Macarons Recipe

This Macarons Recipe features a light and airy cookie with crisp edges and chewy centers. They’re sandwiched together with a homemade vanilla buttercream for a dreamy flavor combination.

Easy French Macarons Recipe

Macarons are meringue like in flavor and not to be confused with macaroons which are a chewy coconut cookie. They’re a light and airy cookie that can be made into any shape you like. Often they are made in small rounds which make them appropriate for any occasion. Making them heart shaped is the perfect way to say “I love you” to the special people in your life. They’re made using almond flour and the flour has to be run through a food processor and ground to a fine powder for the best end result. How to make French Macarons: (Scroll down for full printable recipe.)

• Make Template – Use a cookie cutter or a heart shaped template to make the heart shapes on a parchment lined baking sheet. Leave at least 1 inch of space between each macaron.
• Grind Almond Flour – Pour the almond flour into a food processor and grind until it is a fine powder.
• Powdered Sugar – Next, add the flour to a sieve with the powdered sugar. Sift together into a medium mixing bowl.  Repeat this process two more times.
• Egg Whites – Use a mixer to beat the egg whites until frothy. Add the cream of tartar and beat for 1 minute.
• Vanilla and Food coloring – To the egg whites, add vanilla and 4-5 drops of the food coloring.  (Adjust the intensity of the color to your taste) Beat to combine.
• Combine – Slowly add the sifted ingredients to the egg white mixture 1/3 at a time and fold into the meringue by hand using a rubber spatula. Repeat until all is added.
• Transfer the batter to a piping bag. Fill each heart shape with batter.
• Tap the cookie sheet on a counter a couple of times to release any air bubbles.  Let sit for 40 minutes to dry on the cookie sheet.
• Bake – Bake per the recipe in a preheated 300°F oven. The cookies should be just slightly toasted on the edges.
• Let Cool – Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet then carefully remove to a cooling rack to cool completely.
• Make the Filling – Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter with vanilla extract until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar then add heavy cream in small amounts until desired consistency is reached.
• Transfer to a piping bag OR use an icing spatula to frost one cookie, placing another on top to form the cookie sandwich. 

How to Make the Best Macarons Recipe

• Ingredients you’ll need to make homemade Macarons: Almond flour, powdered sugar, large egg whites, vanilla extract and cream of tarter.
• For the Buttercream filling you’ll need: Powdered sugar, softened butter, vanilla extract, almond extract and heavy cream. When making the buttercream, add just enough heavy cream to make it easily spreadable, not too much.
• Kitchen tools you’ll need: A stand mixer or a hand mixer, a fine mesh sieve, food processor, large mixing bowl, medium mixing bowl, baking sheet, 2 piping bags, whisk, spatula, heart paper template, parchment paper.
• Although the almond flour may be labelled as fine grind, the food processor step called for in the recipe is still a must. Running it through the food processor at least 3 times is recommended to achieve the right texture for the macarons.
• For this recipe, you can’t substitute all purpose flour for almond flour. Only almond flour will do in this instance.
• The egg whites must be at room temperature. This will help get the meringue to the desired fluffiness.
• It also helps if the egg whites are slightly dehydrated. To do this, separate the eggs two days prior to making the macarons. Place them in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap and place into the fridge until you are ready to use them. Next, take the egg whites out of the fridge and allow them to warm to room temperature. This step will help the macarons bake properly. While it’s not an imperative step, it does help with the preparation. If you forget, bring the egg whites to room temperature and proceed with the recipe.
• What does cream of tarter do? Cream of tarter helps to stabilize the whipped egg whites.
• You can make macarons into any shape you like. Round is classic.
• You can change the flavor profile by changing the flavor of extract used. Strawberry, lemon or orange would all be delicious options.
• How do you make your own heart template? Use a heart shaped cookie cutter to make indentations on parchment paper then follow the lines when piping the macaron batter. You can also use the tip of a knife to outline the cookie cutter, allowing at least 1 inch between each macaron for baking. This will help keep them uniform in shape.
• Macarons can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for 1 day but will last much longer when stored chilled in the refrigerator. You can store them chilled for up to 1 week.

More Easy Cookie Recipes to Make

• These Turtle Cookies are baked in a muffin pan to form a cup for the turtle toppings.
• Sour Cream Sugar Cookies can be made into any shape and decorated to suit the occasion.
• Chocolate Crinkle Cookies are rolled in powdered sugar and baked to form the crackle appearance.
• Glazed Lemon Cookies are soft and fluffy.
• These Easy Peanut Butter Cookies can be served with or without a dip of chocolate.
• Flourless Chocolate Cookies melt in your mouth.
• White Chocolate M & M Valentine’s Day Cookies won’t last long in your cookie jar.
• Crinkle Cool Whip Cookies from Bread Booze and Bacon.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Mixing Bowls
• Baking Sheets
• Measuring Set
• Mixer