Description
French macarons are delicate, airy sandwich cookies with a crisp shell and a chewy interior. These elegant treats are made from almond flour and meringue, then filled with a variety of delicious fillings such as buttercream, ganache, or jam. While they require precision and patience, mastering macarons is a rewarding experience that results in bakery-worthy creations right at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/4 cups almond flour
- 1 3/4 cups confectioner’s sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring (optional)
Instructions
Prepare Dry Ingredients
- In a food processor, combine almond flour, confectioner’s sugar, and salt.
- Pulse until finely ground, then sift to remove any larger pieces.
Make the Meringue
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until foamy.
- Gradually add granulated sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
- Stir in vanilla extract and gel food coloring if using.
Macaronage Process
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the meringue using a spatula.
- Continue folding until the batter flows like lava and forms ribbons.
Pipe the Macarons
- Transfer batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
- Pipe small circles onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Tap the sheet on the counter to release air bubbles.
Resting Time
- Let macarons sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until a skin forms.
Baking
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Bake macarons for 15-18 minutes until they develop feet and are firm.
- Let them cool completely before removing from the baking sheet.
Fill and Assemble
- Pair similar-sized shells and fill with buttercream, ganache, or jam.
- Gently sandwich them together.
Notes
- Resting the macarons before baking helps prevent cracking and improves texture.
- Use gel or powdered food coloring instead of liquid to maintain batter consistency.
- Allow macarons to mature for 24 hours in the refrigerator for the best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American