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Easy Macaron Recipe & 6 Filling Ideas

Are you searching for an easy macaron recipe that guarantees perfect results every time? Look no further! This beginner-friendly French macaron recipe is simple to follow and yields delightful, delicate cookies with a crisp shell and chewy interior. Not only is this recipe foolproof, but it also includes six macaron filling ideas with easy to follow recipes.

easy macaron recipe with macaron filling ideas

What makes this Macaron Recipe so Special? 

We started by deciding what flavor macarons we wanted and then scoured the internet for easy macaron recipes and no-fail macarons. Unfortunately, most of those recipes failed for us. There were tons of macaron filling recipes out there, but nothing quite worked out. Either we didn’t have all of the fancy equipment we needed, or the consistency was just not quite right. After lots of experimenting, we finally found the perfect combination that worked for us. You won’t believe how easy it is to recreate this delicious macaron recipe with lots of fun filling options.

Macaron Shells Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup almond flour, finely ground
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 3 egg whites, sat overnight in the refrigerator
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Food coloring (optional)

Basic Buttercream Filling

  • 5 ounces powdered sugar, sifted
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Sprinkle of salt

Additional Filling Recipes

  • Caramel Macaron Filling: 1 cup sugar, ½ cup butter, ⅓ cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon salt
  • Coconut Buttercream Filling: 8 tbsp coconut milk, ¾ cup unsalted butter, 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
  • White Chocolate Mint Filling: 8 oz white chocolate chips, ½ cup heavy whipping cream, ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
  • Chocolate Filling: ¼ cup heavy cream, 1½ ounces finely chopped bittersweet chocolate, ½ tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Oreo Cream Filling: 12 Double Stuffed Oreos filling, 4 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature), ¼ cup powdered sugar, crushed Oreo cookies
  • Strawberry Jam Filling: This simple strawberry jam works great as a macaron filling.
French macarons filled with buttercream on a plate

Instructions for Preparing the Macaron Shells

Step 1:Mix Macaron Ingredients

Sift together the powdered sugar, almond flour, and half of the salt until completely combined and very fine.

Folding meringue with almond flour mixture for perfect macaronage

Step 2: Whip Egg Whites/Whipping Meringue

In another bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy, then add the granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Add the vanilla extract and food coloring, if using.

Sifting almond flour and powdered sugar together for smooth macaron batter

Step 3: Folding Macaron Batter/Macaronage

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg whites in batches until the mixture is smooth and falls off the spatula in a thick ribbon.

Whipping egg whites to stiff peaks for macaron meringue

Step 4: Piping the Batter/Piping Macarons

Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small circles onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Tap the baking sheet firmly on the counter to release any air bubbles.

Step 5: Resting Macaron Shells

Let the macarons sit at room temperature until they form a skin on the surface, about 30-60 minutes. They should not stick to your finger when touched.

baking macarons and resting cookies on wire rack

Step 6: Baking Macarons

Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the macarons for 15-17 minutes, or until they are firm and can be gently lifted off the parchment paper. Allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet.

Filling the Macarons

Basic Buttercream Macaron Filling:

Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, cream the butter until soft and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, mixing until fluffy and well combined.

Caramel Macaron Filling:

In a saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat until it turns a deep amber color. Stir in the butter and cream, then cook for another minute. Remove from heat and let it cool before using.

Strawberry Macaron Filling:

Refer to this recipe for homemade strawberry jam that pairs perfectly with macarons.

Coconut Macaron Filling:

Mix coconut milk, butter, and confectioner’s sugar until creamy. Use a piping bag to fill the macarons.

How to make macarons with the best macaron recipe and 6 Macaron filling ideas

White Chocolate Mint Filling:

Heat the white chocolate chips, heavy cream, and peppermint extract on the stove until melted and combined. Let it cool slightly before using.

Chocolate Macaron Filling:

Heat the heavy cream, bittersweet chocolate, and butter together until well combined. Allow to cool before adding to macarons.

Oreo Macaron Filling:

Mix the Oreo filling, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth. Crush additional Oreo cookies and fold into the mixture.

Assembling the Macarons

  1. Pair macaron shells of similar size.
  2. Pipe a small amount of filling onto one shell.
  3. Gently press the second shell on top to create a sandwich.
  4. Repeat with remaining shells and fillings.

Pro Tips for Perfect Macarons

  • Age your egg whites: Let them sit in the refrigerator overnight for better results.
  • Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures even mixing and consistency.
  • Sift dry ingredients: This helps to create a smooth batter and prevents lumps.
  • Rest the macarons: Allow them to form a skin before baking to achieve the classic macaron feet.
  • Proper macaronage technique: Fold the batter until it flows like lava, avoiding over or under-mixing.
Freshly baked macaron shells cooling on a baking tray

Frequently Asked Questions About Macarons

What is a Macaron?

