How to Make Perfect French Macarons at Home

French macarons are a classic of pastry that, although many find complicated, can be made at home with a little patience and by following the right steps. This delicious treat, known for its crispy exterior and soft interior, is perfect for any occasion. If you want to impress your friends or simply enjoy a sweet bite, we will explain how to prepare perfect macarons in the comfort of your home.

Ingredients needed for the macarons

To make French macarons, you will need the following ingredients:

• 114 g of egg whites (approximately 4 egg whites)
• 200 g of icing sugar
• 110 g of ground almonds
• 30 g of granulated sugar
• Food coloring (optional)

For the filling, you can choose between chocolate ganache, buttercream, or jam, depending on your preference.

Steps to prepare the macarons

Preparing the egg whites

The first thing you need to do is separate the egg whites and let them rest at room temperature for at least 24 hours. This helps to oxygenate the egg whites, which is crucial for obtaining the perfect consistency.

Sifting the dry ingredients

In a bowl, mix the icing sugar with the ground almonds and sift well. This is essential to avoid lumps and to ensure that the batter has a smooth texture.

Beating the egg whites and sugar

In a clean, dry bowl, start beating the egg whites on low speed. When they begin to foam, gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating on high speed until you get stiff peaks and a glossy meringue. If you want to add color to your macarons, this is the time to add a few drops of food coloring.

Incorporating the dry ingredients

Once you have the meringue ready, add the sifted sugar and almond mixture. Gently fold in with a spatula, making sure not to lose the air from the meringue. You should obtain a batter that falls in ribbons and is a little runny.

Shaping the macarons

Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a piping bag, form small circles about 3-4 cm in diameter. Leave space between each circle, as the macarons will expand a bit during baking. Tap the baking sheet gently against the table to remove air bubbles.

Resting the batter

It is important to let the baking sheet rest at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes. This process helps to form a crust on the surface, which is crucial for the macarons to maintain their shape during baking.

Baking the macarons

Preheat the oven to 150 degrees Celsius. Bake the macarons for 12-15 minutes, making sure they do not brown. A good practice is to rotate the sheet halfway through to ensure even baking.

Cooling and filling

Allow the macarons to cool completely on the baking sheet before removing them. Once cooled, you can fill them with your choice of filling and sandwich them in pairs.

Enjoy your macarons

Once filled, it is ideal to let the macarons rest in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Making French macarons at home may seem like a challenge, but with the right steps and a little practice, you can enjoy this delicious pastry delight. I encourage all baking enthusiasts to try this recipe and join me to discover more about the exciting world of cooking on my blog.