shamrock macarons gold macarons st patricks macarons recipe Shamrock Macarons Gold Macarons St Patricks Recipe Guide

Updated On: October 15, 2025

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with an exquisite twist on a classic French delicacy by making Shamrock Gold Macarons.

These festive macarons are not only a visual treat, decorated in vibrant shamrock green and shimmering gold, but also a delicious delight for your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a St.

Patrick’s Day party or looking for a unique gift, these macarons will impress with their perfect balance of crisp shells and luscious fillings. The golden shimmer adds a luxurious touch, making them stand out on any dessert platter.

In this detailed recipe, I’ll guide you through every step to create these stunning shamrock-shaped macarons filled with a smooth and creamy buttercream. Don’t worry if you’re new to macarons — with patience and practice, you’ll be able to master the technique and wow your friends and family.

Ready your piping bags and let’s dive into the magic of St. Patrick’s Day baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves baking and wants to add a festive flair to their treats. The macarons feature a delicate almond meringue shell that’s crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, paired with a rich, buttery filling.

The shamrock shape and gold accents make them a standout for holiday celebrations.

Plus, macarons are naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for guests with dietary restrictions. The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow, and I’ve included helpful tips to avoid common pitfalls.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these macarons will be a delightful challenge with rewarding results.

Ingredients

  • 120g almond flour (blanched and finely ground)
  • 200g powdered sugar
  • 3 large egg whites (room temperature)
  • 50g granulated sugar
  • Green gel food coloring
  • Edible gold dust or gold luster dust
  • 200g unsalted butter (softened)
  • 150g powdered sugar (for buttercream)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Equipment

  • Baking sheets lined with parchment paper or silicone mats
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer
  • Sifter or fine mesh sieve
  • Mixing bowls (preferably glass or metal)
  • Spatula (silicone preferred)
  • Piping bags with round and shamrock-shaped tips
  • Toothpick or skewer (for shaping details)
  • Small paintbrush (for gold dust application)
  • Cooling rack

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dry ingredients: Sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar into a large bowl to remove lumps and aerate the mixture. Set aside.
  2. Whip the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar while increasing the speed to high. Continue whipping until you achieve stiff, glossy peaks.
  3. Add color: Gently fold in a few drops of green gel food coloring into the meringue, mixing carefully to keep the airiness.
  4. Macaronage (folding): Add the dry ingredient mixture in three parts to the meringue. Use a spatula to fold carefully but thoroughly, aiming for a smooth, ribbon-like batter that flows slowly off the spatula.
  5. Pipe shamrock shapes: Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a shamrock-shaped tip. On a lined baking sheet, pipe uniform shamrock shapes about 1.5 inches across. For more precision, you can pipe round shells and use a toothpick to shape the shamrock leaves gently.
  6. Rest the shells: Let the piped shells rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until a thin skin forms on the surface. They should not stick to your finger when touched gently.
  7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F). Bake the shells for 14-16 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through for even baking. The shells should have smooth tops and develop “feet” (the ruffled base).
  8. Cool: Remove from oven and let the shells cool completely on the baking sheet before removing.
  9. Prepare the buttercream filling: Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until light and fluffy. If desired, add a tiny bit of green coloring for a matching filling.
  10. Assemble the macarons: Pair shells of similar size. Pipe a swirl of buttercream onto one shell and sandwich with the matching shell. Press gently to spread the filling evenly to the edges.
  11. Add gold accents: Using a small dry brush, lightly dust the edges or tops of the shamrock macarons with edible gold dust for a festive, shimmering finish.
  12. Rest before serving: For the best texture and flavor, refrigerate the assembled macarons in an airtight container for 24 hours. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Tips & Variations

“Patience and precision are key to perfect macarons. Make sure to sift your almond flour and sugar thoroughly to avoid lumpy shells.

Avoid overmixing during macaronage — the batter should flow like lava, not runny or stiff.”

  • If you don’t have a shamrock piping tip, pipe small circles and use a toothpick to carefully shape the leaves before resting.
  • Try swapping the vanilla buttercream for a mint-flavored buttercream to enhance the St. Patrick’s theme.
  • Use different shades of green coloring for a gradient shamrock effect.
  • For a vegan or dairy-free version, check out our guide on Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals to adapt buttercream alternatives.
  • To add a festive surprise, include a small piece of white chocolate ganache or Irish cream-flavored filling inside.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Macaron (approx.)
Calories 90 kcal
Fat 5.5g
Saturated Fat 3.5g
Carbohydrates 10g
Sugar 9g
Protein 2g
Fiber 0.5g

Serving Suggestions

These shamrock gold macarons are perfect to serve with a hot cup of Irish coffee or a delicate green tea. For a festive brunch or afternoon tea, pair them with other St.

Patrick’s Day treats like soda bread or mint chocolate brownies. They also make delightful gifts when packaged in a decorative box tied with a green ribbon.

If you want to explore more vegan-friendly sides for your celebration, check out our Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas or cozy up with a bowl of Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food to balance the sweetness of the macarons.

Conclusion

Mastering shamrock gold macarons is a delightful way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with style and flavor.

These elegant treats combine the delicate art of French baking with festive Irish charm, perfect for impressing friends and family alike. The combination of crisp, chewy shells and creamy buttercream filling makes every bite a heavenly experience.

While macarons may seem intimidating at first, following this detailed recipe and tips will help you achieve bakery-quality results. Plus, the golden shimmer adds that special touch that elevates your dessert table.

Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting, or simply indulging yourself, these macarons are sure to spread a little luck and joy. For more delicious inspiration, don’t forget to explore our collection of easy and tasty recipes like the Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide.

📖 Recipe Card: Shamrock Gold Macarons – St. Patrick's Macarons Recipe

Description: Delicate shamrock-shaped macarons with a shimmering gold finish, perfect for celebrating St. Patrick's Day. These light and airy treats combine classic macaron shells with a creamy buttercream filling.

Prep Time: PT30M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT45M

Servings: 20 macarons

Ingredients

  • 100g almond flour
  • 100g powdered sugar
  • 75g egg whites (about 2 large eggs), aged
  • 75g granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
  • Green gel food coloring
  • Edible gold dust
  • 100g unsalted butter, softened
  • 150g powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together.
  2. Whip egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
  3. Gradually add granulated sugar and whip to stiff peaks.
  4. Fold dry ingredients into meringue and add green gel coloring.
  5. Pipe shamrock shapes onto baking sheets and let rest 30 minutes.
  6. Bake at 150°C (300°F) for 15 minutes and cool completely.
  7. Mix butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream to make buttercream.
  8. Pipe buttercream onto half the shells and sandwich with remaining shells.
  9. Lightly brush macarons with edible gold dust for shimmer.

Nutrition: Calories: 90 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 6 g | Carbs: 8 g

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Marta K

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