Name: Vanilla French Macarons
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup powdered sugar; 3/4 cup almond flour; 2 large egg whites, room temperature; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; Food coloring (optional); Vanilla Buttercream:; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tbsp heavy cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Vanilla French Macarons are delicate almond-based cookies with crisp shells, soft centers, and a smooth vanilla buttercream filling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Macarons offer refined flavor, elegant appearance, and a satisfying texture contrast. Though they require precision, the results are stunning and suitable for any special occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

almond flour
powdered sugar
egg whites
granulated sugar
vanilla extract
butter (for filling)

Directions

Sift almond flour and powdered sugar.
Whip egg whites until foamy; add sugar gradually until stiff peaks form.
Fold dry ingredients into the meringue.
Pipe circles onto parchment-lined trays.
Rest until tops are dry to the touch.
Bake until set.
Fill with vanilla buttercream once cooled.

Servings and Timing

Makes 20–24 macarons.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Rest time: 30 minutes
Bake time: 15 minutes
Total time: 75 minutes

Variations

Add food coloring.
Fill with ganache instead of buttercream.
Add lemon or almond extract for different flavors.

Storage/Reheating

Store refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Best texture develops after 24 hours.

FAQs

Why do macarons crack?

They were not rested long enough before baking.

Can I freeze macarons?

Yes, freeze filled or unfilled.

Why are my shells hollow?

Overmixed batter or too hot oven.

Can I use regular flour?

No, almond flour is essential.

Should macarons be chewy?

Yes, with a crisp shell and tender center.

Can I color the batter?

Yes, gel coloring works best.

What if batter is too runny?

It was overfolded; fold gently next time.

Why did the feet not form?

Oven temperature or insufficient rest time.

Can I use aged egg whites?

Yes, they whip better.

How long should they mature?

Usually 24 hours for ideal texture.

Conclusion

Vanilla French Macarons are a refined treat that rewards precision with elegance and exceptional flavor. Perfect for celebrations or gifting, they elevate any dessert table.

Vanilla French Macarons

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Vanilla French Macarons are delicate almond-based sandwich cookies with crisp shells, chewy centers, and a creamy vanilla buttercream filling.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Yield: 20 macarons 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: French
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Sift the powdered sugar and almond flour together to remove lumps.
In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until foamy, then gradually add granulated sugar and whip to stiff peaks.
Add vanilla extract and food coloring if using; gently fold in.
Fold the almond mixture into the meringue until the batter flows like lava and forms slow ribbons.
Pipe 1-inch circles onto the baking sheets.
Tap trays to release air bubbles and let shells rest 30–60 minutes until they form a skin.
Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake for 14–16 minutes. Let cool completely.
For the filling: beat butter, powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla until smooth.
Pipe buttercream onto half the shells and sandwich with remaining shells.
Refrigerate 24 hours for best texture.