Macaron (French Macaroon) Almond and the Hazelnut from almondandthehazelnut.com
Introduction
French Macaroons are a popular dessert that originated in France. They are small, round cookies that are made with almond flour, egg whites, and sugar. Macaroons come in a variety of flavors and colors, making them a fun and versatile treat to make. In this article, we will be sharing our recipe for French Macaroons.
Ingredients
For the Macaroons:
1 1/2 cups almond flour
1 cup powdered sugar
3 large egg whites
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Food coloring (optional)
For the Filling:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
1. Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, sift the almond flour and powdered sugar together. This will help to remove any lumps and ensure that your macaroons are smooth. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until they become frothy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue to whisk until stiff peaks form. 4. If you want to add food coloring to your macaroons, now is the time to do it. Add a few drops of food coloring to the meringue and gently fold it in with a spatula. 5. Slowly add the almond flour mixture to the meringue, folding it in gently with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can cause your macaroons to become flat. 6. Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe small circles onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving a small space between each one. 7. Once you have piped all of your macaroons, tap the baking sheet on a flat surface a few times to release any air bubbles. 8. Let the macaroons sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes, or until a thin skin forms on the surface. This will help them to keep their shape while baking. 9. Bake the macaroons in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are firm to the touch. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. 10. While your macaroons are cooling, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, beat the butter until it is light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth. 11. Add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream to the filling to thin it out slightly. 12. Once your macaroons have cooled completely, match them up by size and shape. 13. Transfer the filling to a piping bag fitted with a round tip, and pipe a small amount onto the flat side of one macaroon. 14. Gently press a second macaroon on top to create a sandwich. 15. Repeat this process with the remaining macaroons and filling. 16. Once your macaroons are filled, refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
These French Macaroons are a decadent treat that should be enjoyed in moderation. One macaroon (with filling) contains approximately 100-120 calories, depending on the size and type of filling used. They are also high in sugar and fat, so it is important to keep this in mind when enjoying them. In conclusion, French Macaroons are a fun and delicious dessert that can be enjoyed on special occasions or as a special treat. With this recipe, you can create your own colorful and flavorful macaroons at home. Enjoy!