White Chocolate Cranberry Macarons are the epitome of holiday indulgence. With a crisp, delicate shell filled with creamy white chocolate ganache and a tart cranberry filling, these macarons offer a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. The sugared topping adds an enchanting sparkle, making them an elegant addition to any winter dessert spread. Whether you’re crafting a festive cookie platter or treating yourself, these macarons promise a luxurious bite every time.
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white chocolate cranberry macarons
✨ Delicate, chewy macarons filled with creamy white chocolate ganache and tangy cranberry perfection. Sweet meets tart in every bite! 😍 #MacaronMagic #WhiteChocolateDreams #CranberryCravings #DessertLover #BiteSizedHappiness #SweetTreatGoals #HolidayMacarons #FrenchDessertHeaven #TasteOfElegance #PerfectPairing
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Ingredients
macaron shell
- 130 grams egg whites (approximately 4 large eggs)
- 120 grams granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
- 200 grams almond flour
- 200 grams confectioner’s sugar
- 15 drops white gel food coloring (optional)
- 2–3 tbsp clear sanding sugar
white chocolate ganache
- 6 oz white chocolate chips
- 2 oz heavy cream
- 1 pinch of salt
cranberry filling
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp orange juice
- 1 small pinch of cinnamon
- 2 tsp corn starch
- 1 tsp water
Instructions
important note
The white chocolate ganache requires about 2 hours to set, and the cranberry filling needs time to cool. Plan accordingly to ensure the fillings are ready before assembly.
macaron shells
- Line two baking sheets with silicone mats. Use a circle template if available for uniformity.
- Fit a piping bag with a medium round piping tip (Wilton #2A or #12). Twist the bag behind the tip and secure with a clip to prevent spillage. Place the bag in a tall cup or a bag holder to keep it upright.
- Sift the confectioner’s sugar and almond flour into a medium bowl. Whisk to combine evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the egg whites, granulated sugar, and cream of tartar. Using a whisk attachment, beat the mixture with a handheld or stand mixer at medium-low speed for 3 minutes.
- Increase the speed to medium and continue beating for another 3 minutes.
- Add white gel food coloring (if using). Increase the speed to medium-high and whip for 3 more minutes until stiff peaks form. The meringue should clump in the center of the whisk, and the peaks should hold when the whisk is lifted.
- Gently fold half of the almond flour and confectioner’s sugar mixture into the meringue. Perform 15 folds, scraping around the edge of the bowl and through the center to incorporate fully. Be sure to reach the bottom to avoid leaving dry ingredients behind.
white chocolate ganache
- Place the white chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
- Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- Pour the hot cream over the white chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Add a pinch of salt and mix well. Cover the ganache with plastic wrap, ensuring it touches the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let it set at room temperature for about 2 hours.
cranberry filling
- In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries soften and burst, about 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix corn starch and water to form a slurry. Add this mixture to the cranberry sauce, stirring constantly, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.
assembling the macarons
- Pair similar-sized macaron shells and arrange them on a clean surface.
- Transfer the white chocolate ganache to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. Pipe a ring of ganache onto one shell of each pair.
- Fill the center of the ganache ring with a dollop of cranberry filling.
- Gently press the matching shell on top to create a sandwich.
- Optional: Lightly brush the top shells with water and sprinkle sanding sugar for a sparkling finish.
Notes
- Ingredient substitutions: If white chocolate isn’t your favorite, substitute with milk or dark chocolate for a richer flavor. You can also replace cranberries with raspberries or blackberries for a different fruity twist.
- Flavor variations: Add a hint of vanilla extract to the ganache or a splash of almond extract to the shell batter for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serving suggestions: Serve these macarons with a cup of spiced tea or coffee for a cozy treat. They also pair beautifully with a glass of champagne during festive celebrations.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
ingredients
macaron shell
- 130 grams egg whites (approximately 4 large eggs)
- 120 grams granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
- 200 grams almond flour
- 200 grams confectioner’s sugar
- 15 drops white gel food coloring (optional)
- 2-3 tbsp clear sanding sugar
white chocolate ganache
- 6 oz white chocolate chips
- 2 oz heavy cream
- 1 pinch of salt
cranberry filling
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp orange juice
- 1 small pinch of cinnamon
- 2 tsp corn starch
- 1 tsp water
instructions
important note
The white chocolate ganache requires about 2 hours to set, and the cranberry filling needs time to cool. Plan accordingly to ensure the fillings are ready before assembly.
macaron shells
- Line two baking sheets with silicone mats. Use a circle template if available for uniformity.
- Fit a piping bag with a medium round piping tip (Wilton #2A or #12). Twist the bag behind the tip and secure with a clip to prevent spillage. Place the bag in a tall cup or a bag holder to keep it upright.
- Sift the confectioner’s sugar and almond flour into a medium bowl. Whisk to combine evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the egg whites, granulated sugar, and cream of tartar. Using a whisk attachment, beat the mixture with a handheld or stand mixer at medium-low speed for 3 minutes.
- Increase the speed to medium and continue beating for another 3 minutes.
- Add white gel food coloring (if using). Increase the speed to medium-high and whip for 3 more minutes until stiff peaks form. The meringue should clump in the center of the whisk, and the peaks should hold when the whisk is lifted.
- Gently fold half of the almond flour and confectioner’s sugar mixture into the meringue. Perform 15 folds, scraping around the edge of the bowl and through the center to incorporate fully. Be sure to reach the bottom to avoid leaving dry ingredients behind.
white chocolate ganache
- Place the white chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
- Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- Pour the hot cream over the white chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Add a pinch of salt and mix well. Cover the ganache with plastic wrap, ensuring it touches the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Let it set at room temperature for about 2 hours.
cranberry filling
- In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries soften and burst, about 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix corn starch and water to form a slurry. Add this mixture to the cranberry sauce, stirring constantly, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.
assembling the macarons
- Pair similar-sized macaron shells and arrange them on a clean surface.
- Transfer the white chocolate ganache to a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. Pipe a ring of ganache onto one shell of each pair.
- Fill the center of the ganache ring with a dollop of cranberry filling.
- Gently press the matching shell on top to create a sandwich.
- Optional: Lightly brush the top shells with water and sprinkle sanding sugar for a sparkling finish.

tips and variations
- Ingredient substitutions: If white chocolate isn’t your favorite, substitute with milk or dark chocolate for a richer flavor. You can also replace cranberries with raspberries or blackberries for a different fruity twist.
- Flavor variations: Add a hint of vanilla extract to the ganache or a splash of almond extract to the shell batter for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serving suggestions: Serve these macarons with a cup of spiced tea or coffee for a cozy treat. They also pair beautifully with a glass of champagne during festive celebrations.
conclusion
White Chocolate Cranberry Macarons are a delightful treat that perfectly encapsulates the essence of the holiday season. With their dazzling appearance and sophisticated flavor profile, these macarons are sure to impress both visually and gastronomically. While the process may seem intricate, the rewarding results make every effort worthwhile. Gather your ingredients, channel your inner pastry chef, and indulge in the magic of homemade macarons.