Difficulty Level: Advanced
Why it’s great for your cooking channel: French Macarons are visually stunning and require precision and technique to master, making them an excellent choice for showcasing your cooking skills on your channel. Viewers will enjoy learning the intricacies of making these delicate treats, from achieving the perfect meringue to creating flavorful fillings. Plus, the vibrant colors and endless flavor possibilities offer ample opportunities for creativity and customization, allowing you to engage your audience and inspire them to try making macarons themselves.
Description: French Macarons are delicate and elegant French treats made with almond flour, egg whites, and sugar. They are known for their smooth, colorful shells and flavorful fillings, making them a delightful indulgence for any occasion.
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Serving size: Makes about 20 filled macarons
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1 3/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 3 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Food coloring (optional)
- Filling of your choice (such as buttercream, ganache, or fruit preserves)
Instructions:
Prepare the Almond Mixture:
In a food processor, combine the almond flour and confectioners’ sugar. Pulse until finely ground and well combined. Sift the mixture into a large mixing bowl, discarding any large pieces that remain.
Whip the Egg Whites:
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy. Be careful not to overbeat.
Fold in the Almond Mixture:
Gently fold the almond flour mixture into the beaten egg whites using a rubber spatula. Continue folding until the batter is smooth and forms ribbons that slowly blend back into the batter when lifted.
Pipe the Macarons:
Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Tap the baking sheets firmly against the counter to release any air bubbles.
Let the Macarons Rest:
Allow the piped macarons to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes to develop a skin. They should feel dry to the touch before baking.
Bake the Macarons:
Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the macarons in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through baking, until the macarons are set and just barely starting to brown around the edges.
Cool and Fill:
Remove the baked macarons from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheets. Once cooled, carefully remove them from the parchment paper and pair them up by size. Pipe or spread your desired filling onto the flat side of one macaron shell, then sandwich it with another shell to form a macaron.
Enjoy:
Serve the filled macarons immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
