Description

This beginner-friendly macaron recipe guides you through making delicate almond meringue cookies with a soft, chewy center and a smooth buttercream filling.

Ingredients

1 cup finely ground almond flour, sifted

3/4 cup powdered sugar

2 egg whites, room temperature

1/4 cup white sugar

Gel food coloring (optional)

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or flavor of your choice)

A splash of milk or cream (as needed for consistency)

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Instructions

Clean and dry all utensils and surfaces thoroughly. Set out parchment paper on baking trays. Prepare a piping bag with a round tip.
Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together into a large bowl.
In a clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites until frothy. Gradually add white sugar while mixing.
Continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the whipped egg whites using a spatula until the batter ribbons and flows slowly like lava.
Transfer batter to the piping bag. Pipe 1–1.5 inch rounds onto parchment-lined trays. Tap the tray firmly on the counter to release air bubbles.
Let the piped shells sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes until the tops are dry to the touch.
Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake macarons for 14–16 minutes until set and feet have formed. Cool completely on the tray.
Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla or desired flavoring. Add milk or cream if needed for consistency.
Pair similar-sized macaron shells. Pipe buttercream onto one and sandwich with another. Chill in the fridge overnight for best texture.

Notes

Flavor the shells with cocoa, matcha, or freeze-dried fruit powder.
Use flavored buttercreams like lemon or coffee.
Add gel food coloring to the batter to match themes.
Try ganache or jam instead of buttercream.
Sprinkle crushed nuts or edible glitter on top before baking.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 filled macaron
Calories: 100
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 15mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 15mg