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Macaron recipe

Close up shot of a colorful plate of macarons

Master the art of French macarons with this detailed recipe. Achieve perfectly smooth shells and delicious fillings for a delightful treat that will impress.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 125g almond flour, finely ground
  • 125g powdered sugar
  • 50g egg whites, aged 3-5 days
  • 50g granulated sugar
  • Gel food coloring (optional)
  • For the filling: 100g buttercream frosting

Instructions

  1. Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together into a large bowl. Discard any large almond pieces.
  2. In a separate clean, grease-free bowl, beat egg whites with an electric mixer until foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
  3. If using, add gel food coloring to the meringue and mix until evenly colored.
  4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the meringue in three additions, using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be smooth and flow like lava.
  5. Transfer the macaron batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
  6. Pipe small, even circles onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  7. Tap the baking sheet firmly on the counter several times to release any air bubbles.
  8. Let the macarons rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, or until a skin forms on the surface.
  9. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
  10. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the feet are well-formed and the shells are set.
  11. Let the macarons cool completely on the baking sheet before removing.
  12. Match the macaron shells by size and pipe buttercream filling onto the flat side of one shell. Top with another shell to create a sandwich.
  13. Refrigerate the macarons for at least 24 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

For best results, use aged egg whites. Separate the egg whites a few days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help to dry them out, resulting in a better meringue. Experiment with different fillings to create your favorite macaron flavors!