Description
Delicate french macarons highlight elegant Parisian pastry craftsmanship with almond flour and meringue shells. Crisp exterior and creamy filling make these cookies a sophisticated dessert perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 100 grams (3.5 ounces) almond flour
- 100 grams (3.5 ounces) powdered sugar
- 70 grams (2.5 ounces) granulated sugar
- 70 grams (2.5 ounces) egg whites
Stabilizing Ingredients:
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional)
Decorative and Filling Ingredients:
- 2–3 drops food coloring (optional)
- 1/2 cup buttercream, ganache, or jam for filling
Instructions
- Calibrate oven to 300°F and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper, creating smooth, even surfaces for delicate macaron shells.
- Meticulously sift almond flour and powdered sugar through fine-mesh strainer to eliminate lumps and ensure silky texture.
- Using electric mixer, transform egg whites into airy foam, then gradually incorporate granulated sugar while continuously whisking.
- Whip meringue until glossy, stiff peaks form and mixture becomes thick and voluminous, holding distinct shape when beater is lifted.
- Delicately fold dry ingredients into meringue using precise circular motions, maintaining air and creating smooth, consistent batter.
- Transfer mixture to piping bag with round tip and gently pipe uniform circular shells onto prepared baking sheets, maintaining consistent size.
- Allow piped shells to rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes, developing characteristic smooth, crisp exterior shell.
- Bake shells for 15-18 minutes until feet have formed and surfaces appear matte and set, rotating tray midway for even cooking.
- Cool completely on baking sheet, then carefully remove shells and pair matching sizes for filling with buttercream, ganache, or jam.
Notes
- Use room temperature egg whites for better volume and stability when whipping meringue.
- fold dry ingredients gently to maintain air bubbles and prevent deflation.
- Resting macarons before baking creates a smooth, glossy shell with perfect “feet” during baking.
- Adapt flavors by adding food coloring or extract to customize taste and match any occasion or theme.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 20
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 8 mg