Best French Macarons Recipes

FRENCH MACARONS

Steps:

• Place the almond flour and 1-1/2 cups plus 3 Tbsp. confectioners' sugar in a food processor; pulse until thoroughly mixed to ensure almond flour is very fine. Pass almond flour mixture through a fine-mesh sieve; discard any large pieces that remain. , Place egg whites in a very clean bowl of a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment; whisk on medium-low speed until frothy. Slowly add superfine sugar; whisk until dissolved, 1-2 minutes. Slowly add remaining confectioners' sugar; increase speed to high and whip until meringue is glossy and stiff peaks form, 2-3 minutes. , Gently fold one-third of the almond flour mixture into meringue; gently fold in remaining almond flour in 2 additions. Using side of spatula, smooth batter up sides of bowl several times to remove air bubbles and ensure there are no lumps; do not overmix. Run spatula down the center of the bowl; the line in the batter should remain visible for a moment before mixture runs back into itself., Position rack in upper third of oven; preheat oven to 300°. Transfer batter into a pastry bag fitted with a #7 or #10 round tip. Pipe 1-3/8-in. rounds onto parchment about 1 in. apart. Tap tray against counter 2-3 times to remove excess air bubbles. Let macarons rest until no longer wet or sticky to the touch, 30-60 minutes. Bake, 1 tray at a time, until cookies rise about 1/8-in. to form "feet," 14-16 minutes, rotating tray halfway through baking. Remove tray and let macarons cool completely; repeat with remaining trays. Once macarons have cooled completely, remove from parchment. , To make filling, cream butter in a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment; slowly add powdered sugar until incorporated. Add heavy cream, vanilla and salt; mix until smooth. Pour frosting into a pastry bag fitted with a small round tip; pipe buttercream onto half the macarons. Top with remaining macaron shells. Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve. , Peppermint Variation: For macaron shells: Add green gel food coloring (do not use liquid food coloring) to whipped meringue until desired color is reached. To decorate: If desired, top macaron shells with crushed candy canes just after they have been piped and before skin has formed. For filling: Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract to mixed frosting. Assemble as directed. , Cranberry Variation: For macaron shells: Add red gel food coloring (do not use liquid food coloring) to whipped meringue until desired color is reached. To decorate macaron shells: Place white candy melts or white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring frequently, until melted and smooth. Place chocolate in a piping bag fitted with a fine round decorating tip; drizzle over macaron shells. Immediately sprinkle with red, green and white assorted sprinkles. For filling: If desired, add 2-3 drops cranberry flavoring to frosting. Pipe a circle of frosting onto bottoms of half the macaron shells. Place 1/4 teaspoon canned cranberry sauce in center of frosting circle. Top with remaining macaron shells. , Hot Chocolate Variation: For macaron shells: Add 2 tablespoons dark cocoa powder to almond flour and confectioners' sugar before sifting. To decorate: Using stiff royal frosting, pipe snowflake designs onto half of the cooled macaron shells. For filling: If desired, using marshmallow fluff instead of frosting, pipe a circle onto bottoms of half the macaron shells. Place 1/2 cup chocolate chips and and 2 tablespoons heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring frequently, until melted and smooth. Place 1/4 teaspoon chocolate mixture in the center of marshmallow circle; top with remaining macaron shells.

BASIC FRENCH MACARONS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees with rack in lower third. Place almonds in a food processor; process until as fine as possible, about 1 minute. Add confectioners' sugar; process until combined, about 1 minute.
• Pass almond mixture through a fine-mesh sieve. Transfer solids in sieve to food processor; grind and sift again, pressing down on clumps. Repeat until less than 2 tablespoons of solids remains in sieve.
• Whisk egg whites and granulated sugar by hand to combine. Beat on medium speed (4 on a KitchenAid) 2 minutes. Increase speed to medium-high (6) and beat 2 minutes. Then beat on high (8) 2 minutes more.
• The beaten egg whites will hold stiff, glossy peaks when you lift the whisk out of the bowl. Add flavoring and food coloring, if desired, and beat on highest speed 30 seconds.
• Add dry ingredients all at once. Fold with a spatula from bottom of bowl upward, then press flat side of spatula firmly through middle of mixture. Repeat just until batter flows like lava, 35 to 40 complete strokes.
• Rest a pastry bag fitted with a 3/8-inch round tip (Ateco #804) inside a glass. Transfer batter to bag; secure top. Dab some batter remaining in bowl onto corners of 2 heavy baking sheets; line with parchment.
• With piping tip 1/2 inch above sheet, pipe batter into a 3/4-inch round, then swirl tip off to one side. Repeat, spacing rounds 1 inch apart. Tap sheets firmly against counter 2 or 3 times to release air bubbles.
• Bake 1 sheet at a time, rotating halfway through, until risen and just set, 13 minutes. Let cool. Pipe or spread filling on flat sides of half of cookies; top with remaining half. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate.

