You guys I made macarons that were not a complete failure! After three miserable failures last week, I made a batch that looked pretty, had something that resembled feet, and taste absolutely delicious. I didn’t want to over complicate things on my first try, so I just made basic macarons with some vanilla mixed in and a simple vanilla buttercream. Now that I know these beauties are actually doable, I can’t wait to be a little more daring with the colors, fillings, toppings etc.
what i learned:
1- For me at least, liquid egg whites from a carton do NOT work. I thought I read somewhere that they did, but you won’t get a good meringue and you’ll end up tossing them.
2- Letting your egg whites “age” for 12-24 hours is supposed to release some of the moisture and help make these beauties rise better. For me though, I had a failure even when I aged them, and in this recipe I didn’t age them and they still turned out well. Next time, I may try this same recipe with aged whites to see the difference.
3- When you pipe these onto your parchment lined baking sheet, they will spread- a lot. Make sure you leave a couple inches in between each round of batter so they don’t end up spreading into each other like mine did.
4-Don’t be afraid to fold your dry ingredients into the meringue a bit quickly at first to break it up. After reading the wonderful tutorial on Tartelette and watching a few videos- I finally learned that lesson.
5-Yes a kitchen scale is needed for these. I got a reasonable on one amazon and have used it for many things!
Ingredients
- 110 grams blanched slivered almonds or ground almond flour
- 200 grams confectioners sugar
- 100 grams egg whites (from 3 eggs, separated 24 hours in advance or microwaved for 8 seconds)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla paste or extract
- 1 vanilla bean split lengthwise
- 50 grams granulated sugar
- vanilla buttercream
Instructions
- Pulse the almonds/almond flour and confectioner's sugar several times in your food processor until thoroughly mixed. Place egg whites in a clean bowl and beat using mixers (or whisk) until soft peaks form. Split and scrape the vanilla pod and add the beans and extract to the egg whites. Add the sugar and turn the mixer to high, whisking until you have a glossy meringue with stiff peaks.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the egg whites gently, briskly at first to break up the meringue a bit, until thoroughly mixed. It's important you don't over mix the batter, but it should be well combined and is supposed to "ribbon" off the the spatula when lifted from the bowl.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip and pipe rounds of 1.5 inches along two parchment or silicon-lined baking sheets (leaving space between each.) Let sit one hour at room temperature to develop a shell.
- Heat oven to 300. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Cool completely and remove from the pan.
- To fill, match up like sized cookies and pipe with buttercream or other filling of choice. Helen says they taste even better when stored in the fridge for a couple days and I agree!
Recipe adapted from Confections of a Foodie Bride via Tartelette
How many macarons do you get with this recipe? =)
I’ve been too scared to try macarons, but your post may have inspired me! This recipe looks fairly straightforward – thanks for posting it!
Hi Audra,
I just found your blog and I’m lovin it. Your recipes are lovely and seem easy peasy and your photos are fab. Well done. One of my best finds of the week!
Vanilla is my all time favorite macaron flavor! So simple and delicious.
Gorgeous macarons! I love the pictures… I had the same experience with the meringue batter spreading and touching each other, but yours look perfect! I love that moment when you realize your macarons have feet! Love these! Thanks for sharing your recipe :)
Well fine Audra! I had a few failed attempts in my first try. Yours look great and delicious!!
xx
Katie {EpicureanMom.com}
Oh, congratulations! They’re stunning and I can only imagine how excited you are!
I have yet to try making macarons, but I would love to try making them some day. I personally don’t see a single flaw in your macarons. They look beautiful :)
Well done :D I’ve never made macarons before but I do know they can be tricky ~ these look fantastic!
Wow, after your failed attempts I am impressed at how wonderful these look!
In addition to being so beautiful, these were delicious! Way to go, Audra.
Ooh thanks for catching that- I will correct!
Question: The ingredients say silvered almonds, the instructions say almond flour. Which one did you use? Or is it supposed to be almonds and flour? Thanks!
You can use almond meal for this recipe
Yep! Almond mel is perfect!
They look beautiful! Well done, I’m really impressed. I’ve never baked those little cuties, but I too would like to learn:-)
Do what I suggested Audra – once you pipe them out, dust with confectioner’s sugar and let sit on counter for minimum of 30 minutes before baking – the sugar is hygroscopic – absorbs moisture – and will help produce the crust on top. Yours look great!
Ok, I immediately perked up with the “simple” title, and you didn’t disappoint in the recipe! It really looks very simple. I just might get back on the horse and try again! Thanks for the inspiration, Audra. Have a great weekend.
Can’t wait to give these a try. They are gorgeous, Audra!
I haven’t been brave enough to try these- yours are perfect! Love them!
Marcarons are my favorite!
These turned out beautifully! Love these :)