How to Make the Perfect French Macarons
French · Easy · 44 min · 20 servings
French macarons are a colorful and impressive kid friendly baking project that older children will love tackling with a parent for a special weekend activity. These delicate sandwich cookies with creamy filling are easier than they look when you follow the steps carefully and have patience.
Why this recipe works
This French Macarons recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 44 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 120 calories with 2g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 cup almond flour finely sifted
- 1.75 cups powdered sugar divided
- 3 large egg whites at room temperature
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened for filling
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 drops food coloring of choice
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Sift and Prep
Sift together the almond flour and 1.25 cups of powdered sugar into a large bowl and set aside. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and let the oven preheat to 325 degrees F.
Step 2: Whip the Meringue
Beat the egg whites until foamy, then gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff glossy peaks form. Add a couple drops of food coloring at the end and mix gently.
Step 3: Fold and Pipe
Fold the almond flour mixture into the meringue using a spatula in a figure-eight motion until the batter flows like lava. Pipe 1.5-inch rounds onto the prepared pans and let them sit for 30 minutes until a skin forms.
Step 4: Bake Fill and Sandwich
Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the feet have formed and the shells do not stick to the paper. Cool completely, then sandwich pairs together with buttercream made from softened butter, remaining powdered sugar, and vanilla.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- almond flour → sunflower seed flour for a nut-free version though the flavor will differ slightly
- vanilla buttercream filling → store-bought frosting in any flavor to make filling much quicker and easier
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the resting period before baking which prevents the signature macaron feet from forming properly
- Undermixing or overmixing the batter which causes lumpy tops or flat spreading cookies with no structure
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 120 calories, 2g protein, 18g carbs, 5g fat, 0g fiber.
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