FRENCH MACARONS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Beat egg whites in a glass, metal, or ceramic bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until foamy, about 30 seconds. Add white sugar and continue to beat until peaks are stiff enough they stay in place when the bowl is turned upside down, about 5 minutes.
• Sift 1 2/3 cup confectioners' sugar, almond flour, and salt together twice. Fold into the egg whites until batter is creamy and falls slowly off the lifted spatula, about 50 turns with a spatula. Transfer batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
• Pipe batter onto the parchment paper, using a circular motion to make macarons 1 inch in diameter. Tap the baking sheet against the counter about 10 times to release any air bubbles.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 9 minutes. Rotate baking sheet and continue baking until macarons are shiny and rise slightly to form "feet", about 9 minutes more. Peel off the parchment paper and allow to cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• Beat butter, 2/3 cup confectioners' sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until creamy and thick, about 10 minutes. Transfer filling to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
• Pipe a small amount of filling onto the center of 1 macaron; top with another macaron and press gently to sandwich the filling between the two.

EASY FRENCH MACARONS

Steps:

• Whisk together almond meal and confectioner's sugar and sift over a large bowl.
• Beat egg whites until frothy, 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly add granulated sugar and almond extract, beat until medium shiny peaks, about 3 to 5 minutes.
• Fold egg whites into almond mixture until combined. Mix vigorously with spatula until the mixture sinks easily into a smooth mass and has the consistency of honey. Transfer mixture to a pastry bag, cut off 1/2 inch off tip. Pipe 1-inch rounds about 1 inch apart on parchment-lined sheets.
• Let dry 30 minutes to an hour and a half until tops are firm and dry. Preheat oven to 350. Bake one sheet at a time for about 14 minutes, rotating once. Let cool completely on wire racks before filling and sandwiching cookies together.

FRENCH ALMOND MACARONS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Sift confectioners' sugar into a bowl. Whisk in almonds; set aside. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats (such as Silpats), and mark circles using a 1 1/2-inch cutter dipped in flour.
• Put egg whites in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on medium speed until foamy, then beat in salt. Beat in granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon at a time, until medium-soft peaks form. Transfer mixture to a large bowl.
• Using a rubber spatula, fold half the almond mixture into the egg white mixture until just incorporated. Fold in vanilla and remaining almond mixture until just incorporated. Firmly tap bottom of bowl on counter to eliminate air pockets.
• Transfer mixture to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch plain tip (such as Ateco #806). Pipe mixture into marked circles on prepared baking sheets. Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until macarons are slightly firm and can be gently lifted off parchment (bottoms will be dry), 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool on sheets 5 minutes. Transfer macarons on parchment to a wire rack; let cool completely.
• Spread 2 teaspoons buttercream on flat sides of half the macarons, then sandwich with remaining halves, keeping flat sides together. Refrigerate until firm, about 20 minutes, before serving.

MIX-AND-MATCH FRENCH MACARONS

Steps:

• Pulse confectioners' sugar and almond flour in a food processor until combined. Sift mixture 2 times.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Whisk whites with a mixer on medium speed until foamy. Add cream of tartar, and whisk until soft peaks form. Reduce speed to low, then add superfine sugar. Increase speed to high, and whisk until stiff peaks form, about 8 minutes. Sift flour mixture over whites, and fold until mixture is smooth and shiny.
• Transfer batter to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch plain round tip, and pipe 3/4-inch rounds 1 inch apart on parchment-lined baking sheets, dragging pastry tip to the side of rounds rather than forming peaks. Tap bottom of each sheet on work surface to release trapped air. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees. Bake 1 sheet at a time, rotating halfway through, until macarons are crisp and firm, about 10 minutes. After each batch, increase oven temperature to 375 degrees, heat for 5 minutes, then reduce to 325 degrees.
• Let macarons cool on sheets for 2 to 3 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. (If macarons stick, spray water underneath parchment on hot sheet. The steam will help release macarons.)
• Sandwich 2 same-size macarons with 1 teaspoon filling. Serve immediately.

