French Macarons

why make this recipe

French macarons are delightful little treats that are perfect for any occasion. Their colorful shells and creamy fillings make them not only tasty but also visually appealing. These delicate cookies can impress your guests at parties or celebrations and are a great way to practice your baking skills. Making macarons is a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you see the beautiful results.

how to make French Macarons

Ingredients:

• 150 grams sifted super-fine almond flour
• 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
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Vanilla Buttercream Frosting or your choice of filling

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until foamy, then gradually add granulated sugar and continue whisking until stiff peaks form.
4. Gently fold the sifted almond flour and powdered sugar into the egg whites, ensuring not to deflate the mixture.
5. Add food coloring and vanilla extract, gently folding until the color is evenly distributed.
6. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a round tip and pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheet.
7. Let the piped macarons sit for 30-60 minutes, until a skin forms on the surface.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until they have risen slightly and do not stick to the paper.
9. Allow to cool completely before filling with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting or your choice of filling.

how to serve French Macarons

French macarons can be served on a beautiful platter as a dessert centerpiece. They are perfect for tea parties, weddings, or casual gatherings. You can also pair them with coffee or tea for a sweet treat.

how to store French Macarons

To keep your French macarons fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure to let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

tips to make French Macarons

• Measure your ingredients accurately for best results.
• Make sure your mixing bowls and utensils are clean and dry.
• Allow your egg whites to reach room temperature for better volume.
• Practice patience while piping and waiting for the skins to form on the macarons.

variation

You can experiment with different flavors and fillings for your macarons. Some popular variations include chocolate ganache, fruit curds, or even salted caramel.

FAQs

Q: Why do my macarons crack?
A: Cracking can happen if the oven temperature is too high or if they did not rest long enough before baking. Make sure to let them sit until a skin forms.

Q: Can I add flavors to the macarons?
A: Yes! You can add matcha powder, cocoa powder, or extracts like almond or peppermint to the batter for different flavors.

Q: What should I do if my macarons are flat?
A: Flat macarons may be a result of overmixing the batter or not enough egg whites. Be careful with your folding technique and ensure your egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks.