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–+ servings
Pastel French macarons with smooth shells and creamy fillings on a dessert plate.

Classic French Macarons

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Delicate almond meringue shells sandwiched with silky vanilla buttercream for a classic French patisserie treat.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 59 minutes
Servings: 24 macarons
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French
Calories: 125

Ingredients
 
 

Macaron Shells
  • 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 1 cup fine almond flour sifted
  • 3 large egg whites room temperature
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Vanilla Buttercream
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 1 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Digital scale
  • Stand mixer
  • Fine-mesh sieve
  • Piping bag
  • Baking sheets

Method
 

Make the Batter:
  1. Sift the powdered sugar and almond flour together. In a clean bowl, whip the egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy, then gradually add the sugar and whip to stiff glossy peaks.
  2. Fold the dry ingredients into the meringue with the vanilla until the batter flows slowly from the spatula and the surface smooths within 30 seconds.
Pipe and Bake:
  1. Pipe 1 1/2-inch rounds onto lined baking sheets. Tap the sheets firmly to release air bubbles and rest the shells for 30 to 45 minutes, until dry to the touch.
  2. Heat the oven to 300 F. Bake one sheet at a time for 13 to 14 minutes, rotating halfway through. Cool completely before removing from the paper.
Fill:
  1. Beat the butter until pale. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla, then beat until smooth.
  2. Pipe buttercream onto half the shells and sandwich with the remaining shells.

Nutrition

Calories: 125kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 25mgFiber: 1gSugar: 16g

Notes

  • Weigh ingredients for consistent shells.
  • Rest piped shells until the surface is dry.
  • Chill filled macarons overnight for the best texture.