BEST FRENCH MACARONS

Steps:

• Combine confectioners' sugar, almond flour, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse a few times until extra-fine. Sift through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl.
• Beat egg whites with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and cream of tartar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment until frothy. Gradually add superfine sugar and vanilla and continue to beat on medium speed until stiff peaks form. Do not overbeat; tips of peaks should hold their shape but curl over slightly.
• Gently fold 1/3 of the almond flour mixture into the egg whites, turning bowl occasionally, until nearly combined. Drop in food coloring. Add remaining almond flour mixture in 2 additions, gently folding until a batter comes together. Batter should fall off the spatula in thick ribbons without breaking.
• Transfer batter to a piping bag with a #804 pastry tip. Line 2 light-colored baking sheets with silicone macaron mats. Pipe batter into each circle on the mats. Tap baking sheets 4 times against the counter to release any air bubbles. Let macarons sit at room temperature until dry to the touch, 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
• Bake macarons in the preheated oven until bottoms rise slightly off the mats to form 'feet', 17 to 20 minutes. Switch baking sheets positions halfway through.
• Let macarons cool on the mats for 15 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, at least 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, beat butter and confectioners' sugar together using an electric mixer until creamy. Add heavy cream and vanilla extract; beat until combined.
• Transfer buttercream to a piping bag with a #4 pastry tip. Pipe buttercream onto 1/2 of the macarons. Top with the other halves to create sandwiches.

SWISS MERINGUE BUTTERCREAM FOR FRENCH ALMOND MACARONS

Steps:

• Put egg whites and sugar in the heatproof bowl of an electric mixer set over a pan of simmering water. Whisking constantly, cook until sugar has dissolved and mixture is warm (about 160 degrees).
• Attach bowl to a mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat egg white mixture on high speed until it forms stiff (but not dry) peaks. Continue beating until fluffy and cooled, about 6 minutes.
• Switch to the paddle attachment. With mixer on medium-low, add butter several tablespoons at a time, beating well after each addition. (If frosting appears to separate after all butter has been added, beat on medium-high speed until smooth again, 3 to 5 minutes more.) Beat in vanilla. Reduce speed to low; beat 2 minutes to eliminate air bubbles. Stir with a rubber spatula until smooth.

FRENCH MACARONS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F using the convection setting. Line 3 baking sheets with silicone mats. Measure the confectioners' sugar and almond flour by spooning them into measuring cups and leveling with a knife. Transfer to a bowl; whisk to combine.
• Sift the sugar-almond flour mixture, a little at a time, through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing with a rubber spatula to pass through as much as possible. It will take a while, and up to 2 tablespoons of coarse almond flour may be left; just toss it.
• Beat the egg whites, cream of tartar and salt with a mixer on medium speed until frothy. Increase the speed to medium high; gradually add the superfine sugar and beat until stiff and shiny, about 5 more minutes.
• Transfer the beaten egg whites to the bowl with the almond flour mixture. Draw a rubber spatula halfway through the mixture and fold until incorporated, giving the bowl a quarter turn with each fold.
• Add the food coloring and extract (see below). Continue folding and turning, scraping down the bowl, until the batter is smooth and falls off the spatula in a thin flat ribbon, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Transfer the batter to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/4-inch round tip. Holding the bag vertically and close to the baking sheet, pipe 1 1/4-inch circles (24 per sheet). Firmly tap the baking sheets twice against the counter to release any air bubbles.
• Let the cookies sit at room temperature until the tops are no longer sticky to the touch, 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the humidity. Slip another baking sheet under the first batch (a double baking sheet protects the cookies from the heat).
• Bake the first batch until the cookies are shiny and rise 1/8 inch to form a "foot," about 20 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely. Repeat, using a double sheet for each batch. Peel the cookies off the mats and sandwich with a thin layer of filling (see below).
• Almond-Raspberry:
• Tint the batter with 2 drops neon pink gel food coloring; flavor with almond extract. Fill with seedless raspberry jam (you'll need about 3/4 cup).
• Mint-White Chocolate:
• Tint the batter with 2 drops mint green gel food coloring; flavor with mint extract. For the filling, microwave 3 ounces chopped white chocolate, 2 tablespoons heavy cream and 1 tablespoon butter in 30-second intervals, stirring, until smooth. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon mint extract and 1 drop mint green gel food coloring.
• Blueberry Cheesecake:
• Tint the batter with 3 drops royal blue gel food coloring; flavor with vanilla extract. For the filling, mix 4 ounces softened cream cheese and 3 tablespoons blueberry jam.
• Lavender-Honey:
• Tint the batter with 2 drops violet gel food coloring; flavor with almond or vanilla extract. For the filling, mix 3/4 cup mascarpone cheese, 2 tablespoons honey and 1 teaspoon ground dried lavender.
• Pineapple:
• Tint the batter with 2 drops lemon yellow gel food coloring; flavor with vanilla extract. For the filling, press 3/4 cup pineapple jam through a sieve, discarding any large pieces.

