Description
Delicate and airy French macarons with a crisp shell and chewy interior, perfect for any special occasion or as a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 cup (100g) almond flour
- 1 3/4 cups (200g) powdered sugar
- 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract or other flavoring
- Gel food coloring (optional)
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for filling)
- 1–2 tbsp heavy cream or milk (for filling)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for filling)
Instructions
- Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together into a bowl and set aside.
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy, then gradually add granulated sugar and continue to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Add vanilla extract and gel food coloring (if using) to the meringue and gently mix.
- Fold the almond flour mixture into the meringue in batches using a spatula until the batter flows like lava and forms a thick ribbon when lifted.
- Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip and pipe small rounds onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Tap the baking sheet firmly against the counter to release any air bubbles. Let the piped batter rest at room temperature for 30–60 minutes until a skin forms.
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the macarons for 14–16 minutes or until they have risen to form feet and are set.
- Let the macarons cool completely before removing from the parchment paper.
- To make the filling, beat the butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cream until a smooth buttercream forms.
- Pipe a small amount of filling onto one macaron shell and sandwich with another. Repeat with remaining macarons.
- Refrigerate macarons in an airtight container for 24 hours for best flavor and texture, then bring to room temperature before serving.
Notes
- Use aged egg whites for better meringue stability.
- Ensure all equipment is clean and grease-free.
- Do not overmix the batter; it should flow slowly but consistently.
- Macarons improve in texture after maturing for 24–48 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaron
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg