Name: Beth’s Foolproof Macarons Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup almond flour; 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar; 3 large egg whites, room temperature; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; Food coloring (optional); Buttercream, ganache, or jam of choice

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Introduction

Macarons are delicate French cookies known for their crisp shells and chewy centers. Beth’s foolproof macaron recipe guides you through each step to achieve beautiful, bakery-quality treats at home. Whether you’re new to macarons or looking for a reliable recipe, this one makes success achievable.

Three pink macarons sit on a white marbled surface, arranged with two stacked on the left and one leaning on its side to the right. Each macaron has two smooth, shiny pink shells with a slightly rough, textured edge and a thick, fluffy pink filling in the middle. Behind the macarons, there is a clear glass bowl filled with a white fluffy cream, softly blurred to keep focus on the macarons. The overall look is bright and airy with soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup almond flour
1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
3 large egg whites, room temperature
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring (optional)
Filling of choice: buttercream, ganache, or jam

Instructions

Step 1: Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together into a bowl to remove lumps and ensure a smooth batter.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until they become foamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat.
Step 3: Whip the egg whites and sugar until glossy stiff peaks form. Stir in the vanilla extract and add food coloring if using.
Step 4: Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the whipped egg whites with a spatula, taking care not to deflate the mixture.
Step 5: Transfer the batter into a piping bag and pipe small, even circles onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets.
Step 6: Let the piped shells rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, until their tops are dry to the touch.
Step 7: Bake the shells at 300°F (150°C) for 15 minutes, until they rise and become firm.
Step 8: Allow the shells to cool completely before sandwiching them together with your choice of buttercream, ganache, or jam filling.

Tips & Variations

Always measure ingredients accurately to achieve the perfect macaron texture.
Sifting almond flour is essential to avoid a lumpy batter and smooth shells.
Let the shells rest before baking to form smooth, crack-free tops.
Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Experiment with different fillings and colors to customize your macarons.

Storage

Store macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to allow flavors to meld. Bring to room temperature before serving. For longer storage, freeze assembled macarons and thaw in the fridge before enjoying.

How to Serve

Three pink macarons are stacked in a close group on a white marbled surface. Each macaron has two smooth, pale pink shells with a slightly shiny top, sandwiching a thick layer of bright pink, textured cream filling. The shells appear crisp with a delicate cracked edge, while the filling looks soft and fluffy. In the background, there is a clear glass bowl filled with white cream, slightly blurred to keep focus on the macarons. The setting is bright and softly lit, emphasizing the delicate and light texture of the macarons. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Why do my macarons crack on top?

Cracking usually happens when the shells don’t rest long enough before baking or the oven temperature is too high. Make sure to let the shells dry until their tops feel firm and check your oven temperature with a thermometer.

Can I make macarons without almond flour?

Almond flour is key for traditional macarons due to its texture and flavor. You can try substituting with finely ground hazelnuts or pistachios, but the result may vary and require recipe adjustments.