Name: Macaron Recipe for Beginners: Easy French Macarons Guide Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup finely ground almond flour, sifted; 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 2 egg whites (room temperature); 1/4 cup white sugar; Gel food coloring (optional); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or flavor of choice such as lemon, raspberry, or rose water); A splash of milk or cream (to adjust consistency if needed)

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Introduction

French macarons are delicate, crisp-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside cookies that impress both visually and in flavor. This easy beginner’s guide will walk you through creating beautiful macarons with a simple buttercream filling, perfect for any occasion.

This image shows several pink macarons arranged on a red surface with thin golden lines crossing underneath. Each macaron has two smooth, round, pink outer shells with a slightly rough edge texture and a layer of creamy caramel-colored filling in the middle. The macaron in the center has a bite taken out of it, revealing the glossy, soft caramel filling inside and the delicate texture of the pink shells around it. The macarons are evenly spaced and the lighting highlights their smooth texture and rich colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup finely ground almond flour, sifted
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2 egg whites (room temperature)
1/4 cup white sugar
Gel food coloring (optional)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling)
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for filling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or flavor of choice (for filling)
A splash of milk or cream (if needed, for filling)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare your workspace by cleaning the counter, laying out parchment paper on a baking tray, and readying your piping bag.
Step 2: Sift the almond flour and powdered sugar together into one bowl to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture.
Step 3: Using a clean mixer, whip the room-temperature egg whites until frothy. Gradually add the white sugar and continue whipping until stiff, glossy peaks form that hold their shape.
Step 4: Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the whipped egg whites. Mix until the batter flows smoothly like lava without being too runny or stiff.
Step 5: Transfer the batter into your piping bag and pipe small, even circles onto the prepared baking tray. Tap the tray lightly to release air bubbles.
Step 6: Let the piped macarons rest at room temperature for 30–60 minutes until their tops are dry to the touch.
Step 7: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake the macarons for 14–16 minutes until smooth with the characteristic “foot” or ruffled edge.
Step 8: Allow the shells to cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare the buttercream filling by beating softened butter with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Add milk or cream if the consistency is too thick.
Step 9: Pair similar-sized shells and pipe a dollop of buttercream onto one, then sandwich with the other shell.
Step 10: Refrigerate the assembled macarons overnight to develop their perfect chewy center before enjoying.

Tips & Variations

Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for almond flour and sugar, to ensure consistent results.
Add gel food coloring to the egg whites after whipping for vibrant shells without affecting the batter’s consistency.
Experiment with different filling flavors like lemon curd, raspberry jam, or rose water buttercream for variety.
To avoid cracking, allow macarons to rest until the surface is dry before baking.

Storage

Store finished macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving to enhance their chewy texture. Macarons also freeze well; thaw in the fridge before enjoying.

How to Serve

A white cake stand holds many colorful macarons arranged in rows on a white marbled surface. Each macaron has two smooth, round shells with a slightly shiny texture in pastel colors including pink, blue, green, yellow, orange, and purple. The shells sandwich a creamy layer of filling that varies in texture from smooth to slightly ridged and has colors like white, light brown, and pale pink. In the background, there are soft bokeh lights creating a warm, festive feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Why did my macarons crack or not develop feet?

Cracking or missing feet often happens if the macarons haven’t rested long enough before baking or if the oven temperature is too high. Ensure the tops feel dry before baking and use an oven thermometer to confirm accurate temperature.

Can I use almond meal instead of almond flour?

Almond meal is coarser and may result in rough-textured macarons. It is best to use finely ground almond flour that has been sifted to achieve the characteristic smooth shells.