Painted Macarons Recipe

Learn the art of making Painted Macarons with this detailed recipe. These delicate French cookies are not only delicious but also beautifully decorated, making them perfect for special occasions or as edible works of art.

Ingredients for Painted Macarons:
For the Macaron Shells:

• 100 grams egg whites (about 3 large eggs), aged if possible
• 50 grams granulated sugar
• 200 grams powdered sugar
• 110 grams almond flour
• Gel food coloring in various colors

For the Filling:

• 120 grams unsalted butter, softened
• 180 grams powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional for filling)

How to Make Painted Macarons:

1. Prepare the Macaron Shells:

• Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
• In a large bowl, sift together the powdered sugar and almond flour to ensure there are no lumps. Set aside.
• In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a hand mixer or stand mixer until foamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat, until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy. Add gel food coloring to achieve desired colors.
• Gently fold the almond flour mixture into the egg whites in two additions, using a spatula. The batter should be smooth and flow like lava.

1. Pipe and Rest the Macarons:

• Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles (about 1 inch in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each macaron.
• Tap the baking sheets firmly on the counter to release any air bubbles. Let the piped macarons sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, until a skin forms on the surface and they are no longer sticky to the touch.

1. Bake the Macarons:

• Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
• Bake the macarons, one sheet at a time, for 15-18 minutes, rotating halfway through baking. The macarons should have formed feet and be set but not browned.
• Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheets before carefully peeling them off the parchment paper.

1. Prepare the Filling:

• In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fluffy. Add food coloring if desired for the filling.

1. Assemble the Macarons:

• Pair the cooled macaron shells by size and spread or pipe a small amount of filling onto one shell. Sandwich with another shell, pressing gently to distribute the filling.

1. Paint the Macarons:

• Use edible gel food coloring diluted with a small amount of water or clear alcohol (such as vodka) to create paint. Paint designs or patterns on the top of each macaron shell using a fine brush.
• Let the painted macarons dry for about 15-20 minutes before serving or packaging.

About the Main Ingredients:

• Almond Flour and Powdered Sugar: These create the delicate, chewy texture of the macaron shells.
• Egg Whites: Provide structure and stability to the meringue, which is crucial for achieving the characteristic “feet” of macarons.
• Butter and Powdered Sugar: Combine to create a rich and creamy filling, enhancing the overall flavor experience.

Create your own stunning Painted Macarons and impress your guests with both the taste and visual appeal of these elegant treats. Perfect for weddings, birthdays, or any special celebration!