French macarons are delicate, elegant cookies that are surprisingly difficult to perfect. After many trials and errors, we've developed a foolproof recipe that will help you create delicious and beautiful macarons at home.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Macarons
1. Prepare the Macaron Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure your macarons don't stick during baking.
Next, in a glass, metal, or ceramic bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat for about 30 seconds until they start to foam, then gradually add the white sugar. Continue beating for another 5 minutes until stiff peaks form. The peaks should stay in place even when you turn the bowl upside down.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift the confectioners' sugar, almond flour, and salt together twice to remove any lumps. Then, gently fold this dry mixture into the beaten egg whites using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; aim for a creamy batter that falls slowly off the spatula. This step should take about 50 folds.
3. Pipe the Macarons
Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. On the parchment paper, pipe out 1-inch circles, using a circular motion. Once you've piped all the batter, gently tap the baking sheet against the counter about 10 times to remove any air bubbles from the batter.
4. Bake the Macarons
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 9 minutes. After that, rotate the sheet and bake for an additional 9 minutes until the macarons are shiny and have formed feet (ruffles around the edges). The texture should be light and slightly raised.
Remove the macarons from the oven and carefully peel them off the parchment paper. Let them cool completely for about 30 minutes before assembling them.
5. Prepare the Buttercream Filling
To make the filling, beat the softened butter with confectioners' sugar and vanilla extract in an electric mixer until smooth and thick, about 10 minutes. The filling should be creamy and spreadable. Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
6. Assemble the Macarons
To assemble the macarons, pipe a small amount of buttercream in the center of the flat side of one macaron shell. Top with another macaron shell, pressing gently to sandwich the two together. Repeat this process with all the shells.
Tips for Perfect French Macarons
• Size matters: To ensure your macarons are uniform in size, trace 1-inch circles on the parchment paper with a pencil, then flip the paper over. Use these circles as a guide when piping the batter.
• Food coloring: If you want to add color to your macarons, mix a small amount of gel or powdered food coloring into the egg whites before beating them. Remember that the color will lighten as the macarons bake, so make the mixture a little darker than you want the final result to be.
• Baking one tray at a time: Bake only one baking sheet of macarons at a time to ensure even cooking.
How to Store French Macarons
Once your macarons are assembled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze the shells before assembling for up to a month, then add the filling when you're ready to serve.
Enjoying Your French Macarons
Now that your French macarons are ready, it's time to indulge! These delicate treats are perfect for special occasions or as a sweet addition to your afternoon tea. With their light, crunchy exterior and smooth buttercream filling, you'll feel like you're enjoying a taste of France with every bite.
