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Transform your Halloween table or craft nook with these adorable Halloween fake macarons—they are a whimsical way to add spooky fun and handmade charm to your party decor or costume props. This project is perfect to enjoy with kids or while prepping last minute seasonal decorations.
When I first stumbled into this project all I had on hand was some cornstarch and a dash of creativity. It became an instant favorite craft for family movie nights and everyone always wants to try new designs each Halloween.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Cornstarch: Adds smoothness to your macaron dough and helps it hold shape. Choose a fine-milled variety for best texture.
- Baking soda: Makes the dough pliable and soft and allows for even drying. Use a fresh box for best results.
- Water: Binds the dry ingredients together. Filtered water works best for a brighter base and smoother finish.
- Acrylic paint or non-toxic paint: For color and character details. Bright shades and kid-safe formulas are ideal.
- Optional Mod Podge or clear acrylic sealer: Adds a glossy shine and preserves your paint job. Look for a matte finish if you want a softer look.
- Toothpicks and small brushes: For shaping and painting finer features. A soft-bristle brush gives better control over tiny designs.
How to Make It
- Make the Macaron Dough:
- Combine cornstarch, baking soda, and water in a medium saucepan. Stir constantly over medium heat with a wooden spoon. This will form a thick, creamy mixture as it begins to bubble and pull away from the sides of the pot. Do not rush this step—smoothness matters.
- Cool the Dough:
- Spread the warm dough onto a plate or parchment and allow it to cool until you can handle it easily. Expect it to take about ten minutes. Warm dough is easier to shape but make sure it will not burn your hands.
- Shape the Macaron Shells:
- Pinch off small balls of dough about the size of a walnut. Gently roll them between your palms, then flatten slightly to create the mounded shape. Real macarons have a flat bottom and a domed top, so shape the top with a gentle touch. Use a toothpick to trace a faint ridge around the side of each shell, giving them an authentic look.
- Dry the Shells:
- Set each formed shell on a wire rack or parchment paper. Leave plenty of space between pieces for air flow. Let them air dry for a full twenty four hours so they become sturdy and paintable. Rotating halfway through helps avoid flat spots.
- Create Halloween Characters:
- Once dry, use your paint and a thin brush to detail each shell. Make ghosts by painting the shells white and adding faces with black dots. Pumpkins work well with vibrant orange and a little brown or green on top as a stem. For witches, opt for jewel tones like purple or green with black hat accents or cobweb details. Let colors dry completely before the next step.
- Seal the Finish:
- If you want your fake macarons to be glossy or more durable, brush on a thin coat of Mod Podge or clear acrylic sealer. Do this in a well ventilated space and allow extra time for drying before handling.
I always save a few extra shells to paint different faces the next season. My personal favorite is the ghost because it pops against any background and makes my kids laugh every time they see it perched on the fridge.
Flavor Boosters
Store your finished macarons in a dry place to keep them from getting soft or sticky. For long term storage, wrap in tissue paper and keep in a plastic container. Airtight tins work well too. Avoid exposing them to humidity or water as this can cause softening.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange your finished macarons in a decorative bowl on the party table for a sweet looking treat that will not spoil. Secure a pin backing or refrigerator magnet to the back for fun accessories. These look adorable in shadowboxes as keepsake Halloween crafts.
Creative Twists
Change up your designs for each celebration. Try snowmen and reindeer for winter or bunnies and eggs for spring. The recipe and method stay the same and you only need to swap out paint colors or character faces.
Thanks to this easy recipe, we now make fake candies for the whole neighborhood as part of our annual decorating tradition. Make a batch weeks ahead and decorate closer to Halloween for less last-minute prep!
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → What ingredients are needed for Halloween fake macarons?
You'll need cornstarch, baking soda, and water to create the dough for shaping your Halloween macarons.
- → Can I use food coloring to decorate these fake macarons?
No, use craft paint to decorate the macarons after they've dried since they're not edible. Acrylic paints work well.
- → How long does it take for the fake macarons to dry?
Allow the shaped macarons to dry thoroughly for about 24 hours to achieve a firm, craft-ready finish.
- → What designs can I make with the dough?
You can paint and customize your macarons as spooky ghosts, bright pumpkins, or colorful witches for a festive look.
- → Are these fake macarons safe to use as decorations?
Yes, once fully dry and sealed, they are sturdy and safe as Halloween decorations or props for display.
- → How do I add a glossy finish to my macarons?
Seal your decorated macarons with Mod Podge or a clear acrylic spray for a shiny, finished appearance.