There’s something magical about the crisp shell and chewy center of a perfect macaron, especially when it’s bursting with festive flavors. This Peppermint Chocolate Macarons Recipe combines cool peppermint with rich chocolate, creating an irresistible treat that’s both elegant and delightfully fun to make. Let’s dive in and whip up a batch you’ll be proud to share!

The image shows four bright red macarons stacked in two columns on a white marbled surface. Each macaron has two smooth red shells with a rough edge and a thick creamy brown filling in the middle, topped with small white and red candy bits that add texture. Three macarons stand upright on the left side, stacked with two on the bottom and one on top, while the fourth macaron lies flat on its side just to the right of the stack. The background is soft and blurred with white and light gray tones. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Chocolate Macarons Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Macarons Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Peppermint Chocolate Macarons Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Making macarons might sound intimidating, but this Peppermint Chocolate Macarons Recipe breaks it down in a way that feels manageable and even enjoyable. I’ve made plenty of macarons over the years, and these have quickly become a favorite because of their festive twist and reliably smooth, shiny shells.

Perfect balance of flavors: The cooling peppermint perfectly complements the rich, creamy chocolate buttercream filling.
Achievable technique: Step-by-step instructions and practical tips make this approachable for home bakers.
Beautiful presentation: Crushed candy canes around the edges add a festive pop that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.
Great for gifting: These macarons are elegant, seasonal, and sure to impress anyone who receives them.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting the right ingredients is half the fun and half the success for macarons. Each component in this Peppermint Chocolate Macarons Recipe plays a crucial role—from texture to flavor to appearance. Here’s why I love the ones I’ve chosen:

Flat lay of a small pile of finely ground almond flour on a clean white ceramic plate, a mound of smooth powdered sugar in another white ceramic bowl, three whole uncracked brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl holding fine granulated sugar, a small dollop of vibrant red gel food coloring on a white ceramic dish, a sprig of fresh green peppermint leaves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with soft unsalted butter, a white ceramic bowl containing rich cocoa powder, a small white ceramic bowl with thick heavy whipping cream, and a scattering of crushed bright red and white peppermint candy cane pieces on a white ceramic plate, all arranged with perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Almond flour: Provides that classic nutty flavor and delicate texture essential for macarons.
Powdered sugar: Helps sweeten and smooth out the almond flour, giving a fine, silky base.
Egg whites: These create the airy meringue that gives macarons their lift and chew.
Cream of tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites to help them hold their fluffy peaks during baking.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the meringue and gives structure.
Red gel food coloring: Intensifies color without affecting batter consistency (liquid coloring can throw off egg whites).
Peppermint extract: Infuses the shells and buttercream with that refreshing festive flavor.
Unsalted butter: The base for a creamy, buttery filling.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor to the buttercream without extra sweetness.
Heavy whipping cream: Smooths and lightens the buttercream texture.
Crushed candy canes: For that fabulous festive crunch coating the edges.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I adore about macarons is how easy it is to tweak flavors and colors to match your mood or occasion. This Peppermint Chocolate Macarons Recipe is a fantastic base but also super flexible if you want to play around a bit.

Variation: I’ve switched out the peppermint extract for orange extract and swapped candy canes for candied orange peel—such a fun twist for winter birthdays!
Dietary modifications: For a dairy-free version, try a vegan butter substitute in the filling; it works nicely though the flavor shifts slightly.
Color play: Use different gel food coloring to make macarons for other holidays or parties—pink for Valentine’s Day or green for St. Patrick’s.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Chocolate Macarons Recipe

The image shows four bright red macarons on a white marbled surface. Each macaron has two smooth, rounded red shells with a slightly glossy finish. Between the shells is a thick layer of dark brown filling with a slightly rough texture. Around the filling edges, there are small white and red crushed candy pieces, adding a crunchy texture to the macarons. One macaron is cut in half, showing the inside filling and shell texture clearly. In the corner, two red and white striped candy canes lie diagonally. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sifting and Preparing the Dry Ingredients

Start by sifting the almond flour and powdered sugar together through a fine sieve. Then, sift the mixture a second time into another bowl. I use this double-sifting step every single time—it really helps to create that super fine texture you want in your shells and removes any lumps that could cause cracks.

Step 2: Whipping the Egg Whites

In a clean, dry bowl, beat your egg whites with the cream of tartar on medium-low speed until you see soft peaks form. Then slowly add the granulated sugar and increase the speed to get those stiff, glossy peaks. When it’s ready, the batter should stand firm—you can even tip the bowl upside down without it sliding out. Adding the gel food coloring and peppermint extract at the end keeps those peaks stable while giving you that beautiful color and flavor.

