spatula in thick ribbons. It should settle back into itself after several seconds. This stage is important because undermixed batter stays too stiff, while overmixed batter spreads too much.

Step 5: Pipe the Shells

Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip and pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheets. Tap the trays firmly on the counter several times to release air bubbles. Use a toothpick to pop any visible bubbles on the surface.

Step 6: Rest Before Baking

Let the piped shells sit at room temperature until the tops feel dry to the touch. Depending on the humidity in your kitchen, this can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. This resting step helps the macarons form their classic feet in the oven.

Step 7: Bake the Macarons

Bake one tray at a time in a preheated 300°F oven for about 14 to 16 minutes, rotating halfway through if needed. The shells should look set and lift cleanly from the parchment once cooled. Let them cool completely before removing them.

Step 8: Make the Peppermint Filling

Beat the butter until smooth, then add the powdered sugar, peppermint extract, and a splash of heavy cream. Mix until light and fluffy. Fold in crushed peppermint candies if you want a little crunch in the center.

Step 9: Fill and Mature the Macarons

Match the cooled shells by size and pipe filling onto half of them. Sandwich with the remaining shells, pressing gently so the filling reaches the edges. For the best texture, refrigerate the assembled macarons in an airtight container for 24 hours, then let them come to room temperature before serving.

Serving and Storing Peppermint Macarons

Peppermint macarons are best served slightly cool or at room temperature, when the filling is soft and the shells have had time to mature. This recipe makes about 18 sandwich macarons, depending on the size you pipe, which usually serves 9 to 18 people depending on whether each person enjoys one or two. They look beautiful on dessert platters, holiday cookie trays, and edible gift boxes.

To store them, keep the assembled macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They often taste even better on the second day because the filling softens the shells slightly and creates that classic chewy texture. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month, then thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

What to Serve With Peppermint Macarons?

Hot Chocolate

A rich mug of hot chocolate pairs beautifully with the light texture of peppermint macarons. The chocolate and mint combination always feels classic and comforting.

Coffee or Espresso

The sweetness of the macarons balances nicely with a bold cup of coffee. Espresso especially works well if you want a small but elegant dessert pairing.

Vanilla Latte

A creamy vanilla latte brings out the sweetness of the almond shells and makes the peppermint flavor feel even more festive.

Dark Chocolate Ganache

Serving macarons alongside a little dark chocolate dessert creates a more dramatic flavor contrast. The slight bitterness of dark chocolate helps balance the sweet filling.

Fresh Strawberries

Strawberries add a bright, juicy element that keeps the dessert spread feeling fresh. They also look beautiful next to pink or red peppermint macarons.

Peppermint Ice Cream

For a dessert plate that leans fully into the mint theme, peppermint ice cream makes a fun and festive match. It is especially nice for winter parties and holiday dinners.

Whipped Cream Parfaits

A simple parfait with whipped cream and chocolate crumbs pairs well with the macarons without overpowering them. It creates a soft and creamy contrast to the delicate shells.

Want More Dessert Ideas?

If you love elegant sweets and bakery-style treats, there are plenty of other desserts worth trying next. A slice of Decadent Pistachio Cream Cake feels especially fitting when you want something rich and celebration-worthy. For a bright and creamy bite, Lemon Truffles bring a lovely citrus contrast.

You might also enjoy the soft texture of Classic French Butter Cookies if you are building a cookie tray with a delicate feel. For something colorful and fun, Blueberry Lime Cheesecake Cupcakes make a great follow-up bake. And if you want another dessert with a polished finish, Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies are a playful choice.

Save This Recipe For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how your peppermint macarons turned out. Did you keep the filling classic and creamy, or did you add crushed peppermint for extra crunch? Maybe you tinted the shells for a festive finish or kept them simple and elegant.

I always love hearing the little ways home bakers make a recipe their own. Questions are welcome too, especially with a recipe like macarons where the small details really matter.

Explore even more beautiful recipe inspiration on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite homemade treat.

Conclusion

Peppermint macarons are the kind of dessert that feels both refined and joyful. Their crisp shells, chewy centers, and cool minty filling make them a lovely choice for holidays, parties, or any day when you want to bake something a little more special.

Once you get comfortable with the method, they become a rewarding recipe to return to again and again. With their elegant look and refreshing flavor, these macarons are sure to stand out on any dessert table.

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?