Macarons are a popular dessert that originated in France. They are delicate, colorful, and come in a variety of flavors. While they may seem intimidating at first, making macarons is actually quite easy. In this article, we will walk you through a simple macaron recipe that you can make at home.
Ingredients
For the macaron shells, you will need: - 1 cup powdered sugar - 3/4 cup almond flour - 2 large egg whites, at room temperature - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - Food coloring (optional) For the filling, you can use anything from jam to buttercream. For this recipe, we will use a simple buttercream filling made with: - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar - 1 tsp vanilla extract - 1-2 tbsp milk
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Step 2: In a bowl, sift together the powdered sugar and almond flour. If there are any large pieces left, discard them. Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until they are foamy. Gradually add in the granulated sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Step 4: Add the food coloring (if desired) and gently fold in the almond flour mixture until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix and deflate the egg whites. Step 5: Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space in between each one. Step 6: Tap the baking sheet gently against the counter to release any air bubbles. Let the macarons sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or until a skin forms on top. Step 7: Bake the macarons for 15-18 minutes, or until they are set and slightly firm. Let them cool completely before removing them from the baking sheet. Step 8: While the macarons are cooling, make the buttercream filling. In a bowl, beat the butter until it is creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Beat until everything is combined and the mixture is smooth. Step 9: Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe a small amount onto the flat side of one macaron shell and sandwich it with another shell. Repeat until all of the shells are used. Step 10: Refrigerate the macarons for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will help the filling set and the flavors to meld together.
Nutrition
This recipe makes about 18-20 macarons. The nutrition information below is for one macaron with buttercream filling. Calories: 120 Fat: 7g Saturated Fat: 4g Cholesterol: 20mg Sodium: 10mg Carbohydrates: 14g Sugar: 13g Protein: 1g
Conclusion
Making macarons doesn't have to be difficult. With this easy recipe, you can create delicious macarons in no time. Experiment with different flavors and colors to make them your own. Enjoy!