Delicate, airy, and delicious, macarons are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed on any occasion. These gluten-free confections are perfect for those with dietary restrictions and are sure to impress your friends and family. With a crisp exterior and a soft, chewy interior, these macarons are filled with a luscious buttercream that adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
When preparing to make macarons, you may need to visit the supermarket for a few specific ingredients. Almond flour is a key component and may not be a staple in every pantry. Additionally, ensure you have powdered sugar and granulated sugar on hand, as both are essential for achieving the right texture and sweetness. Fresh, room temperature egg whites are crucial for the meringue, and high-quality vanilla extract will enhance the flavor of your macarons.
Ingredients for Macarons Recipe
Powdered sugar: Finely ground sugar used to sweeten and stabilize the macaron batter and filling.
Almond flour: Ground almonds that provide the macarons with their signature texture and flavor.
Egg whites: Beaten to create a meringue, giving the macarons their light and airy structure.
Granulated sugar: Added to the egg whites to help stabilize the meringue and add sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Adds a rich, aromatic flavor to both the macaron shells and the buttercream filling.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the macarons.
Butter: Softened and used to create a creamy, smooth buttercream filling.
Milk: Helps achieve the desired consistency for the buttercream filling.
Technique Tip for Macarons
When folding the dry ingredients into the egg whites, use a gentle motion to avoid deflating the mixture. A good technique is to run the spatula around the bowl's edge and then cut through the center, repeating until the batter is smooth and well combined. This ensures your macarons will have the right texture and rise properly.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
almond flour - Substitute with hazelnut flour: Hazelnut flour provides a similar texture and nutty flavor, making it a good alternative for those who may have an almond allergy.
powdered sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be ground into a fine powder to mimic the texture of powdered sugar, offering a slightly different but pleasant flavor.
granulated sugar - Substitute with cane sugar: Cane sugar has a similar sweetness and texture, making it a suitable replacement for granulated sugar.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor that pairs well with the nutty taste of the macarons.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative, providing a similar creamy texture.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that maintains the desired consistency in the filling.
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How to Store or Freeze Macarons
- Allow the macarons to cool completely before storing. This ensures that they maintain their delicate texture and don't become soggy.
- Place the macarons in an airtight container. Layer them gently with parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking and crushing.
- Store the container in the refrigerator. Macarons can be kept in the fridge for up to one week, maintaining their freshness and flavor.
- For longer storage, freeze the macarons. Place the airtight container in the freezer, where they can be stored for up to three months.
- When ready to enjoy, remove the macarons from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This gradual thawing helps preserve their texture.
- Avoid exposing the macarons to direct sunlight or heat sources, as this can cause the filling to melt and the shells to become too soft.
- If you prefer, you can store the macaron shells and filling separately. This allows you to assemble them fresh when needed, ensuring the best texture and flavor.
- Always handle macarons with care, as they are delicate and can easily crack or break. Use a gentle touch when placing them in containers or removing them for serving.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the macarons on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm them for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps to maintain their delicate texture and ensures the filling remains creamy.
For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place the macarons on a microwave-safe plate. Heat them on medium power for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious, as overheating can cause the macarons to become too soft or the filling to melt excessively.
If you prefer a more controlled reheating, use a toaster oven. Set it to a low temperature, around 250°F (120°C). Place the macarons inside for 5-6 minutes. This method is ideal for small batches and helps retain the macarons' crisp exterior and chewy interior.
For a no-heat option, let the macarons sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows them to soften naturally without altering their texture. This method is perfect if you want to enjoy them without any risk of overcooking.
Best Tools for Making Macarons
Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) for baking the macarons.
Baking sheet: Line with parchment paper to bake the macarons.
Parchment paper: Prevents the macarons from sticking to the baking sheet.
Sifter: Sift powdered sugar and almond flour to remove lumps and combine evenly.
Mixing bowl: Use separate bowls for dry ingredients and egg whites.
Electric mixer: Beat egg whites until foamy and stiff peaks form.
Spatula: Gently fold dry ingredients into the egg whites.
Piping bag: Transfer the batter and pipe small circles onto the baking sheet.
Cooling rack: Allow macarons to cool completely before removing from the baking sheet.
Hand mixer: Beat the butter until creamy for the filling.
Measuring cups: Measure powdered sugar, almond flour, and granulated sugar accurately.
Measuring spoons: Measure vanilla extract and salt accurately.
Small bowl: Use for mixing the filling ingredients.
Whisk: Optional for initial mixing of egg whites before using the electric mixer.
How to Save Time on Making Macarons
Prepare the filling: Make the buttercream filling while the macarons are resting to form a skin. This multitasking saves time.
Uniform shape: Use a template under the parchment paper to ensure all macarons are the same size, speeding up the piping process.
Room temperature eggs: Bring egg whites to room temperature quickly by placing them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.
Sift efficiently: Sift the powdered sugar and almond flour together directly into the mixing bowl to reduce cleanup time.

Macarons Recipe
Ingredients
Macaron Shells
- 1 ¾ cups Powdered sugar
- 1 cup Almond flour
- 3 large Egg whites room temperature
- ¼ cup Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 pinch Salt
Filling
- ½ cup Butter softened
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoon Milk
Instructions
- 1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2. Sift the powdered sugar and almond flour together into a bowl.
- 3. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Add the vanilla extract and salt.
- 4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg whites until well combined.
- 5. Transfer the batter to a piping bag and pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheet.
- 6. Tap the baking sheet on the counter to release any air bubbles. Let the macarons sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to form a skin.
- 7. Bake for 15 minutes. Allow to cool completely before removing from the baking sheet.
- 8. For the filling, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- 9. Pipe the filling onto half of the macarons and sandwich with the remaining macarons.
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