Macaron (French macaroon) Recipe Macaroon recipes, Recipes, Macaroons from www.pinterest.com
Introduction
French macarons are delicate, colorful, and delicious treats that can be enjoyed on any occasion. These little cookies are made from almond flour, powdered sugar, and egg whites, and filled with a variety of flavored creams or jams. They are a bit fussy to make, but with the right ingredients and technique, you can create a batch of perfect macarons that will impress everyone who tries them.
Ingredients
To make French macarons, you will need the following ingredients:
1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
1 cup almond flour
3 large egg whites, room temperature
¼ cup granulated sugar
Food coloring (optional)
Flavoring extract (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Before you start making the macarons, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. Sift the powdered sugar and almond flour together in a bowl, and set it aside. Also, separate the egg whites from the yolks and let them come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Whip the egg whites
In a clean and dry mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites on medium speed until they become frothy. Then, add the granulated sugar gradually and continue whisking until the egg whites reach stiff peaks. This means that when you lift the whisk, the egg whites will form a peak that stands straight up without collapsing.
Step 3: Fold in the dry ingredients
Using a spatula, gently fold in the sifted powdered sugar and almond flour mixture into the whipped egg whites, until the batter becomes smooth and shiny. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as it can become too runny and ruin the macarons.
Step 4: Add food coloring and flavoring (optional)
If you want to add color or flavor to the macarons, this is the time to do it. Add a few drops of food coloring and flavoring extract to the batter and fold it in gently until it is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Pipe the macarons
Spoon the batter into a piping bag fitted with a round tip, and pipe small circles onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The circles should be about 1 ½ inches in diameter and spaced about an inch apart.
Step 6: Rest the macarons
Let the piped macarons rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes, until a skin forms on the surface. This will help the macarons develop their characteristic feet and prevent cracking during baking.
Step 7: Bake the macarons
Preheat the oven to 300°F and bake the macarons for about 15-18 minutes, depending on your oven. The macarons should be set and have a slight crust on the surface, but still be soft and chewy on the inside.
Step 8: Fill the macarons
Once the macarons are cool, carefully peel them off the parchment paper and match them into pairs of similar size and shape. Spoon your desired filling into one macaron shell and sandwich it with another shell. Some popular fillings for macarons include buttercream, ganache, jam, or nutella.
Nutrition
One serving of French macarons (2 pieces) contains approximately 120 calories, 14 grams of carbohydrates, 7 grams of fat, and 2 grams of protein. However, the exact nutritional value may vary depending on the type and amount of filling used. Macarons are a sweet treat and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Conclusion
French macarons are a beautiful and delicious addition to any dessert table. With a bit of practice and patience, you can master the art of making macarons and impress your friends and family with your baking skills. Remember to use high-quality ingredients and follow the instructions carefully to achieve perfect results. Happy baking!