FRENCH MACARONS WITH RASPBERRY-ROSE BUTTERCREAM

Steps:

• Cookies
• Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment. Sift powdered sugar, almond flour, and hazelnut flour (if using) into large bowl. Using electric mixer, beat egg whites, sugar, and pinch of salt in medium bowl until medium peaks form. Add egg white mixture to almond mixture; fold to incorporate. Working in 2 batches, fill pastry bag fitted with 1/4-inch-diameter plain pastry tip with batter (batter will be thin and will drip from bag). Pipe batter in 11/4-inch rounds on baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart (cookies will spread slightly). Let rest on sheets at room temperature 20 minutes. Position 1 rack in top third and 1 rack in bottom third of oven; preheat to 375°F. Bake cookies 5 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F. Continue to bake cookies until puffed and golden on top, about 10 minutes, reversing sheets after 5 minutes. Cool cookies on sheets on rack. Carefully peel cookies from parchment. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Store in airtight container at room temperature.
• Filling
• Bring raspberries and 1 cup sugar to boil in large saucepan over high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cook until berries are soft, juices thicken, and mixture measures about 1 1/2 cups, stirring frequently, 7 to 9 minutes. Measure 1/2 cup mixture; strain into small bowl. Cool strained jam and jam with seeds separately. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 week ahead. Cover jams separately and chill.
• Combine egg whites, 6 tablespoons sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in bowl of heavy- duty stand mixer. Set bowl over large saucepan of simmering water. Heat until candy thermometer inserted into mixture registers 140°F, stirring often, 3 to 4 minutes. Using whisk attachment, beat egg white mixture at high speed until stiff meringue forms and mixture is at room temperature, 5 to 6 minutes. With mixer running, add butter, 1 piece at a time, beating until each piece is incorporated before adding next. Beat in rose water. Add 3 tablespoons seedless jam, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating to blend well after each addition. (If buttercream looks broken or curdled, place bowl over medium heat and whisk 5 to 10 seconds to warm slightly, then remove from heat and beat again on medium speed. Repeat warming and beating as many times as needed until buttercream is smooth.)
• Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment. Using 1/2 teaspoon jam with seeds for each, spread jam over flat side of half of macaroons. Spoon buttercream into pastry bag fitted with 1/4-inch plain tip. Starting at outer edge of flat sides of remaining macaroons, pipe buttercream over in spiral. Gently press macaroons, jam- filled side down, onto buttercream-coated macaroons. Place on sheet. Cover; chill overnight. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 to 3 days ahead. Store in airtight container in refrigerator. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes before serving.

FRENCH MACARONS WITH BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE GANACHE

Steps:

• Fill small bowl half full with hot water. Place egg whites in custard cup or another small bowl; place in bowl of water, making sure water doesn't get into the egg whites. Let stand about 3 minutes or until egg whites reach 75°F. Line 2 cookie sheets with cooking parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
• In blender, place almonds and 1/4 cup of the powdered sugar. Cover; blend on high speed 1 to 2 minutes, scraping sides occasionally, or until almonds are very finely ground. Place strainer over medium bowl. Using rubber spatula, press almond mixture through strainer into bowl. Return any almonds left in strainer to blender; add 1/4 cup of the remaining powdered sugar. Cover; blend on high speed 1 to 2 minutes, scraping sides occasionally, or until almonds are very finely ground. Press almond mixture and remaining 1 cup powdered sugar through strainer into bowl; set aside. Discard any remaining large almond pieces.
• In another bowl, beat egg whites, salt and food color with electric mixer on high speed just until foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high speed 1 to 2 minutes or until soft peaks form. Using rubber spatula, fold about half of the almond mixture into egg white mixture until completely incorporated. Fold in remaining almond mixture.
• Spoon batter into decorating bag fitted with 1/2-inch plain tip. Pipe batter in 20 (1 1/2-inch) circles onto each cookie sheet about 1 1/2 inches apart. If tops have a peak, wet fingertips lightly on damp paper towel and press down to flatten. Tap bottom of cookie sheet on counter a few times to flatten cookies. Let stand uncovered at room temperature 30 minutes to allow a light crust to form on tops.
• Heat oven to 300°F. Bake one pan at a time 17 to 18 minutes or until tops look set. Cool on pan on cooling rack at least 10 minutes. With metal pancake turner, remove cookies to cooling rack.
• In 2-cup glass measuring cup, microwave cream and corn syrup uncovered on High 1 minute. Stir in chocolate and butter until chocolate is melted. Let stand about 30 minutes. Cover; refrigerate about 30 minutes or until spreading consistency.
• For each sandwich cookie, spread about 1 teaspoon ganache on bottom edge of 1 cookie. Top with a second cookie. Store tightly covered.

