National Dish France: Macarons (Recipe)
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Discover Macarons, one of the true jewels of French pâtisserie! These delicate almond meringue biscuits sandwich a smooth filling of buttercream, ganache or fruit between two crisp, chewy shells. With their glossy shells and rainbow of colours, they look every bit as good as they taste — a dessert that turns afternoon tea into an occasion. Bring a little Parisian elegance straight to your own kitchen and treat yourself to these irresistible bites.
About Macarons
Macarons are not just a genuine delicacy but a work of art from the world of French pâtisserie. These dainty meringue biscuits are made from almonds and sugar, while the filling can be drawn from a whole range of ingredients such as buttercream, ganache or candied fruit. Their vivid colours and refined flavours have made them a favourite dessert for celebrations of every kind. Whether you are baking them for a wedding, a birthday or simply to enjoy at home, macarons are always a hit. They sit proudly alongside other elegant classics of French cuisine.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 100 g ground almonds
- 100 g icing sugar
- 75 g egg whites (about 2 egg whites)
- 50 g caster sugar
- Food colouring (of your choice)
- 150 g filling (e.g. buttercream or ganache)
Shopping for the ingredients
Before you begin making your delicious macarons, it is worth gathering all the ingredients in advance. Most of them are easy to track down in supermarkets or delicatessens. Make sure the almonds are as finely ground as possible, as this is what gives the shells their characteristic smoothness. Don’t forget to pick up a food colouring of your choice too, so you can give your macarons that perfect, eye-catching look.
Preparing the dish
Before the baking begins, careful preparation is essential. Make sure your equipment — bowls, piping bag and baking trays — is clean and completely dry, as this helps you pipe the macaron batter evenly and attractively. Another important step is to sift the icing sugar and ground almonds together to remove any lumps and achieve a smooth, even batter that pipes cleanly.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 150°C.
- Combine the ground almonds and icing sugar thoroughly.
- Whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the caster sugar and keep whisking until you have stiff, glossy peaks.
- Carefully fold the almond and icing sugar mixture into the egg whites.
- Add the food colouring, then pipe the batter onto a baking tray lined with baking paper.
- Leave the macarons to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake for 15 minutes.
- Allow the macarons to cool completely after baking, then sandwich them together with your chosen filling.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
One of the great advantages of macarons is that they are naturally gluten-free, since they are made with almonds rather than flour. This makes them an ideal choice for anyone with a gluten intolerance. If you would like to bake them lactose-free, you can simply use plant-based alternatives for the filling, such as a coconut-milk-based cream or a vegan buttercream. That way, those with a lactose intolerance can enjoy these wonderful little treats too.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For vegans, macarons offer an exciting challenge. Replacing the egg white is not entirely straightforward, but there are plant-based options such as aquafaba, the liquid drained from a tin of chickpeas. Aquafaba can be used in place of egg white and whips up to a remarkably similar consistency. Be sure to choose vegan options for the filling as well, so the macarons can be enjoyed by everyone — much like the lighter approach you might take with a Salade de Lentilles.
More tips and tricks
To create the perfect macaron, patience and attention are everything. A good result often comes down to the small details, such as the resting time before baking. It also helps to check the consistency of the batter by piping a few test shapes. Beyond that, you can prepare several batches in different colours and flavours to add variety and bring a real sense of fun to your baking.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Another wonderful feature of macarons is their versatility. You can tailor the fillings to suit yourself, choosing flavours such as lemon, raspberry or chocolate. You might also experiment with different aromatics like mint or nut to add a truly personal touch. This opens up a whole world of possibilities and leaves plenty of room for creativity in the kitchen — perfect if you love rounding off a meal with something special, as you would with a Crème Caramel.
Ingredient substitutions
If you don’t have any almond flour to hand, you can also use hazelnuts to create a different yet equally tasty macaron. Just make sure to grind the nuts as finely as you would the almonds, so you achieve the right texture. There is also a wide choice of options for the filling, such as fruit purées or yoghurts, which you can adapt according to your preferences and what is available.
Drink pairing ideas
Macarons are an ideal dessert that pairs beautifully with a range of drinks. A fresh tea, such as jasmine or fruit tea, works wonderfully with the sweet flavours of the biscuits. A glass of champagne or a fruity cocktail also makes for an elegant accompaniment. For an alcohol-free option, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice nicely complements the flavours of the macarons.
Serving and presentation ideas
The way you present your macarons can impress your guests in an instant. Use pretty dessert plates or tiered cake stands to arrange the colourful biscuits attractively. You could also make up small gift bags to package the macarons prettily. A touch of decoration, such as fresh mint or edible flowers, can round off the overall look and create a real wow factor. For a grander spread, present them alongside a Millefeuille or a slice of Gâteau Opéra.
A bit of history
The history of macarons reaches back to the Middle Ages, when they were originally made in Italy. Over time they found their way to France and were perfected by French bakers. Today macarons are a beloved treat not only in France but the world over, with a devoted following far beyond their homeland. Their constant evolution and the ever-changing range of fillings and colours make them a timeless classic of French cuisine and its celebrated pâtisserie.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Macarons
Macarons are a delicious and effortlessly charming French dessert, celebrated for their variety and their beauty. These meringue biscuits are easy to put together as long as you follow the key steps with care. They offer endless scope for personalisation and, with thoughtful presentation and well-chosen drinks, can be a true feast for the eyes on any table. Set off on your own journey into the world of macarons and let your creativity run free.
