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You’ll find the Best Macaron Recipes for Beginners right here. Keep reading, and I’ll introduce you to the easiest and best recipes for macarons that you will find anywhere.

Hello, fellow macaron lovers. Thanks for stopping by. I get a lot of questions about my macaron recipes. To address all of them, I decided to put together this guide to provide you with everything you need to know. 

Let’s get started. 

Table of Contents

• D’ Original Macaron Recipe
  • Raspberry Macarons
  • Chocolate Espresso Macarons
  • Milk and Honey Macarons
  • Blackberry Macarons
  • Galaxy Macarons
  • Butterbeer Macarons
  • Simple Pistachio Macarons
  • Fruity Pebbles Macarons
  • Andes Mint Macarons
  • S’Mores Macarons
  • Cookie Dough Macarons
  • Reeces Macarons
  • Bailey’s Macarons
  • Turtle French Macarons
  • Mummy Macarons
  • Santa Macarons
  • Snowman Macarons
  • Snowflake Macarons
  • Heart-Shaped Macarons
  • Easy Unicorn Macarons
  • Cookie Butter Macarons
  • Hot Cocoa Macarons
  • Panda Macarons
• Frequently Asked Questions
• 10 Best Vegan Macaron Recipes made from Aquafaba

My Very Best French Macaron Recipes for Beginners

D’ Original Macaron Recipe

Although this isn’t the recipe, I’ll give you the skinny on what you’ll need to make the best macarons for beginners. If you’d like to jump straight to the recipe, just scroll on down to the end of this post.

For the Macaron Cookies, You will Need:

• Confectioners Sugar (also known as powdered sugar)
• Almond Flour
• Granulated Sugar
• Salt
• Egg Whites
• Vanilla Extract

For the Filling, You will Need:

• Unsalted Butter
• Confectioners Sugar

Here’s how to Put It All Together

For the Macaron Shells (or Cookies) 

1. First, weigh out all of your ingredients and let them come to room temperature.
2. Sift together the almond flour and powdered sugar in a separate bowl and set aside.
3. Put the egg whites in a separate mixing bowl, add beat on medium speed until they get frothy. Add salt.
4. Gradually add the granulated sugar to the egg whites and mix on a medium speed until you get a soft peak.
5. Add about 1/3 of the dry mixture to the egg whites and fold in until there are no dry spots left.
6. Add in the remaining dry mixture and fold in until there are no dry spots. Begin to check for the “ribbon” stage, where the batter falls off in ribbons and you can make a figure 8 without it breaking off.
7. Prepare your piping bag with a medium round tip. Slowly add in your batter.
8. Place a template and a silicone mat on a baking sheet.
9. Hold your piping bag completely vertical when piping and lift straight up, filling the template markings.
10. After you have piped all the batter, bang the baking sheet on the counter 10-20 times (seriously) to remove all air bubbles. Use a toothpick or something sharp to pop the ones that are on the surface.
11. Leave them sitting on the counter for 30-60 minutes until you can touch them and you can feel a “shell” form over them. No batter should come off on your finger.
12. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F. and bake your macarons for 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned. When you touch the top of the macaron it should not wiggle around on the “feet”.
13. Allow them to cool COMPLETELY before taking them off the baking sheet.

Let’s Make the Buttercream Filling 

1. Beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Add in the confectioner’s sugar and mix until combined.
2. Place in a piping bag with a star tip and set aside

How to Assemble the Macarons

1. Pipe the buttercream on half of the macaron shells.
2. Sandwich them with the remaining macaron shells.
3. Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours to allow them to “mature”. Be sure to allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
4. Enjoy!

Now that we have covered the basics, it’s time to experiment with other flavors. 

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Raspberry Macarons Recipe  

I bring you the very first macaron recipe I shared on my blog.  Not only did it ignite my obsession with macarons, but it also gave me an opportunity to get creative. Besides, how can you resist chocolate and raspberries on a French macaron? If you figure it out, let me know, because I can’t resist!

Chocolate Espresso Macarons Recipe

If a fruity macaron isn’t your thing, how about something decadent? This macaron recipe combines two of my favorite things in this world – coffee and chocolate. 

Be sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder. 

Milk and Honey Macarons Recipe

Ah, this macaron recipe reminded me so much of my childhood–simple and fun. 

For the filling, I switched it up with white chocolate ganache and honey instead of the usual buttercream frosting. 

Blackberry Macarons Recipe

I know that my Raspberry Macarons are a hit. But I also love more fruity-flavored macarons. One day, I opened the fridge and thought, “Hmm, how about blackberries?” Truly, this recipe did not disappoint.   