PIERRE HERMé'S CHOCOLATE MACARONS - FRENCH MACAROONS

Steps:

• Whisk the mixture until the chocolate melts and is smooth, then transfer it to a small bowl and set aside to cool. When cool, cover and refrigerate until thick and cold, at least 1 day. (May be refrigerated for up to 3 days.).
• To Prepare the Macaroons: Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Blend the powdered sugar and almonds in a food processor until the nuts are ground to powder, scraping the sides of the bowl often. It should take about 8 minutes. Add the cocoa and blend for about 1 minute longer.
• Using a whisk or electric beater, beat the egg whites in a large bowl until they are stiff but not dry. Fold in the nut mixture in 4 additions, until it forms a thick batter.
• Spoon half of the batter into a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch plain round tip.
• Pipe the batter onto each paper-lined baking sheet in 12 walnut-sized mounds, spacing the mounds apart slightly, as they will spread a little as they bake.
• Bake the cookies, 1 sheet at a time, for about 11 minutes, or until they are firm to the touch in the center and dry and cracked on top.
• Slide the parchment paper with the cookies onto a work surface to cool.
• Repeat with the remaining batter, cooling the cookies completely and lining the baking sheets with new paper each time.
• To Assemble: Arrange a macaroon flat (bottom) side up on a work surface.
• Drop about 1 tablespoon of filling onto each cookie, then top with a second cookie flat (bottom) side down (facing and pressing against the filling).
• Repeat with remaining macaroons and filling. Arrange on a platter, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve cold.

REAL FRENCH ALMOND MACARONS

Steps:

• 1. In a mixer bowl break up the almond paste.
• 2. Combine almond paste sugar egg whites and flavoring in food processor bowl and mix for about one minute. Add remaining ingredients and process for about 60 seconds.
• 3. Cover baking sheets with brown paper. Drop almond mixture by the tablespoon onto pan. Dampen finger and flatten dough. Let stand for an hour, uncovered.
• 4. Preheat oven at 300. Enjoy it!
• 5. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until gold.
• 6. I never can have enough of these French macaroons.
• 7. Delicate, soft chewy inside, gold outside. In my opinion there is nothing in the world to substitute these FRENCH MACARONS.

FRENCH MACARONS

Steps:

• Combine almond flour and icing sugar in a food processor. Pulse for 30 seconds until light, airy and fine.
• Sift the icing sugar and almond powder mixture into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
• In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Stir until all the sugar is moistened. Try not to get any sugar up the sides of the saucepan as this will burn.
• Fit the saucepan with a candy thermometer and set over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil and cook until the thermometer reaches 238°F DO NOT STIR.
• Immediately after turning on the heat under the sugar, add egg whites to the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with a whisk attachment and start to whip on medium speed.
• Once the egg whites are foamy, add the lemon juice and continue to beat until soft, rounded peaks form.
• When the sugar syrup is ready, pour into the whipping egg whites by gently tipping the saucepan into the space between the whisk and the side of the bowl, using the side of the bowl as a guide. You want a slow, steady stream of syrup to pour into the egg whites. You can pour the sugar directly down the inner side of the bowl, using the lip of the bowl as a rest, if it is easier on your wrists.
• Once all the sugar is incorporated into the egg whites, turn the mixer up and whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form and the bowl of the mixer is no longer warm.
• If you wish to add food colouring, add it now to the egg whites. The food colouring must be in powder or gel form, do not use liquids.
• Using a rubber spatula, scrape half of the egg whites out and fold into the almond flour mixture until fully combined.
• Fold in the remaining egg whites into the almond mixture and mix well.
• Now it is time to stir. This step is called "Macaronnée", which is basically slapping the mixture against the side of the bowl using the spatula to thin the mixture. It is ready when a scoop of the mixture falls from the spatula in a continuous ribbon and disappears back into the batter in the bowl in about 15 seconds. *This is part that will usually make or break the cookies.
• Fit a large piping bag with a round tip and spoon the mixture into the bag.
• Use a baking sheet fit with a silicone baking mat (best results) or a piece of parchment paper cut to size.
• Pipe equal rounds of batter about 1.5" apart. Use steady pressure when pushing the batter out of the bag to ensure equal rounds. I also count to three, then I move on the the next and repeat. That's my little trick. Pipe straight up and down so the rounds are perfect. the piped macarons should look like flattened Hershey's kisses.
• Gently tap the bottom of the pastry sheets to smooth the macarons tops. *This will smooth out the "nipples" as I call them. The little points from where the piping bag was pulled up.
• Let the macarons sit for 1 to 2 hours until the tops are dry to the touch and matte. The time will differ based on multiple variables so don't worry if it takes less or more time.
• Preheat oven to 275°F.
• When macarons are dry, bake them in the middle of the oven for 20 minutes. *They should have a smooth, rounded shell-like top and a "foot" which looks like a thin cloud.
• Let the macarons cool completely before removing them from the trays. They should have a smooth, rounded shell-like top and a "foot" which looks like a thin cloud.
• Once the macarons are cool, you can package them and freeze them, or fill them with your desired flavoured buttercream, chocolate or fruit filling.

