Perfect Macarons Recipe

3 Comments By Alicia | Published on April 11, 2016 Updated on September 21, 2019

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This easy macaron recipe makes a perfect batch of this famous French cookie. It’s crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, with a rich chocolate ganache filling!

Macarons aren’t difficult to make if you follow a few simple steps. I’ve outlined it all below with our perfect macaron recipe.

Macaron Recipe

Macarons seem very hard to make, but they really aren’t. Because they aren’t as common as, let’s say the chocolate chip cookie, most home bakers think it’s a recipe that’s too hard to try. I want to encourage you to try this macaron recipe and see for yourself. It’s very simple and you’ll impress your friends!

Macarons

A few weeks ago my kids and I watched Kids Baking Championship on Food Network. The episode? Macarons! Or is it Macaroons? See the difference? Roon VS Ron. This became a debate: how do you say it? My stance is that it’s macarooooon (sounds like maka-rewn). My kids insist it’s macaron (sounds like maka-Ron). And they wouldn’t give it up. They are sure it’s macaron. I wasn’t so sure.

Turns out, macaron is how its said on Pokemon. Yep, seriously! Pokemon.

So, we looked it up. Is Pokemon right? Have I been saying it wrong all these years? Am I getting schooled on French pastry from a cartoon?

We went to Google. Both pronunciations are correct, but the French say macaron, so class, that is how we all shall say it from here on out! Pokemon is right! Tell the kids!

What’s the Difference Between Macarons and Macaroons?

Both are French recipes, but a macaron (no matter how you pronounce it) is the classic French meringue cookie stacked and filled with ganache or jam.

A macaroon is a chewy coconut “cookie.”

Tips For Making Macarons

Master the meringue – don’t under mix the meringue. You want it to be stiff so that when you lift the whisk, there is meringue clinging to it.
Sift the almond flour – first, don’t skimp on the almond flour. You can’t substitute regular flour in this recipe. It’s almond flour or nothing. Be sure to sift the almond flour to remove any lumps or clumps. Macarons are a smooth cookie and lumpy flour will alter the consistency of the macarons.
Fold in egg whites — when folding the egg whites into the batter, do so gently. Do not over mix.
Tap pan – don’t skip this step. You need to tap the sheet pan on the counter.
Set macarons on counter – again, not a step to skip. You may be in a hurry, but you need to let the macarons sit on the counter until they aren’t sticky. This is critical.

How to Make This Macaron Recipe

It’s NOT HARD to make macarons. I thought they were really complicated and this macaron recipe will help make them perfect.

Macaron Tips:

Draw circles on parchment to ensure you pipe the macarons the same size. I recommend using a real pastry page opposed to a ziptop bag with a whole cut. The pastry bag will help you easily pipe the same size cookies.
Tap the pan after you pipe the macarons
Cook until you see the edges get “feet” – that is, the edges look like they have a crust to them

In this picture above, you can see the feet formed on the bottom of the cookies. It looks like a little crust all around the bottom of the cookie. This is when you know they are cooked and ready to come out of the oven to rest.

Once you carefully peel the cookies off the pan you can spread filling (I used chocolate ganache) and stick two cookies together. Filling options are endless. Macarons are so versatile. You can make the cookies different flavors by using extracts, you can add color to the cookies making a variety of colors, and you can change them up by altering the fillings. Each time you make them you can have a different creation!Then you get to eat! These would make a great gift because people think they are really hard to make. Don’t tell them how easy it really is!

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