There’s something magical about Cranberry Macarons — delicate almond cookies with creamy cranberry filling that melt in your mouth. They’re crisp on the outside, soft and chewy inside, and bursting with tart cranberry flavor.
The first time I made these was right before Christmas. I had just finished baking my White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies and Christmas Cherry Bombs but wanted something a little more refined — something pretty enough to gift. These macarons turned out so beautiful that I couldn’t stop taking pictures before even tasting one. Then I did, and I knew: these weren’t just cookies — they were little bites of holiday happiness.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sift powdered sugar and almond flour together into a bowl. This step ensures smooth shells.
- In another bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. Add vanilla and red gel coloring, if using.
- Gently fold the almond mixture into the meringue using a spatula. Mix until batter flows like lava — smooth and slightly thick.
- Transfer batter into piping bag with round tip. Pipe 1-inch circles on parchment-lined baking sheet. Tap tray to remove bubbles. Let rest for 30–40 minutes until dry to the touch.
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake for 14–16 minutes, rotating halfway. Shells should lift easily when done.
- Beat softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, strained cranberry sauce, and vanilla. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Pair shells by size. Pipe filling onto one half and sandwich with the other. Chill in fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Cranberry Macarons
These macarons have that bakery-style texture — crisp shells, soft centers, and a creamy filling that ties everything together. The cranberry buttercream adds just the right balance of tart and sweet. They look impressive but are surprisingly easy to make once you get the hang of it.
If you love elegant desserts like my Toffee Chocolate Chip Cheeseball or Pink Party Donuts, these Cranberry Macarons will be your new favorite showpiece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Macaron Shells:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¾ cup almond flour (finely ground)
- 2 large egg whites (room temperature)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red gel food coloring (optional)
For the Cranberry Buttercream:
- ¼ cup cranberry sauce (smooth, strained)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
If you love holiday flavors with a tangy twist, you’ll also enjoy my Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread — same festive flavor, just cozier.
How to Make Cranberry Macarons
Step 1: Prepare the Shells
Sift powdered sugar and almond flour together into a bowl. This step ensures smooth shells.
Step 2: Make the Meringue
In another bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. Add vanilla and a drop of red gel coloring if desired.
Step 3: Fold the Batter
Gently fold the almond mixture into the meringue using a spatula. Mix until the batter flows like lava — smooth and slightly thick.
Step 4: Pipe and Rest
Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe 1-inch circles onto a lined baking sheet. Tap the tray firmly to remove air bubbles, then let the shells rest for 30–40 minutes until they form a dry skin on top.
Step 5: Bake the Shells
Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake for 14–16 minutes, rotating halfway. The macarons are ready when they lift easily off the parchment.
Step 6: Make the Cranberry Buttercream
Beat softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, cranberry sauce, and vanilla, mixing until smooth. If too thick, add a teaspoon of milk.
Step 7: Fill and Chill
Pair macaron shells by size. Pipe a dollop of cranberry buttercream onto one half, then sandwich with the other. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors meld.
If you love detailed but rewarding bakes, this recipe feels just like my Garten’s Cranberry Orange Bread — a bit of patience, but so worth it.
Tips for Perfect Cranberry Macarons
- Weigh ingredients: Precision matters with macarons.
- Rest the shells: This step helps them form those signature “feet.”
- Avoid overmixing: The batter should flow slowly off your spatula.
- Chill before serving: It helps the flavors combine and softens the texture.
Those little attention-to-detail tricks are exactly what make my White Chocolate Peppermint Cookies turn out bakery-perfect every time.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Freeze filled macarons for up to 1 month in layers separated by parchment. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Like my Christmas Bread Recipe, these macarons store beautifully and taste even better the next day.
Flavor Variations
- Cranberry Orange: Add orange zest to the buttercream for a citrusy twist.
- White Chocolate Cranberry: Stir melted white chocolate into the filling.
- Cranberry Pistachio: Add ground pistachios to the shells for a nutty flavor.
- Classic Vanilla Cranberry: Keep the shells plain and let the cranberry filling shine.
If you enjoy versatile recipes that can fit any occasion, you’ll love my Cajun Seafood Alfredo — same creativity, different craving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did my macarons crack?
They likely didn’t rest long enough before baking. Let them form a dry shell first.
2. Can I use canned cranberry sauce?
Yes — just strain it to remove chunks or skins for a smooth buttercream.
3. Can I skip the food coloring?
Absolutely! They’ll still taste amazing — the flavor matters most.
4. How long should I let them rest before eating?
At least 2 hours, but overnight is best for the perfect texture.
The Final Bite
These Cranberry Macarons are elegant, tangy, and perfectly sweet — a bite-sized treat that looks beautiful and tastes even better. They’re festive enough for holiday trays yet simple enough for year-round indulgence.
Serve them alongside my Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe for a dessert pairing that feels like pure winter comfort.