BASIC FRENCH MACARONS

Steps:

• How to make the meringue cookies:
• Preheat the oven to 280º and position two racks in the lower section of the oven. Line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. If you have time, draw 1-inch circles on the back of each sheet, spacing the circles at least 1/2-inch apart.
• If your almond meal is very coarse, grind it with the powdered sugar in a food processor until fine. Sift the almond meal-powdered sugar mixture twice through a mesh sieve.
• Place egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer (or use a hand mixer) and begin to beat on medium-high. When the eggs are frothy, gradually add granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time until fully incorporated. Continue to beat the egg white mixture until glossy and stiff peaks form when you lift the beaters. Gently stir in the vanilla extract. Be careful to not overbeat the meringue (e.g., the meringue takes on a clumpy texture).
• Add half of the sifted almond mixture and gently fold it into the meringue using a flexible silicone spatula. Lift from the bottom, up around the sides, and toward the middle, being careful to not overagitate the meringue and lose too much air. Once the almond mixture is predominantly incorporated, add the second half and repeat the folding motion.
• When the almond mixture is just incorporated, you will need to transform the batter into the appropriate texture. Using the flat of the spatula, "punch" down into the center of the batter, then scrape more batter from the sides to the center, and punch again. You will need to repeat this 10-15 times (or more, depending on your arm strength and the beginning texture of your batter) until the batter slowly and continuously drips back into the bowl when you scoop it up with the spatula. Think of the consistency of molten lava. For the best results, punch the batter a few times, check the consistency, then punch a few more times, etc. Do not make the batter too runny or the macarons won't rise as they should, and you could end up with oil stains on the surface.
• Pour batter into a pastry bag fitted with a 0.4-inch tip. In a pinch, you can also use a gallon size Ziploc bag: just snip a teeny bit from one of the bottom corners. Twist and clip the top of the bag to avoid overflow. On your prepared baking sheets, pipe out 1-inch rounds in the circles you drew (remember to draw the circles on the back side of your parchment to avoid ink or pencil stains on your macarons!).
• Holding the baking sheet in both hands, rap each baking sheet firmly on the counter two or three times. This smooths out the tops and helps form the "pied" or frilly foot on the bottoms of the macarons. Allow the piped macarons to dry, uncovered, for at least 15 minutes. The macarons should form a very thin, smooth crust where, if you tap it lightly with your finger, the batter will not stick to your finger. If after 15 minutes, the batter is still sticky, let it dry longer. This may take up to an hour on humid days.
• Place both baking sheets in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. After the first 2 minutes, open the oven to allow any excess humidity to escape. Halfway through, swap oven racks and rotate the sheets for even baking. The macarons are done when they are baked all the way through and the shells are just hard. Take care to not underbake (insides will still be mushy) or overbake (tops will begin to brown). Remove them from the oven, and cool on baking sheet placed on a wire rack.
• How to make the sandwich filling:
• Cut butter into pieces and mash with a spatula until the consistency resembles mayonnaise.
• In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks, then add the granulated sugar and whisk until the mixture lightens to an off-white and you can no longer see the granules of sugar. Add the milk, and whisk to combine.
• Pour the egg mixture into a small saucepan and heat over low heat, whisking frequently to ensure that the mixture does not curdle or scorch. Cook until the mixture becomes thick and custardy, like pudding.
• Pour the egg mixture back into its bowl and whisk constantly until it returns to room temperature. Whisk in the butter in three batches, add the vanilla, and stir until smooth and all ingredients are fully combined. Pipe or spread onto one macaron half and sandwich between the other.

FRENCH MACARONS

Steps:

