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A beautifully arranged platter of colorful French macarons.

French Macaron

A delightful and straightforward French macaron recipe that is quick to prepare and sure to impress your family.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine French
Servings 24 pieces
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

Essentials

  • 150 grams sifted super-fine almond flour Measure after sifting
  • 180 grams powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 120 grams large egg whites At room temperature, about 4 large eggs
  • 60 grams granulated sugar
  • 4 drops liquid-gel food coloring Optional, for vibrant colors
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 recipe Vanilla Buttercream Frosting or your choice of filling

Optional Add-ons

  • Flavor Extracts Experiment with almond or lemon extract for a unique twist.
  • Colored Sugar Sprinkles Add a festive touch for birthdays or special occasions.
  • Additional Fillings Try fruit preserves or ganache for added flavor.

Substitutions and Shortcuts

  • Nut-Free Alternative Use sunflower seed flour for a nut-free version.
  • Store-Bought Frosting Grab a tub of vanilla frosting to simplify your filling process.
  • Pre-Sifted Almond Flour Look for pre-sifted almond flour to skip the sifting step altogether.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Prepare your piping bag: Cut the tip off a large piping bag and fit it with a large plain tip. To prevent leaking, twist the bag just above the tip and push the twisted part into the tip. Place it in a tall glass, folding the bag over the sides for easy filling.
  • Sift the dry ingredients: Sift 150 grams of almond flour and 180 grams of powdered sugar into a medium bowl. Mix gently to combine.

Meringue Creation

  • Make sure your bowl is grease-free by wiping it down with vinegar or lemon juice. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and 120 grams of egg whites. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture bubbles, about 30 seconds.
  • Gradually add 60 grams of granulated sugar while whipping. It's important to add the sugar slowly, allowing the mixture to whip for 20-30 seconds after each addition.
  • Continue whipping until glossy and stiff peaks form. Dip a whisk in the meringue; if it doesn't curl, you’re ready!

Combine and Pipe

  • Mix in 4 drops of food coloring and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully combined.
  • Gently incorporate the almond flour mixture into the meringue in three additions without overmixing.
  • Transfer the batter into your piping bag and pipe small rounds onto the baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space.

Bake

  • Bang each sheet gently on the counter (5-10 times) to flatten the tops and eliminate air bubbles.
  • Allow the piped macarons to sit at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes until they do not stick to your finger when touched.
  • Bake in a preheated oven at 315°F for 12-15 minutes. They should not jiggle when pressed, and you’ll see ‘feet’ forming.
  • Once cool, carefully remove the shells from the parchment, pair them by size, and fill with your desired filling.

Notes

These macarons can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or frozen for longer storage.
Keyword Baking, Family Recipe, French Macaron, Kid-Friendly, Quick Dessert