Macarons are a classic French pastry that have become a popular treat all over the world. They are delicate, sweet, and come in a variety of flavors and colors. Making macarons at home may seem intimidating, but with our easy-to-follow recipe, you can create beautiful and delicious macarons that will impress your friends and family.
Ingredients
- 150g almond flour
- 150g powdered sugar
- 110g egg whites
- 75g granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 150°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites, granulated sugar, and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Fold in the almond flour mixture to the egg whites until a smooth batter forms. If desired, add food coloring to the batter.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag with a round tip and pipe 1-inch circles onto the prepared baking sheet. Tap the baking sheet on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Let the macarons sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to form a skin on top.
- Bake the macarons for 15-18 minutes or until they are set and slightly crisp on the outside. Let them cool completely before removing them from the parchment paper.
- Match the macarons by size and fill them with your favorite filling. You can use anything from buttercream to ganache.
Variations
Chocolate Macarons
To make chocolate macarons, add 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the almond flour and powdered sugar mixture. You can also add chocolate ganache as a filling.
Pistachio Macarons
To make pistachio macarons, substitute 50g of almond flour for 50g of ground pistachios. You can also add a pistachio buttercream as a filling.
Matcha Macarons
To make matcha macarons, add 1 tablespoon of matcha powder to the almond flour and powdered sugar mixture. You can also add a white chocolate ganache as a filling.
Conclusion
Macarons may seem intimidating, but with our easy-to-follow recipe, you can create beautiful and delicious macarons at home. They are perfect for any occasion and can be customized to your liking. Try out our variations or come up with your own unique flavor combinations. Get creative and have fun with it!
FAQ
What are macarons?
Macarons are a type of French pastry made from ground almonds, egg whites, and sugar. They are known for their crispy exterior and soft interior, as well as their variety of colors and flavors.
Can I make macarons without almond flour?
Almond flour is a key ingredient in macarons, as it gives them their signature texture and flavor. While you can try substituting other types of flour, such as hazelnut or pistachio, for the almond flour, the results may not be as successful.
Why do my macarons crack?
There are several reasons why macarons may crack during baking, including overmixing the batter, not letting the macarons rest before baking, or baking at too high of a temperature. It may take a few tries to get the perfect macaron, so don’t give up!
Can I make macarons without a piping bag?
While a piping bag is recommended for making macarons, you can try using a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off as a makeshift piping bag. However, the results may not be as precise.
How long do macarons keep?
Macarons can keep for up to a week in the refrigerator, or up to a month in the freezer (if stored properly in an airtight container).
Can I make macarons in advance?
Yes, you can make macarons in advance. In fact, they may even taste better after being stored in the refrigerator for a day or two. Just be sure to store them properly in an airtight container.
How do I get my macarons to be the same size?
Using a piping bag with a round tip will help ensure that your macarons are the same size. You can also use a template to trace circles onto your parchment paper to guide your piping.
Can I use liquid food coloring to color my macarons?
Liquid food coloring can throw off the consistency of your macaron batter, so it is best to use gel or powdered food coloring instead. These types of coloring will not add excess moisture to your batter.
Can I fill my macarons with anything other than buttercream?
While buttercream is a classic filling for macarons, you can experiment with other flavors and fillings. Try ganache, fruit curd, or even Nutella for a delicious twist on the classic macaron.
Why are my macarons hollow?
Hollow macarons are often the result of undermixing the batter or baking at too low of a temperature. Be sure to mix the batter until it is smooth and shiny, and bake at the correct temperature according to your recipe.