A macaron is a delicate meringue-based cookie made with egg whites, almond flour, and sugar. These cookies are known for their crisp exterior and chewy interior, often filled with ganache, buttercream, or jam.

Difference Between Macarons and Macaroons? Macarons are meringue-based, delicate cookies filled with various creams or jams, while macaroons are coconut-based, dense cookies.

What is the Secret to Good Macarons?

  1. Aging Egg Whites: Separate and refrigerate egg whites for a few days to dehydrate them for a more stable meringue.
  2. Precise Measurements: Weigh all ingredients using a kitchen scale for accuracy.
  3. Proper Mixing: Fold the almond flour mixture into the meringue until it reaches a lava-like consistency.
  4. Resting Time: Allow piped macarons to rest until a skin forms, preventing cracking during baking.
How to make macarons with the best macaron recipe and 6 Macaron filling ideas
Yield: 25-30

Easy Macarons Recipe with 6 Macaron Filling Ideas

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Inactive Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Discover the ultimate easy macaron recipe with step-by-step instructions and six delicious filling options. Perfect for beginners and guaranteed to impress. Learn how to make macarons today!

Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup almond flour, finely ground
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 3 egg whites, sat overnight in refrigerator
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • food coloring
  • Buttercream filling:
  • 5 ounces powdered sugar sifted
  • 5 ounces unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • Sprinkle of salt

Instructions

  1. Mix the powdered sugar and almond flour. Add in the salt and mix until completely combined. This part should be done until the mixture becomes very fine.
  2. Pour the almond flour into a sieve and then add to a bowl.
  3. In another bowl, it's time to beat in the egg whites until peaks form.
  4. Add in the sugar until completely combined.
  5. Keep beating until stiff peaks form.
  6. Add in vanilla and the food coloring of your choice, and stir until combined.
  7. Fold in a little bit of the sifted flour to the egg whites, until all of the flour is incorporated, a little bit at a time.
  8. Put the batter into a piping bag and pipe them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  9. Tap the baking sheet to release air bubbles.
  10. Allow macarons to sit and dry out, this usually takes me about 45 minutes.
  11. Preheat the oven to 300 degrees and bake for about 15 minutes.
  12. For the buttercream filling:
  13. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, cream butter until soft and smooth.
  14. Add powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla, and mix until fluffy.

Notes

Tips for Perfect Macarons Every Time

  1. Sift the Almond Flour: Ensures smooth, lump-free batter.
  2. Whip Egg Whites to Stiff Peaks: Provides structure and height.
  3. Rest Before Baking: Helps form the characteristic "feet."

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Nutrition Information

Yield

30

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 112Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 11mgSodium 96mgCarbohydrates 14gFiber 0gSugar 13gProtein 1g

The nutrition in recipes is caluculate by AI, mistakes happen. It is highly recommended to check carb counts to make sure these recipes fit into your diet.

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About Thirty Something Super Mom

Melissa Dixon Thirty Something Super Mom
Thirty Something Super Mom | Website

My journey started after a Crohn's disease diagnosis, inspiring a commitment to well-being. This site shares my distinctive approach to healthy living with my collection of nutritious recipes that boast authentic flavors, mimicking the indulgence of traditional dishes. I love sharing guilt free recipes for low carb, keto, gluten-free, paleo, and the specific carbohydrate diet. I also share tips on natural living, including homemade cleaners and cleaning hacks. I also share my experience as a veterinary technician and pet groomer, to integrate pet health tips, homemade dog food recipes, and grooming insights to ensure your pets thrive.

Dorothy

Monday 28th of August 2023

The filling ingredients include egg whites, but the directions to make the filling do not indicate using the egg whites. I’m confused by that part. Otherwise recipe looks great….my 12 year old daughter is anxious to try it.

Melissa

Tuesday 29th of August 2023

Thanks for stopping by Dorothy! I apologize for the error in the recipe, it seems I wrote egg whites twice. I have updated it, thank you for catching that! Happy baking, I hope you and your 12 year old enjoy the recipes.

Andi

Friday 25th of January 2019

You've inspired me to look for a low carb version of this, you already have the almond flour which is a good start! I love mint and being a Francophile, J'adore the thought of making macarons!

Kimberly Croisant

Tuesday 22nd of January 2019

I like that your recipe uses Almond flour. I use it a lot in my baking. It's great when you don't want wheat or if you're gluten intolerant. I never know how something like this is going to turn out. I can't tell you how many recipes I've made from scratch that I wouldn't share with my neighbors. But you're right when you said: "don't get discouraged if yours doesn't turn out right." That would be me~~

Melissa

Wednesday 23rd of January 2019

I have been there so many times, ready to give up but then after giving it one more try, I finally got it. Never give up! lol

Ashley

Tuesday 22nd of January 2019

Oh yum!! Can't go wrong with mint and Oreo! Actually mint and chocolate is one of my favorite flavor combinations. I've never tried to make macarons before, but this recipe looks relatively easy! Thanks so much for sharing.

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