Step 3: Folding in the Dry Ingredients

This step is a little delicate. Fold a third of the dry mix into the egg whites gently. Then fold in the rest until the batter flows off your spatula in a smooth ‘figure 8’ without breaking. I always remind myself to avoid overmixing here—too much folding means you lose air bubbles, and the macarons won’t rise right.

Step 4: Piping and Resting

Scoop your batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip and pipe circles about 1 to 1 ½ inches across on parchment paper or a silicone mat. Tap your baking tray on the counter a few times to pop bubbles; I always keep a toothpick handy to quickly pop any stubborn ones. Then, here’s the secret weapon: let those piped shells rest for 30 minutes to an hour until their tops feel dry to the touch. This makes a smoother, shinier shell and helps the macarons develop their signature feet.

Step 5: Baking to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 315°F (157°C) and bake the macarons one tray at a time for about 17 minutes. You’ll see the macarons rise and form their little “feet” around the edges—that’s how you know you’re on track! Cool them first on the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer the parchment to a rack to cool completely. They should peel away cleanly, which is always a satisfying moment.

Step 6: Making the Peppermint Chocolate Buttercream Filling

Cream the softened butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder until well mixed. Add peppermint extract and a tablespoon of heavy cream, then whip it all until creamy and fluffy. You can add a bit more cream if needed to get the perfect piping consistency.

Step 7: Assembling and Decorating

Pipe the buttercream onto half of your macaron shells, then sandwich with the remaining shells. Roll the edges gently in crushed candy canes for an extra peppermint crunch and a festive look that never fails to impress.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned that a few small details really make or break macarons, and I want to share those with you because, trust me, nothing beats the joy of a perfect batch.

Resting the shells: Don’t rush this step! I usually set mine under my oven’s hood to dry out faster; the smoother tops and impressive feet are worth the wait.
Oven temperature accuracy: My oven often reads differently than it says, so I invested in an oven thermometer. It’s a game-changer for consistent baking results.
Folding technique: I watch the batter flow off my spatula forming a figure 8—when it’s just right, the batter holds air but isn’t too stiff or runny.
Don’t peek too soon: Opening the oven door can cause dreaded cracks or no “feet.” Wait until the final minutes to check on your macarons!

How to Serve Peppermint Chocolate Macarons Recipe

peppermint chocolate macarons - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love to garnish these macarons with extra crushed candy canes on serving platters for a festive touch. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little edible glitter for sparkle, especially during the holidays—it makes them look like tiny jewels on the table.

Side Dishes

These peppermint chocolate delights pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, peppermint-infused hot chocolate, or even a light minty green tea. For parties, I often serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad to balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I arrange macarons in a tiered stand or inside clear glass jars tied with festive ribbons. Another fun idea is to create macaron “snowmen” by stacking three, securing with a bit of frosting, and adding mini chocolate chips or edible decorations for eyes and buttons.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover macarons in an airtight container, keeping them in the fridge if I plan to eat them within a week. They maintain their soft centers and crisp shells surprisingly well this way. Bringing them to room temperature before eating is key for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

Freezing macarons is a lifesaver! I freeze either shells alone or fully assembled macarons, layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When it’s time to enjoy, I thaw them in the fridge for a few hours. They taste almost as fresh as the day they were made.

Reheating

Since macaron shells are best enjoyed at room temperature, I don’t recommend reheating them. Just let frozen or refrigerated macarons sit out for 20-30 minutes before serving for their ideal texture and taste.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why did my macarons crack or not develop feet?

Cracks and missing feet usually come from improper drying or incorrect oven temperature. Make sure to let your piped shells rest until they’re no longer sticky to touch, and verify your oven is accurately preheated without opening it too early during baking.

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?

Gel food coloring is best because it won’t alter the consistency of your meringue. Liquid food coloring adds extra moisture, which can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly and affect the texture of the shells.

How long do these peppermint chocolate macarons last?

Stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 days, refrigerated up to 7 days, and can be frozen for up to 2 months with little loss in quality.

Can I make the macaron shells and filling ahead of time separately?

Yes! You can bake the shells in advance and store them airtight for a few days, or even freeze them. The buttercream can be made ahead and refrigerated. Just assemble the macarons shortly before serving for best texture.

Final Thoughts

Every time I make this Peppermint Chocolate Macarons Recipe, I’m reminded why I fell in love with macarons in the first place—they’re elegant, festive, and genuinely delicious. It might take a bit of patience, especially with resting and folding, but when those smooth, shiny shells come together, it’s absolutely worth it. Give it a shot, and treat yourself to a little minty magic that’s sure to bring smiles at your next gathering!