Macarons

Prep time: 45 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Total time: ~2 hours (includes resting)

Servings: 20 sandwich cookies

Country of Origin

France

Description

Delicate, elegant meringue-based cookies made with almond flour and egg whites. They boast a perfectly smooth dome, a ruffled base (called the "foot"), and a melt-in-the-mouth texture that sandwiches a layer of creamy filling.

Presentation & How It's Eaten

Often displayed in colorful groupings. They are best eaten a day after assembly, as the cookie shells absorb just enough moisture from the filling to achieve their signature chewy center.

Ingredients

• 100g almond flour (fine ground)

• 100g powdered sugar

• 75g aged egg whites (room temperature)

• 1 pinch of cream of tartar

• 65g granulated sugar

• Food coloring gel (optional)

• 100g chocolate ganache or buttercream for filling

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Sift: Sift the almond flour and powdered sugar together twice to remove any large lumps.

2. Make Meringue: Whip egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar until stiff, glossy peaks form. Mix in food coloring gel if desired.

3. Macaronage: Fold the dry ingredients into the meringue in three additions. Press the dough against the bowl sides until it achieves a "lava-like" consistency that flows off the spatula continuously.

4. Pipe: Pipe 1.5-inch circles onto a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or parchment. Tap the tray firmly on the counter to release trapped air bubbles.

5. Rest: Let sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes until a dry skin forms on top and they are no longer sticky to the touch.

6. Bake & Assemble: Bake at 150°C (300°F) for 14–16 minutes. Let cool completely. Match shells by size, pipe filling onto one shell, and top with another.

Optional

• Fillings: Use raspberry jam, salted caramel buttercream, or white chocolate matcha ganache to vary the flavors.

Cooking Tips

• Avoid Liquid Coloring: Never use liquid food coloring, as it alters the moisture balance of the delicate meringue. Stick to high-quality gel or powder dyes.

Nutrition Facts

(Estimated per serving)

• Calories: ~110 kcal

• Total Fat: 5g

• Saturated Fat: 2g

• Cholesterol: 10mg

• Sodium: ~15mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 14g

• Dietary Fiber: 1g

• Sugars: 12g

• Protein: 2g