• To Make the Shells:.
• Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Pulse almond flour and powdered sugar in a food processor until well combined. Sift using a mesh sieve into a small bowl and set aside.
• In a stainless steel bowl, whisk egg whites at medium speed until frothy, about 1 minute, then add cream of tartar.
• Continue to whisk until soft peaks form, about 2 minutes, then turn down to low speed.
• Add superfine sugar and whisk at high speed until stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes. Peaks should not be able to fall and mixture should not move when bowl is turned upside down.
• Sift almond flour mixture again into bowl of egg whites.
• Using a spatula, fold almond mixture and egg whites together. The mixture seems very dry initially until the whites start to mix.
• Fold until mixture looks shiny and smooth and batter drips slowly from the spatula but only keeps a shape for about 15 seconds (peak disappears).
• Transfer batter into a pastry bag with a 1/2" round tip or a freezer bag with one corner cut to fit the tip. A well folded batter should start to ooze out of tip when the pastry bag is filled.
• Pipe 3/4" circles separated by 1". For best results, print out 'macaron templates' found online and place under parchment paper as a guide and remove before baking. When piping, keep the tip in the middle and wiggle around while piping to fill the circle, stopping just before reaching the edge of the circle and lifting the tip from the side.
• After completing the piping, tap baking sheet a few times onto counter or table to release air pockets and let rest for 10 minutes.
• While batter is resting, preheat oven to 375 degrees and place another empty baking sheet onto middle rack.
• Once oven reaches 375 and batter has rested, decrease temperature to 325 and place first baking sheet onto empty pan in oven.
• Prop open oven door slightly using an oven mitt and bake for 7 minutes then turn pan to bake evenly, another 7 minutes. When all techniques are executed well, the shells should bake with a frilly "foot.".
• Remove from oven if tops of shells are crisp, not soft, and can be slightly lifted without separating or completely sticking to the pan when checked. Bake another minute or two until shells are crisp but not browned.
• Let sheet cool on wire rack for 2 minutes.
• If baking a second sheet, reheat oven to 375 degrees before reducing back to 325 degrees and baking as before with door propped.
• Remove shells to wire rack to cool completely.
• To Make Filling:.
• Beat softened butter and sugar until well incorporated.
• Add vanilla and beat until smooth.
• To Assemble Macarons:.
• Match shells into pairs according to similar sizes/shapes.
• Transfer filling into a pastry bag with small round tip or into a sandwich bag with a small corner cut.
• Pipe a 1" mound onto the flat side of one shell.
• Take empty shell half and sandwich onto the other with flat sides facing, pushing filling down until it meets the edge of the two shells all around.
• Although macarons can be eaten immediately, they taste best after 24 hours refrigerated then brought back to room temperature before enjoying.
• Flavor Alternatives:.
• For Coffee: add 1 tbsp espresso powder and 1 tbsp cocoa powder to flour mixture. Replace 1 tsp espresso powder diluted with a little water into filling instead of vanilla.
• For Salted Caramel: add 1 tbsp cocoa powder to flour mixture and sprinkle coarse salt on tops of batter after baking sheets are tapped to release air. Fill with your favorite caramel frosting recipe with added salt.
• For Chocolate: replace 1/4 cup of the almond flour with 3 tbsp cocoa powder. Fill with your favorite chocolate ganache recipe.
• For Vanilla Bean: add 1/2 of a scraped bean to egg whites after stiff peaks formed and before sifting flour onto whites. Add 1/2 of a scraped bean into the filling mix when beating.
• For Pistachio: replace 1/4 cup of the almond flour with 1/4 cup of ground pistachios. Add 2 tbsp of ground pistachios to filling when beating.
• For Green Tea: add 1 tbsp of green tea powder to flour mixture. Add 2 tsp of green tea powder to the filling when beating.
• For Cheesecake: replace 1/4 cup of the almond flour with 1/4 cup of ground graham crackers. Fill with your favorite cheesecake buttercream recipe.

FRENCH MACARONS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
• Beat the egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer using the whisk attachment until foamy. Then add the white sugar, cream of tartar and salt. Continue to whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Then add the food coloring.
• Sift the powdered sugar and almond flour together in a separate medium bowl. This will make a fine powder mixture to create a smooth top. Fold the flour/sugar mixture into the egg white mixture - 65 to 75 good strokes.
• Transfer the batter to a piping bag. Pipe out 1-inch rounds on the prepared baking sheet. Tap the pan hard on the counter at least 2 or 3 times to release the air bubbles. This will prevent the tops of your macarons from cracking.
• Let them sit out for 20 to 30 minutes (or up to an hour if you want). This will allow them time to dry out a bit before hitting the hot oven. They should be "tacky" to the touch but not stick to your fingertips. This is another important step to assure your macarons develop feet! When they dry out they can't spread out in the oven and are forced to rise up.
• Bake for 20 minutes. DO NOT UNDER BAKE, even if they look done! Otherwise they will stick to your tray.
• Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 to 10 minutes on the pan before trying to remove.
• Either make the fillings at this time or store in an air-tight container until ready to use.
• Spread a little of the ganache or caramel on half the cookies. Sandwich the other half on top.
• Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
• Bring the cream to a bare simmer in a medium saucepan over low heat.
• Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and stir until smooth. Add the bourbon stir to combine. Allow to cool until thickened slightly (the room temperature ganache should be about the consistency of peanut butter). If it's too thick, you can add a little bit more hot cream and stir until smooth.
• Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat.
• Scrape the beans from the vanilla bean pod and add to a saucepan with the cream, butter and salt. Heat on medium to melt the butter. Turn off the heat and let the vanilla bean seeds steep for 10 minutes.
• In a separate saucepan, boil the passion fruit pulp until it is reduced by half, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Once the passion fruit is reduced, remove it from the heat and stir in the sugars and vanilla/cream mixture. Put the pan back on medium heat and cook until a candy thermometer reads 252 degrees F.
• Remove the caramel from the heat and pour onto the prepared baking sheet. Let cool to warm room temperature before using.

