French Macarons are delicate sandwich cookies made with almond flour, egg whites, and sugar, filled with luscious buttercream, ganache, or jam. Known for their smooth tops, ruffled “feet,” and melt-in-your-mouth texture, these elegant treats can be intimidating to make—but this foolproof version simplifies the process while still delivering authentic results.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

almond flourconfectioners’ sugargranulated sugaregg whitescream of tartartartarfood coloring (gel-based preferred)vanilla extractbutter (for filling)powdered sugar (for filling)milk or heavy cream (for filling)optional flavorings or jams (for filling)

directions

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Sift the almond flour and confectioners’ sugar together into a bowl. Repeat if needed to remove clumps and achieve a fine consistency.

In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.

Add food coloring and vanilla extract to the meringue, folding gently to incorporate.

Gradually fold the dry mixture into the meringue using a spatula. Mix just until the batter flows like lava and a figure-8 can be drawn without breaking.

Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles onto the prepared sheets, spacing them evenly.

Tap the trays firmly against the counter to release any air bubbles. Use a toothpick to pop visible bubbles.

Let the piped macarons sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes, or until the tops feel dry to the touch.

Bake for 15–18 minutes. The macarons should rise to form feet and not brown.

Cool completely before removing from the trays.

Prepare the filling by beating butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, a splash of milk or cream, and flavorings or jam as desired. Beat until creamy.

Pipe the filling onto one shell and top with a matching shell to form sandwiches.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 filled macarons.Preparation time: 30 minutesResting time: 30–60 minutesBaking time: 15–18 minutesAssembly time: 15 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 30 minutes–2 hours

Variations

Use cocoa powder in the shells for chocolate macarons.

Add lemon zest and curd for a citrus twist.

Swap vanilla for almond or rose extract for unique flavor.

Fill with Nutella, jam, or flavored ganache.

Mix in crushed freeze-dried fruit for a burst of natural color and flavor.

storage/reheating

Store French Macarons in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.They taste best after maturing for 24 hours in the fridge.Freeze unfilled shells for up to 1 month; thaw and fill as needed.Avoid microwaving—bring to room temperature naturally for the best texture.

FAQs

Why are my macarons cracked?

Cracks are often due to under-drying or air bubbles. Let them rest longer and tap the trays well.

Can I skip the food coloring?

Yes, though they’ll be pale. Use gel-based colors for best results if you do use any.

Why don’t my macarons have feet?

This can be due to under-whipped meringue, over-mixed batter, or low oven temperature.

Can I make them on a humid day?

Humidity affects drying time. Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner for better results.

What’s the best filling?

Buttercream, ganache, or fruit jams all work well depending on your flavor preference.

Can I use liquid food coloring?

Avoid it—it can add too much moisture. Gel or powder is preferred.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

They should have firm feet and slightly separate from the parchment when lifted gently.

Can I use a stand mixer?

Yes, a stand mixer is ideal for achieving stable meringue.

Why are my macarons hollow?

Hollow shells can result from overmixing or underbaking. Ensure proper folding and baking time.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but it’s best to bake in batches to avoid overcrowding and maintain consistent results.

Conclusion

Foolproof French Macarons bring the elegance of a Parisian patisserie into your kitchen without the frustration. With clear steps and simple techniques, you can achieve smooth, chewy, and stunning macarons every time. Master this method, and you’ll have a go-to recipe for every celebration or indulgent moment.