Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Red White and Blue Macarons are festive, elegant treats perfect for patriotic holidays like the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or Veterans Day. These delicate French cookies feature crisp outer shells with chewy centers and are filled with luscious buttercream or ganache. Their vibrant red, white, and blue colors make them a stunning addition to any dessert table.

ingredients

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

almond flourpowdered sugarsuperfine granulated sugaregg whitescream of tartartartargel food coloring (red and blue)unsalted buttervanilla extractheavy cream (if making ganache)white chocolate or confectioners’ sugar (for filling)

directions

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together into a large bowl to remove any clumps.

In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.

Gradually add the superfine sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.

Divide the meringue into three bowls. Leave one plain (white), and color the other two with red and blue gel food coloring.

Fold the dry ingredients into each colored meringue mixture until it reaches a lava-like consistency.

Pipe small rounds of each color onto the prepared baking sheets, using either a tri-color piping bag or alternating piping for a swirl effect.

Tap the baking sheets firmly on the counter to release air bubbles.

Let the macarons sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, or until a skin forms on top and they are no longer sticky to the touch.

Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake for 14-16 minutes, rotating halfway through.

Allow the shells to cool completely before removing from the baking sheets.

Prepare the filling by whipping unsalted butter with vanilla extract and powdered sugar (or melt white chocolate with cream for ganache).

Pipe the filling onto one shell and sandwich with another.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 macarons.Preparation time: 30 minutesResting time: 30-60 minutesBaking time: 14-16 minutesAssembly time: 15 minutesTotal time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Variations

Use different fillings like raspberry jam, lemon curd, or chocolate ganache for flavor contrast.

Add edible glitter or sprinkles to the shells before baking for extra flair.

Make tie-dye swirls by blending the food coloring gently in the piping bag.

Flavor the shells with almond or lemon extract for added depth.

storage/reheating

Store Red White and Blue Macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for best texture.Macarons can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

FAQs

What is the best food coloring to use?

Gel food coloring works best as it doesn’t affect the consistency of the batter.

Can I use liquid food coloring?

Avoid liquid food coloring as it can thin the batter and affect the texture.

Why do my macarons crack?

Cracking often results from skipping the resting step or not tapping out air bubbles.

How do I get the perfect “feet”?

Allowing the shells to dry and preheating the oven properly helps develop the iconic macaron feet.

Can I use store-bought almond flour?

Yes, just make sure to sift it well to remove lumps and ensure a smooth batter.

What’s the best filling?

Buttercream, ganache, or jam are all great options—choose based on your flavor preference.

Do I need a kitchen scale?

Using a scale ensures precise measurements, which is crucial for macaron success.

Why are my macarons hollow?

This can happen from over-mixing or under-baking. Try adjusting oven temperature or mixing technique.

Can I flavor the shells?

Yes, but avoid adding liquids. Use extracts or powdered flavorings to maintain consistency.

Are macarons gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the ingredients used are gluten-free, especially the almond flour.

Conclusion

Red White and Blue Macarons are an impressive, colorful way to celebrate patriotic occasions or add flair to your dessert tray. With their vibrant hues and delightful textures, these French confections offer a rewarding baking challenge and a stunning presentation. Once mastered, they’re sure to become a show-stopping favorite.