Galaxy Macarons Recipe

Mesmerized by the starry, starry night? What if I tell you that you can have the whole galaxy right in the palm of your hand? Plus, it’s edible, too. My galaxy macarons are not just crowd-pleasers, they taste really great, too.

Butterbeer Macarons Recipe

Attention Harry Potter fans, ready to put a spell on your macarons? If the books and movies got you hooked on witchcraft and wizardry, knock yourself out with a glass of my butterbeer soda enjoyed with butterbeer macarons. Believe me, you need this RIGHT NOW.

Simple Pistachio Macarons Recipe

Who would’ve thought that macarons can get any nuttier? Seriously, you should give these pistachio macarons a try. 

Fruity Pebbles Macarons Recipe

Can a dessert as elegant as a macaron fulfill a childhood fantasy? Abso-freakin’-lutely. I know it’s silly, but I’ve always wanted Fruity Pebbles on EVERYTHING. This recipe is definitely a dream come true for me. 

Instead of mixing the Fruity Pebbles into your batter, sprinkle them on top after pipping. This way, the Fruity Pebbles won’t come out as soggy after baking.

Andes Mint Macarons Recipe

Minty and chocolatey. This is not everyone’s cup of tea. But I suggest that you DON’T skip it. The pictures don’t really do justice to how good these macarons are. If you’re a little adventurous with your macarons, this recipe will knock your socks off. 

S’Mores Macarons Recipe

Do you like s’mores but hate the smoke? Me, too. That’s why I made this recipe. It’s got everything I love about s’mores, without the sting. 

Don’t forget to sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top of your macaron cookies before baking.

Cookie Dough Macarons Recipe

The secret is in the frosting. The recipe calls for ¼ cup mini chocolate chips. The more the merrier.  

Reeces Macarons Recipe

Ah, chocolate and peanut butter, simple pleasures in life, right? Well, let’s make it fancy. Don’t be intimidated though. I kid you not, this is one of the easiest macaron recipes I made. If you want added texture to your buttercream filling, add crushed peanuts or use crunchy peanut butter instead. 

Bailey’s Macarons Recipe

Liqueur in macarons? I’ll take it. You see, my obsession with macarons has allowed me to explore different flavors. But adding liqueur like Bailey’s honestly made me a little skeptical. Thankfully, it turned out well.

Looking for an excellent addition to your “secret stash” (wink)? You’ve got to try this recipe. 

Turtle French Macarons Recipe

What makes this macaron recipe special is the filling. The chocolate ganache is fabulous already. But the caramel sauce with pecans is a match made in heaven.

Mummy Macarons Recipe

They’re cute, they’re delicious, and they’re scary. Now that’s my kind of Halloween treat.

Santa Macarons Recipe

The spirit of giving comes alive during the holidays. With this recipe, every day is Christmas Day. 

Love the Santa belt details. Ah, adorable. 

Snowman Macarons Recipe 

Do you want to build a snowman? This one melts in your mouth. Aaand, I’m sure your kids would love to do some decorating with you. 

Snowflake Macarons Recipe

Last but definitely not the least of my Christmas-y macaron recipes is this one. This is almost similar to my Fruity Pebbles macaron recipe, But, instead of incorporating it into the filling, the cereal is a pleasant surprise in the middle. Moreover, the snowflake decoration has coconut milk in it. That’s an extra oomph, perfect for the holidays. 

Heart-Shaped Macarons Recipe

Even if the holiday season is over, that doesn’t mean we’re not allowed to get creative on our macarons anymore. Move over, Santa. Prepare to swoon over these heart-shaped macarons. 

Easy Unicorn Macarons Recipe

Unicorns and macarons? Can you think of anything more magical than these? I can’t. They look so cute I don’t want to eat them. But seriously, the fun part is decorating. It sure looks complicated. But believe me, simply follow the directions and you can make these little ones in no time.  

Cookie Butter Macarons Recipe

These macarons are white as the sky but don’t be fooled. Seriously, they look plain but believe me, there’s more to it. Instead of the usual buttercream or chocolate ganache filling, we’re using cookie butter and cream cheese. Clever, huh?

Hot Cocoa Macarons Recipe with Caramel Bits

This macaron recipe is best paired with warm milk. 

If you don’t have caramel bits, you can use caramel sauce. The caramel sauce has a thin consistency though. Therefore, it’s best if you pipe the buttercream filing around the macaron and leave space at the center for the caramel sauce instead. 

