Description
French macarons are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that come in a variety of flavors and fillings. With a crisp exterior and chewy center, they are a perfect treat for any occasion. These macaron shells are paired with rich, flavorful fillings like lemon curd, chocolate ganache, or a creamy buttercream.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Macaron Shells:
- 3 Egg Whites at room temperature
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Cream of Tartar
- 1/8 teaspoon Salt
- Food Coloring (optional)
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 cup Blanched Almond Flour
Macaron Filling Ideas:
- Lemon Curd
- Raspberry or Strawberry Jam
- Chocolate Ganache
- Nutella
- Almond Buttercream
- Pistachio Cream
Vanilla Cream Cheese Buttercream Filling:
- 1 (8-ounce) pkg. Cream Cheese (softened)
- 8 Tablespoons Butter (softened)
- 2 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 Vanilla Bean or 2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Macaron Shells:
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, sift together powdered sugar and almond flour. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed until they become frothy. Add cream of tartar and salt, then gradually add sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg whites, using a spatula. Add food coloring if desired.
- Transfer the mixture to a piping bag and pipe 1.5-inch rounds onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Tap the baking sheets on the counter to remove air bubbles.
- Let the macarons rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, until a skin forms on top.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes. Allow to cool completely before removing from the baking sheet.
- Prepare the Filling:
- For the Vanilla Cream Cheese Buttercream, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Macarons:
- Once the macaron shells are cooled, pipe your chosen filling onto the flat side of one macaron shell, then sandwich it with another shell.
Notes
- Ensure the egg whites are at room temperature for best results.
- Sifting the powdered sugar and almond flour is essential for smooth macaron shells.
- Let the macarons rest before baking to avoid cracked shells.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (excluding resting time)
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French