Description
Classic French macarons with delicate almond shells and a smooth vanilla buttercream filling, creating an elegant dessert with a crisp exterior and soft chewy center.
Ingredients
- For the macaron shells:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- For the vanilla buttercream filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Sift the almond flour and powdered sugar together into a bowl to remove lumps and create a smooth mixture.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with salt and cream of tartar until foamy.
- Gradually add granulated sugar while beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Gently fold the almond flour mixture into the whipped egg whites until the batter flows slowly like a ribbon.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag and pipe small circles onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Tap the baking sheet lightly on the counter to release air bubbles.
- Let the macarons rest for 30–40 minutes until a thin skin forms.
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake for 15–18 minutes.
- Allow the shells to cool completely before removing them.
- For the buttercream, beat softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually mix in powdered sugar, then add vanilla extract, cream or milk, and salt until smooth and fluffy.
- Pipe or spread buttercream onto one macaron shell and sandwich with another.
Notes
- Sifting the almond flour and powdered sugar helps create smooth macaron shells.
- Allowing the shells to rest before baking helps form the classic macaron feet.
- Food coloring can be added to the batter for decorative shells.
- Buttercream can be flavored with lemon zest, almond extract, or fruit puree.
- Macarons taste even better after resting in the refrigerator overnight.
- Store macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaron
- Calories: 105 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