Panda Macarons Recipe

Ah, the latest addition to my macaron recipes. I didn’t realize macarons can get any cuter until I stumbled upon this recipe. They’re playful and delicious. I mean, what’s not to love? 

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Frequently Asked Questions About French Macarons

What exactly are macarons?

If you love baking and you’re thinking about selling homemade desserts to make extra money this year, try macarons. 

Macaron or French macaroon is known to be introduced by an Italian chef of queen Catherine de Medici during the Renaissance period. This meringue-based dessert is made up of almond flour, egg whites, icing sugar, and other ingredients which gives a smooth domed top and flat base to the “cookie”. Macarons are usually served with ganache or buttercream filling. 

If selling homemade macarons is something that you’re looking forward to this year, you can check out my blog post on 12 hacks for perfect macarons to help you get started. 

So if you’re trying to impress your neighbors with your baking skills, and you want to go over the top to start the year on a positive note, go for something fancy like homemade macarons. 

Macarons vs Macaroons: What’s the difference?

Both are perfectly delicious desserts. The difference is in the ingredients. French macarons are made up of almond flour and egg whites, whereas macaroons are made up of desiccated coconut.

Why are macarons so expensive?

Unlike common desserts like cake and ice cream, macarons are expensive for two main reasons. One is the costly ingredients like almond flour and couverture chocolate, and two, the level of expertise required to perfect this specialized treat. 

In fact, even professional chefs need exclusive training just to master the art of making macarons. (All YOU have to do is follow this recipe!) Moreover, there is always the possibility of having failed batches regardless of intense training and experience. 

Therefore, it’s important that each and every macaron receives the same amount of attention, time, and effort. Yeah, that’s a whole lot of love right there. 

What is the most expensive macaron?

In case you’re wondering, the world’s most expensive macaron is called The Crystal Macaron. 

The Crystal Macaron is a collaboration between St. Regis Bal Harbor Resort and French jeweler Lalique. This one-of-a-kind dessert is made with white tea sugar crystals and edible gold leaf for decoration and served in a crystal box. The Crystal Macaron is priced at a whopping $9703, which includes an overnight stay at the hotel, a complimentary butler, and a cocktail of your choice (choose from any of their signature flavors; Muses, Eternal, or Sensory Awareness).

Are macarons really that hard to make?

In all honesty, YES. But, this shouldn’t stop you from having a love affair with our precious macarons. Besides, a macaron expert was once a beginner.  Believe me, if I can do it, you can, too.  

Why are my macarons so chewy?

The perfect macaron has a soft and chewy interior. But if it’s too chewy, that means your macarons are overcooked. Therefore, you need to follow my recipes very carefully. For example,  my Smores Macaron recipe requires you to preheat your oven to 300°F and cook for 10 to 15 minutes. No ifs and buts. Otherwise, your macaron cookies will be overcooked, hence the chewy texture.  

Why do macarons crack on top?

Macarons crack on top for two common reasons. 

One, macarons crack when they aren’t rested enough. Before putting them inside the oven, macarons need to be rested to remove moisture from the batter. Otherwise, the moisture will cause them to crack. Meanwhile, there are instances where macarons absorb the moisture which makes matters worse. To prevent this from happening, take a closer look. If you see that your macaron is dull in color and the surface doesn’t stick to your finger anymore, that means your macaron is ready for the oven.

Two, macarons crack when the oven temperature is too high. If you check my Bailey’s macaron cookies recipe, you will see that the oven should be preheated at 300°F. For this, you need a reliable oven thermometer. If yours is not functioning well anymore, here’s a link to an oven thermometer that I highly recommend ThermoPro Digital Thermometer. 

What are the feet on a macaron?

French macarons are among the fanciest baked treats out there. It is characterized by having a smooth domed top with a flat base otherwise known as “feet”.

In terms of texture, macarons are slightly chewy, not hard and crispy. 

Why do Macarons not have Feet?

The perfect macaron is characterized to have a smooth domed top and “feet”. Besides, no one wants a flat macaron. The extra dimension provided by the macaron feet compliments the smooth texture of its shell. Thus, the macaron feet provide added contrast to this delectable dessert. 

In order to have macaron feet, your macarons need to rise.

How do You get Perfect Feet on Macarons?

