Almond Macarons

Almond Macarons
Story Time
Macarons are a classic French dessert, known for their delicate texture and vibrant colors. These almond-flavored macarons are a wonderful treat to share with your family, bringing a touch of elegance to any occasion. Picture a sunny afternoon, the table set with tea, and a plate of beautifully crafted macarons ready to be enjoyed. It's a moment of simple pleasure that turns an ordinary day into something special.
Servings
Makes about 24 macarons
Ingredients
For the Macaron Shells:
1 cup (100g) almond flour
1 3/4 cups (200g) powdered sugar
3 large egg whites, at room temperature
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 tsp almond extract
Gel food coloring (optional)
For the Filling:
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (125g) powdered sugar
1/4 tsp almond extract
1-2 tbsp heavy cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Macaron Shells
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
In a food processor, combine the almond flour and powdered sugar. Pulse until finely ground. Sift the mixture into a large bowl to remove any lumps.
In a separate large bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, and beat on high speed until stiff peaks form. Add the almond extract and a few drops of gel food coloring (if using), and gently fold to combine.
Sift the almond flour mixture over the beaten egg whites. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg whites using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be smooth and flow like lava.
Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles (about 1.5 inches in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Tap the baking sheets firmly on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles. Let the macarons sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, or until a skin forms on the surface (they should not stick to your finger when touched).
Step 2: Bake the Macarons
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
Bake the macarons, one sheet at a time, for 15-18 minutes. The macarons are done when they have risen and developed "feet" and do not wobble when you gently touch the tops.
Allow the macarons to cool completely on the baking sheets before removing them.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
Add the almond extract and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream. Beat until light and fluffy, adding more cream as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 4: Assemble the Macarons
Pair the macaron shells by size.
Pipe a small amount of filling onto the flat side of one shell, then top with another shell to create a sandwich.
Repeat with the remaining shells and filling.
Step 5: Serve
For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the assembled macarons for at least 24 hours before serving.
Bring to room temperature before enjoying.
Best Served
Almond Macarons are best served at room temperature, ideally with a cup of tea or coffee. They make a delightful addition to any dessert table or a special treat for afternoon tea.
Beverage Pairing
Pair these delicate macarons with a light, aromatic tea like Earl Grey or a refreshing glass of champagne for an elegant touch.
Serving Tips
Store any leftover macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For a colorful variety, experiment with different food colorings and flavors in the filling.
Nutritional Information (per macaron)
Calories: 90
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 4g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugar: 10g