FRENCH MACARONS WITH RASPBERRY FILLING

Steps:

• 1. Pre-heat the oven to 375°. Line 2-3 baking sheets with non-stick baking parchment and set aside. 2. Place the finely ground almonds and powdered sugar together in the bowl of a food processor and mix together for about 5 seconds. 3. Put the egg whites and dried egg white powder into a large, clean bowl and whisk together until they form stiff peaks. Gradually whisk in the granulated sugar until the mixture is very thick and shiny. 4. With a large metal spoon, quickly fold the almond and powdered sugar into the meringue until evenly blended. 5. Spoon the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a ½ inch nozzle. Pipe rounds about 1½ inch in diameter onto the lined baking sheets, leaving the same amount of space between each one. You should get at least 30 rounds. Sprinkle with a little desiccated coconut, if desired. 6. Set them aside for 15 minutes to allow the macarons to form a crust on top. Bake in the pre-heated oven for about 10 minutes until the bottom is set and the top is slightly brown.Then transfer to cool on a wire rack. 7. When completely cool, sandwich the macarons with the Raspberry Preserves, spreading it right to the edge of the rounds. Eat within 24 hours. Instead of piping the mixture, it is possible to drop even spoonfuls into rough rounds on the baking sheets. They won't have the dainty look of piped ones but will taste just as good and have a charm of their own!

HIGH ALITITUDE FRENCH MACARONS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
• Place egg whites and cater sugar in a bowl and mix with electric mixer until stiff enough to turn the bowl upside down without it falling out, continue to whip for 1-2 more minutes. How long this takes will depend on you mixer. Add gel or powdered food coloring and continue to mix for a further 20seconds.
• Sift the almond meal and icing sugar and salt twice, discarding any almond lumps that are too big to pass through the sieve. Fold into the egg white mixture. It should take roughly 30-50 folds using a rubber spatula. The mixture should be smooth and a very viscous, not runny. Over-mix and your macarons will be flat and have no foot, under mix and they will not be smooth on top - see the macaron troubleshooting post for examples.
• Pipe onto trays lined with baking paper, rap trays on the bench firmly (this prevents cracking) and then bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Check if one comes off the tray fairly cleanly, if not bake for a little longer (make sure you are using NON-stick baking paper or they will stick).

STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM FRENCH MACARONS RECIPE - (4.5/5)

Steps:

• Macarons: 1. Place egg whites in a medium mixing bowl and let sit at room temperature uncovered for exactly 3 hours. (Aging the egg whites in this manner is essential to creating perfect macarons). 2. Line several baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a pencil draw 1-1/2" circles 2" apart on parchment paper. Turn parchment paper over. Set aside. 3. In the work bowl of a food processor combine almonds and 1 Tbsp. confectioners' sugar, pulsing until very finely ground. (Don't over process or a nut butter will be created. The nut particles should stay separate and dry, not clump together). Add remaining confectioners' sugar and process just until combined. Set aside. 4. Beat egg whites at medium-high speed with an electric mixer until frothy. Gradually add sugar, beating at high speed until stiff peaks form, 3-5 minutes (Egg whites will be thick, creamy and shiny.) Add strawberry extract beating well. 5. Using a toothpick add food coloring, a small amount at a time, beating until desired color is achieved. 6. Add almond mixture to egg whites, folding gently until well combined. Let batter site for 15 minutes. 7. Transfer batter to a pastry bag fitted with a medium round tip. Pipe batter into drawn circles on prepared baking sheets. 8. Slam baking sheets vigorously on counter 5-7 times to release air bubbles. 9. Let sit at room temperature for 45-60 minutes before baking to help develop the macaron's signature crisp exterior when baked. (Macarons should feel dry to the touch and should not stick to finger.) 10. Preheat oven to 275 degrees F. 11. Bake until firm to the touch, approximately 24 minutes. 12. Let cool completely on pans and then remove to airtight containers. Refrigerate until ready to fill and serve. 13. Place Vanilla Bean-Cream Cheese Filling in a pastry bag fitted with a small round tip. Pipe mixture onto flat side of macaron and top with another macaron, flat sides together pushing down lightly and twisting so filling will spread to edges. Repeat with remaining macarons and filling. Vanilla Bean-Cream Cheese Filling: 1. In a medium mixing bowl combine cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, cream, and reserved vanilla beans. Beat at low speed with an electric mixer until mixture is smooth and creamy scraping down sides of bowl as necessary and increasing to high speed. 2. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let come to room temperature before piping.