French Macarons are delicate, airy cookies with a crisp exterior and a chewy, flavorful interior. Mastering these iconic treats requires precision and patience, but the results are well worth the effort. Follow this comprehensive recipe to create perfect French Macarons every time.
Ingredients for French Macarons
- 150g almond flour
- 150g powdered sugar
- 110g aged egg whites (about 4 large eggs)
- 150g granulated sugar
- 35ml water
- Food coloring (optional)
- Flavoring extract (optional)
How to Make French Macarons
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Prepare a piping bag with a round tip.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together almond flour and powdered sugar. Set aside.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a clean, dry mixing bowl, whip egg whites until foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to whip until stiff peaks form. Add food coloring and flavoring extract, if desired.
- Macaronage: Fold dry ingredients into the whipped egg whites in three additions. Use a spatula to gently fold and press the mixture against the sides of the bowl until the batter falls off the spatula in a ribbon and smooths out within 20 seconds.
- Pipe and Rest: Transfer batter to the prepared piping bag. Pipe small rounds onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Tap the baking sheets gently on the counter to release any air bubbles. Let the piped macarons rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, until a skin forms on top.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the macarons for 15-18 minutes, rotating the trays halfway through baking. The macarons should have risen and formed “feet.” Let cool completely on the baking sheets before removing.
- Assemble: Match macaron shells of similar size. Pipe or spoon filling onto one shell and sandwich with another. Refrigerate assembled macarons for 24 hours for best flavor.
About the Main Ingredients
- Almond Flour: Provides structure and flavor to the macarons. Choose finely ground almond flour for a smooth texture.
- Egg Whites: Aged egg whites create a stable meringue essential for macaron structure.
- Granulated Sugar: Helps stabilize the meringue and provides sweetness.
Mastering French Macarons takes practice, but with this detailed recipe and technique, you can create these elegant treats at home. Enjoy the process and savor the delicious results!
