Christmas Marzipan Recipe for Homemade Almond Shapes
Ground almonds and a light sugar syrup knead into marzipan that can be shaped into small Christmas sweets.
Ground almonds and a light sugar syrup knead into marzipan that can be shaped into small Christmas sweets. Simmer the syrup just until dissolved, cool it briefly, then mix with almond flour and vanilla. Work the paste until smooth and pliable before shaping. Optional food colouring works best in tiny portions; leave the rest natural for a simple almond finish. Warm sugar and water over low heat, stirring until fully dissolved; simmer one minute and let cool until warm, not hot. Stir almond flour and vanilla into the syrup, then knead gently until smooth and able to hold a shape; add a little almond flour if sticky. Divide paste; knead optional gel colour into one small piece at a time.
Recipe card
Christmas Marzipan Recipe for Homemade Almond Shapes
Equipment: Mixing bowls, scale, measuring tools and suitable baking pan or skillet
Ingredients
Instructions
Syrup
Warm sugar and water over low heat, stirring until fully dissolved; simmer one minute and let cool until warm, not hot.
Paste
Stir almond flour and vanilla into the syrup, then knead gently until smooth and able to hold a shape; add a little almond flour if sticky.
Colour
Divide paste; knead optional gel colour into one small piece at a time.
Shape
Form twelve small stars, balls or festive shapes; roll some lightly in optional chopped peanuts.
Rest
Place on parchment and let dry uncovered in a cool clean place for 2 hours before serving.
How to tell when it is ready
Place on parchment and let dry uncovered in a cool clean place for 2 hours before serving.
Tips
- Warm sugar and water over low heat, stirring until fully dissolved.
- Stir almond flour and vanilla into the syrup, then knead gently until smooth and able to hold a shape.
- Divide paste.
- Form twelve small stars, balls or festive shapes.
Troubleshooting
- If paste sticks, knead in a little almond flour.
- If it crumbles, add a few drops of water and knead.
Substitutions
- Use another finely milled blanched almond flour.
- Use a few drops of almond extract instead of vanilla for a stronger almond note.
Variations
- Colour half the paste and leave half plain.
- Roll a few pieces in finely chopped peanuts.
Serving suggestions
- Arrange on a holiday dessert tray.
- Offer with espresso.
- Wrap individual pieces for a gift.
- Serve with fresh orange segments.
Make ahead
Prepare the measured ingredients in advance. Keep sealed in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
Storage
Keep sealed in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
Food safety
Use blanched food-grade almond flour; note that optional peanut coating adds another allergen.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know christmas marzipan shapes is ready?
Place on parchment and let dry uncovered in a cool clean place for 2 hours before serving.
How should I store christmas marzipan shapes?
Keep sealed in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
Arrange on a holiday dessert tray. Keep sealed in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
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