French Macarons Recipe
Classic French Macarons feature crisp almond meringue shells sandwiching silky buttercream filling. Delicate pastel treats perfect for tea parties, bridal showers, and Pinterest dessert boards. Master the finesse of these bakery-worthy confections.
- Author: ssam
- Prep Time: 45 mins
- Cook Time: 16 mins
- Total Time: 24 hours
- Yield: 30 macarons 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten Free
- Macaron Shells:
- 100g almond flour (finely ground)
- 100g powdered sugar
- 75g egg whites (room temp, aged 24hrs)
- 100g granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp cream of tartar
- Pinch sea salt
- Gel food coloring (optional)
- Vanilla Buttercream:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream
- Pinch salt
- 1. Sift almond flour + powdered sugar 3x. Discard large bits. Set aside.
- 2. Beat 75g egg whites + cream of tartar to foam. Gradually add 100g granulated sugar. Whip to stiff, glossy peaks (8-10 mins).
- 3. Add gel color. Mix 5-10 seconds.
- 4. Macaronage: Add ⅓ dry ingredients to meringue. Fold gently until lava-like ribbon stage (figure 8 test). 40-50 folds.
- 5. Pipe 1.5″ circles on parchment-lined sheets. Tap trays firmly 5x. Rest 30-60 mins until dry to touch.
- 6. Bake 300°F 14-16 mins. Feet form, tops smooth. Cool completely.
- 7. Beat butter + 1 cup powdered sugar. Add remaining sugar, vanilla, cream, salt. Whip silky.
- 8. Pair matching shells. Pipe buttercream swirl. Sandwich gently. Mature 24hrs fridge for perfect texture.
Notes
- Aged egg whites = stable meringue. Leave carton open 24-48hrs fridge.
- French method = tricky but authentic shine.
- 70°F/50% humidity ideal baking conditions.
- Overmix = no feet. Undermix = cracked tops.
- Test oven: 1-2 practice shells first.
- Store airtight fridge 1 week, freezer 1 month.
- Flavor variations: pistachio, raspberry, chocolate ganache.
- Perfect ruffles need precise oven temp + resting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaron
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
Keywords: french macarons, homemade macarons, macaron recipe, perfect macarons, parisian macarons