A macaron is a delicate French pastry that is made from almond flour, egg whites, and sugar. It has a distinctive round shape with a smooth, glossy surface and a slightly crispy exterior. Macarons are often filled with a creamy filling, such as ganache, buttercream, or jam, which adds a burst of flavor and texture.
Macarons come in a variety of colors and flavors, and their popularity has grown worldwide due to their exquisite appearance and delicious taste. Some common flavors include chocolate, vanilla, raspberry, pistachio, coffee, lemon, and salted caramel. The flavors can be infused into the shells or added to the filling.
Macaron
4
servings50
minutes15
minutesMaking macarons can be a precise and technical process, as the batter needs to be mixed and folded carefully to achieve the desired texture and shape. The baking process involves creating a “foot” or a slight ruffled edge at the bottom of each macaron, which is a characteristic feature of the pastry.
Macarons are often enjoyed as a sweet treat or used as decorative elements in dessert displays. They are commonly found in high-end bakeries, patisseries, and specialty dessert shops.
Ingredients
1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
1 cup almond flour
3 large egg whites, at room temperature
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Food coloring (optional)
Filling of your choice (e.g., ganache, buttercream, jam)
Directions
- Prepare the baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats. Set aside.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the powdered sugar and almond flour. Pulse until well combined and any lumps are broken up. Sift the mixture into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat the egg whites using an electric mixer until foamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat. Beat until the egg whites form stiff peaks and have a glossy texture. If using food coloring, add a few drops and mix until evenly distributed.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the beaten egg whites using a spatula. Continue to fold until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the batter.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles, about 1.5 inches in diameter, onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each macaron.
- Once all the batter is piped, firmly tap the baking sheets on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles. This helps prevent cracking during baking. Let the macarons sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to develop a skin. This step is crucial for achieving the characteristic smooth and crispy exterior.
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Bake the macarons in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are set and have formed the characteristic “foot” at the bottom. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking for even cooking.
- Remove the macarons from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheets. Once cooled, carefully remove them from the parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Match similar-sized macaron shells together. Spread or pipe your desired filling onto one shell and sandwich it with another shell.
- Place the filled macarons in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to improve. This step is optional but highly recommended for the best taste and texture.
- Serve and enjoy your homemade macarons!