Tutorial on How to Make Macarons

Difficulty: Moderate Yield: 24-30 macarons Time: 2 hours

Making macarons can be tricky, but you can achieve beautiful results with patience and precision. Having the right tools ready will help you successfully prepare and bake delicious macarons. Make sure to weigh the ingredients accurately for the best results. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make these delicate French cookies.

Tools

• Mixing bowls

• Electric mixer or stand mixer

• Sifter

• Spatula

• Piping bag with round tip

• Baking sheets

• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats

• Food scale

• Oven
  

Ingredients

• 100 grams almond flour

• 100 grams powdered sugar

• 100 grams egg whites

• 100 grams granulated sugar

• Food coloring (optional)

• Filling of your choice (e.g., buttercream, ganache)
  

Tutorial on How to Make Macarons

1. Prepare Your Ingredients:

   1. Sift the almond flour and powdered sugar together in a bowl. This will help remove lumps and ensure a smooth batter.

2. Make the Meringue:

   1. In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites until they start to foam.

   2. Add the cream of tartar and continue to beat until soft peaks form.

   3. Gradually add the granulated sugar while beating until stiff peaks form. Add a few drops of gel food coloring and mix until evenly distributed (optional).

3. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:

   1. Gently fold the sifted almond flour and powdered sugar mixture into the meringue. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should flow like lava and form a ribbon when lifted with a spatula.

4. Pipe the Macarons:

   1. Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.

   2. Pipe small circles (about 1.5 inches in diameter) onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Tap the baking sheet on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles.

5. Rest the Macarons:

   1. Let the piped macarons sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes or until they form a skin on the surface. This helps to create the characteristic “feet” during baking.

6. Bake the Macarons:

   1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

   2. Bake the macarons for 15-18 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through. The macarons are done when they can be easily lifted off the parchment paper.

7. Cool and Fill:

   1. Allow the macarons to cool completely on the baking sheet.

   2. Once cooled, pair the shells by size and fill them with your choice of filling. Sandwich the shells together gently.

8. Mature the Macarons:

   1. For the best texture and flavor, let the filled macarons mature in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving.

For a visual guide, you might find this video tutorial helpful. Happy baking! 🍰

Tips for Success

• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements.

• Room Temperature Egg Whites: This helps to achieve a stable meringue.

• Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing can cause the batter to be too runny, resulting in flat macarons.

• Humidity: High humidity can affect the drying process, so try to make macarons on a dry day.

Storage

Storing leftover macarons properly is essential to maintain their delicate texture and flavor. Here are some tips to help you keep them fresh:

Short-Term Storage (Up to 3 Days)

1. Airtight Container: Place the macarons in a clean, dry, airtight container. This prevents moisture from getting in and making them soggy.

2. Room Temperature: Store the container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. This is suitable if you plan to consume them within a couple of days.

Medium-Term Storage (Up to 1 Week)

1. Refrigeration: If you need to store them for a bit longer, place the airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep them fresh for up to a week.

2. Avoid Temperature Fluctuations: Store the container in the middle of the fridge where the temperature is more consistent, avoiding the door or front areas.

Long-Term Storage (Up to 2 Months)

1. Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze macarons. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer. They can last up to 2 months this way.

2. Defrosting: When you’re ready to eat them, let the macarons defrost at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Additional Tips

• Layering: If you need to stack macarons in the container, place a piece of parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together.

• Unfilled Shells: If you haven’t filled the macarons yet, store the shells separately and fill them just before serving for the best texture.
  

Thanks for reading this tutorial on how to make macarons!