Macarons are delicate French cookies that are crisp on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and sandwiched with a luscious filling. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or trying French pastries for the first time, this Macarons recipe gives you professional results at home. Perfect for gifts, parties, or a cozy afternoon treat, these macarons will impress anyone with their flavor and elegance.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crisp outside and soft, chewy center every time.
- Versatile: fill with chocolate ganache, buttercream, or fruit jam.
- Elegant and colorful – perfect for celebrations.
- Gluten-free, made primarily from almond flour.
- Great for gifting or making ahead of time.
Ingredients
For the shells:
1 cup almond flour
1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
3 large egg whites, room temperature
¼ cup granulated sugar
Food coloring (optional)
For the filling:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: 2–3 tablespoons cocoa powder or fruit jam
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together to remove lumps.
- In a bowl, beat egg whites until foamy, gradually adding granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold almond flour mixture into egg whites until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
- Transfer batter to a piping bag and pipe 1–1.5 inch rounds onto prepared baking sheets.
- Tap baking sheets gently to release air bubbles. Let macarons rest 30–60 minutes until a skin forms.
- Bake 15–18 minutes until shells are firm and can lift from parchment. Cool completely.
- Beat butter with powdered sugar and vanilla (and optional cocoa/jam) for the filling.
- Pair shells by size, pipe filling onto one shell, and sandwich with another.
- Refrigerate assembled macarons for at least 24 hours before serving for best texture.
Tips & Variations
- Use a silicone mat instead of parchment paper for even baking.
- Flavor shells with cocoa, lemon zest, or matcha powder.
- Fill with chocolate ganache, fruit jam, or flavored buttercream.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain airy texture.
Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Store macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze unfilled shells for up to 1 month; thaw before filling.
- Refrigerated macarons taste best after resting 24 hours for flavors to meld.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
- Serve with tea or coffee for a classic French touch.
- Pair with sparkling cider or hot chocolate for cozy gatherings.
- Arrange on a decorative tray for parties or gifting.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar or edible glitter for extra elegance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are macarons gluten-free?
Yes, they are naturally gluten-free because the shells are made from almond flour instead of wheat flour, making them a great option for gluten-sensitive bakers.
Why did my macarons crack?
Cracking usually happens when the shells didn’t rest long enough to form a skin before baking. Make sure to let them sit at room temperature until the surface is dry to the touch.
Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?
Almond flour is traditional and gives the classic texture. Hazelnut or cashew flour can be used, but the texture and taste will differ slightly.
How long should macarons rest before serving?
Macarons taste best after resting in the refrigerator for about 24 hours, which allows the flavors and moisture to meld perfectly without losing crispness.
Ready to Make It?
These Macarons are a treat for the senses: delicate, colorful, and bursting with flavor. Whether for gifting, a special occasion, or an indulgent snack, now you can bake these French classics at home. Pin this recipe and impress your friends with your pastry skills!
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Homemade Macarons
- Total Time: PT1H30M
- Yield: 24 macarons 1x
Description
Delicate French macarons with crisp shells and chewy centers. Fill with buttercream, ganache, or jam for elegant treats at home.
Ingredients
1 cup almond flour
1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
3 large egg whites, room temperature
¼ cup granulated sugar
Food coloring (optional)
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: cocoa powder or fruit jam
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
2. Sift almond flour and powdered sugar.
3. Beat egg whites gradually adding granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
4. Fold almond flour mixture into egg whites; add food coloring if desired.
5. Pipe rounds 1–1.5 inch onto baking sheet.
6. Tap sheets gently; let macarons rest 30–60 min until skin forms.
7. Bake 15–18 min; cool completely.
8. Beat butter with powdered sugar and vanilla (optional cocoa/jam) for filling.
9. Pair shells by size; pipe filling and sandwich.
10. Refrigerate 24 hours before serving.
Notes
Use silicone mats for even baking.
Flavor shells with matcha, lemon, or cocoa.
Do not overmix batter.
Macarons taste best after 24 hours in fridge.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 macarons
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg