Vanilla French Macarons are delicate almond-based cookies with crisp shells, soft centers, and a smooth vanilla buttercream filling.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Macarons offer refined flavor, elegant appearance, and a satisfying texture contrast. Though they require precision, the results are stunning and suitable for any special occasion.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- almond flour
- powdered sugar
- egg whites
- granulated sugar
- vanilla extract
- butter (for filling)
Directions
- Sift almond flour and powdered sugar.
- Whip egg whites until foamy; add sugar gradually until stiff peaks form.
- Fold dry ingredients into the meringue.
- Pipe circles onto parchment-lined trays.
- Rest until tops are dry to the touch.
- Bake until set.
- Fill with vanilla buttercream once cooled.
Servings and Timing
Makes 20–24 macarons.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Rest time: 30 minutes
Bake time: 15 minutes
Total time: 75 minutes
Variations
- Add food coloring.
- Fill with ganache instead of buttercream.
- Add lemon or almond extract for different flavors.
Storage/Reheating
Store refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Best texture develops after 24 hours.
FAQs
Why do macarons crack?
They were not rested long enough before baking.
Can I freeze macarons?
Yes, freeze filled or unfilled.
Why are my shells hollow?
Overmixed batter or too hot oven.
Can I use regular flour?
No, almond flour is essential.
Should macarons be chewy?
Yes, with a crisp shell and tender center.
Can I color the batter?
Yes, gel coloring works best.
What if batter is too runny?
It was overfolded; fold gently next time.
Why did the feet not form?
Oven temperature or insufficient rest time.
Can I use aged egg whites?
Yes, they whip better.
How long should they mature?
Usually 24 hours for ideal texture.
Conclusion
Vanilla French Macarons are a refined treat that rewards precision with elegance and exceptional flavor. Perfect for celebrations or gifting, they elevate any dessert table.
Print
Vanilla French Macarons
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 20 macarons 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Vanilla French Macarons are delicate almond-based sandwich cookies with crisp shells, chewy centers, and a creamy vanilla buttercream filling.
Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup almond flour
- 2 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Food coloring (optional)
- Vanilla Buttercream:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Sift the powdered sugar and almond flour together to remove lumps.
- In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until foamy, then gradually add granulated sugar and whip to stiff peaks.
- Add vanilla extract and food coloring if using; gently fold in.
- Fold the almond mixture into the meringue until the batter flows like lava and forms slow ribbons.
- Pipe 1-inch circles onto the baking sheets.
- Tap trays to release air bubbles and let shells rest 30–60 minutes until they form a skin.
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake for 14–16 minutes. Let cool completely.
- For the filling: beat butter, powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pipe buttercream onto half the shells and sandwich with remaining shells.
- Refrigerate 24 hours for best texture.
Notes
- Ensure egg whites are room temperature for better volume.
- Resting shells is essential for forming feet.
- Mature macarons taste better after chilling overnight.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaron
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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