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French Macarons

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French Macarons are elegant, gluten-free sandwich cookies made from almond flour and meringue, filled with buttercream, ganache, or jam. These delicate cookies have crisp shells, chewy centers, and are perfect for special occasions or gift-giving.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 16 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour (plus resting and chilling)
  • Yield: 20–24 macarons
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

  • 1 cup almond flour (finely ground, sifted)
  • 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 large egg whites, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional)
  • Gel food coloring (optional)
  • Buttercream, ganache, or fruit jam for filling

Instructions

  1. Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together into a bowl and set aside.
  2. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Add cream of tartar if using. Gradually add granulated sugar and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
  3. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the meringue in batches until the batter flows in thick ribbons and settles when dropped from a spatula.
  4. Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe 1-inch rounds onto a parchment or silicone-lined baking sheet.
  5. Tap the baking sheet firmly on the counter to release air bubbles. Let rest at room temperature for 30–60 minutes until the tops are dry to the touch.
  6. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake for 14–16 minutes, rotating tray halfway if needed.
  7. Let the macarons cool completely before removing from the tray.
  8. Pair similar-sized shells. Pipe your desired filling on one shell and sandwich with another.
  9. Refrigerate filled macarons for at least 24 hours to mature. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Notes

  • Use gel or powder food coloring to preserve the batter consistency.
  • Flavor shells with citrus zest or extracts like vanilla, almond, or coffee.
  • Let macarons mature for better texture and flavor.
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freeze for longer storage.
  • Practice makes perfect—mastering macaronage (batter folding) is key.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/french-macarons/