What You’ll Love About This Recipe
These homemade macarons are a delightful treat that’s easier to make than you might think. You’ll love how they turn your kitchen into a little French bakery with just a few simple steps. Perfectly crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, they’re a dream come true for dessert lovers. Endless flavor options let you get creative, whether you’re craving classic vanilla or something zesty like lemon. Impressive presentation makes them a showstopper for any occasion, from parties to afternoon tea.
Recipe
Macarons are delicate French cookies with a crisp shell and a chewy interior, often filled with ganache, buttercream, or jam. Mastering them takes practice, but this recipe provides a solid foundation for homemade macarons.
Ingredients:
- 100g egg whites (aged at room temperature for 24 hours)
- 90g granulated sugar
- 120g almond flour (finely sifted)
- 200g powdered sugar (sifted)
- Gel food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare baking sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Sift dry ingredients: Whisk almond flour and powdered sugar together, then sift to remove lumps.
- Whip egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to whip until stiff peaks form. Add food coloring if desired.
- Fold in dry ingredients: Gently fold the almond flour mixture into the meringue in three additions, using a spatula. Mix until the batter flows like lava and forms a ribbon.
- Pipe macarons: Transfer batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe 1-inch circles onto prepared sheets, spacing them apart. Tap the trays firmly to release air bubbles.
- Rest: Let macarons sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until a skin forms (they should not stick when touched lightly).
- Bake: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake one tray at a time for 15-18 minutes, rotating halfway. Let cool completely before filling.
Notes:
- Humidity can affect macaron shells; avoid making them on rainy days.
- Aged egg whites improve stability.
Equipment:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Piping bag with round tip
- Sifter
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone mats
Time:
- Prep time: 45 minutes
- Cooking time: 18 minutes per batch
Cuisine: French
Serving: Makes about 30-40 macaron shells (15-20 filled macarons).
Nutrition
Light and delicate, these homemade macarons are a sweet treat. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrition | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 95 kcal |
| Total Fat | 4.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 10 mg |
| Sodium | 20 mg |
| Total Carbs | 12 g |
| Sugars | 10 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing macarons with a steaming cup of tea or coffee—it brings out their delicate flavors perfectly. For a sweet twist, you can serve them alongside a scoop of ice cream or a small fruit tart. It’s all about finding combinations that make your dessert experience feel special.
Complementary Beverages
Since macarons are delicate and sweet, they pair beautifully with drinks that balance their richness or add a revitalizing contrast. I love sipping a lightly floral Earl Grey tea—its bergamot notes cut through the sweetness perfectly. For something bolder, espresso works wonders, especially with chocolate-filled macarons. If you prefer cold drinks, a crisp sparkling lemonade or iced matcha latte adds a revitalizing zing. Even a glass of champagne elevates the experience, making macarons feel extra special. Don’t overcomplicate it—just pick something you enjoy that either complements or contrasts the flavors. Trust me, the right drink makes every bite even better.
Side Dessert Pairings
Macarons are already a treat on their own, but sometimes you want a little extra something to round out your dessert spread. I love pairing them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream—the creamy texture contrasts perfectly with the crisp shells. A drizzle of dark chocolate ganache adds richness, while fresh berries bring a tart balance. For something lighter, try a citrus sorbet or a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re feeling fancy, a mini éclair or a bite-sized fruit tart complements the macarons without stealing the show. The key is keeping it simple, so the macarons stay the star.