1. Do not undermix. If your macarons don’t spread out, your batter is undermixed. 
2. Do not overmix. Your batter must have the consistency of molten lava. 
3. Use aged egg whites. Keep your egg whites in the fridge for at least 24 hours before baking. Doing so will help relax the proteins in your egg whites and create strong stiff peaks. 
4. Keep an eye on your oven temperature. If your macaron is spreading sideways, that means the oven is too hot. You may open the oven door a few times to avoid the temperature from getting too high. Having your oven at low temperatures won’t make your macarons have feet either. Keep an eye on them while they’re in the oven.  Using the digital thermometer will help to maintain a consistence temperature in your oven.
5. Rest your batter for 20-40 minutes. The batter shouldn’t stick to your finger. That’s how you know it’s ready for the oven. Also, consider the weather. The resting period is a lot longer if it’s humid or rainy. 
6. Your macarons are underbaked. Follow the recipe very carefully. For example, if you try my cookie butter macarons recipe, you need to bake them for 10-15 minutes. Otherwise, your macarons will be flat and won’t rise. 

Why won’t my macarons rise?

The main culprit is low oven temperature. If the oven temperature is too low, chances are, your macarons won’t rise and have feet.  

Another reason that your macarons won’t rise is that your batter is overmixed. An overmixed batter is too runny. If you struggle to achieve the right consistency of your macaron batter, try to count the number of times you fold your dry and wet ingredients together. Mine is about 50 to 60 times. I do this all the time and it worked for me. 

Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour? 

Yes, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Using regular flour for our precious macarons wouldn’t give the same result as the one with almond flour. In fact, I found this recipe that uses regular all-purpose flour. Notice how the macaron feet are bursting on the side. Plus, the macaron cookies must have a dome-shaped shell. This one is flat. In terms of the flavor, I believe there’s not much to expect. Macarons made up of almond flour have a sweet and nutty flavor. This means, using regular all-purpose flour is just, well “regular.” 

What can I substitute for almond flour in macarons?

Luckily, I found some amazing, and not to mention healthy alternatives. These are:

1. Pumpkin seeds – Clever huh? I didn’t know this until I found this recipe. All you have to do is put your pumpkin seeds in the food processor until it resembles the texture of almond flour and you’re all set.
2. Sunflower seeds – Did you know that sunflower seeds are rich in protein, fiber, Vitamin E, and minerals that support good health? Same with the pumpkin seeds, you need a food processor to turn your seeds into flour. Of course, you’re gonna beg for a recipe using this so here it is.
3. Oat flour – I bet you don’t know this, but oat flour for macarons? Hell, yeah. My Apple Pie Overnight Oatmeal recipe is good on its own. But knowing that there are other ways to use oats, this time, with our beloved macarons blew my mind. Same as the others, all you have to do is use a heavy mixer or food processor until finely ground. 

What Equipment do I need to make Macarons?

First things first. You need a sturdy and reliable mixer. Of course, you can’t go wrong with a KitchenAid stand mixer. A hand mixer will work, too. Remember, you’re going to beat your egg whites until soft peaks form. Whipping egg whites by hand can be done, using a whisk, but it is very time consuming. Moreover, the rule of thumb in making the perfect macaron is to avoid overmixing. Therefore, having the right equipment to do the job is vital in this process. 

Other stuff you need are:

• A digital scale to weigh your ingredients
• A non-stick silicone mat
• A piping bag. If you don’t have one, a ziplock bag works just fine
• Parchment paper
• Rubber spatula
• Large mixing bowl
• A template to create uniform size cookies
• Oven thermometer (optional)

How do You Add Flavor to Macarons? 

French macarons already have a distinct flavor on their own. Almond flour accentuates the flavor of your French macarons, giving it a nutty taste. As a beginner, my advice is to start with the basic recipe. Here is another basic French macaron recipe to help you get started. 

But, if you’d like to add more flavor, there are two ways to add flavor to your French macarons:

1. Add flavoring to the macaron cookies
2. Add flavoring or other food items to the macaron filling 

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for simple hacks to make fool-proof macarons, I gotcha 

What can I use to Add Flavor to Macarons? 

Unsweetened cocoa powder – If you try my bailey’s macaron cookies or Reece’s macarons recipe, I used Hershey’s cocoa powder. I think it’s the best. 

Mint extract – I know not everyone loves mint in their desserts. But I do. In fact, I used it in my Andes Mint macarons recipe. Sooo good. 

Chopped pistachios – Sprinkle these onto your macaron shells right after you pipe them onto the baking sheet. This way, the pistachios will stick to the macaroon cookies before their skins dry.

Sea salt –  This may sound weird to others, but salt is known to enhance the flavors of almost any food. Yup, and that includes French macarons. The same thing as the chopped pistachios, you can sprinkle this on your macarons before the skins dry.

Dried zest – Some of the most common types of dried zest you can use are lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit. You can microwave your zest to remove excess water, or you can leave them uncovered overnight. 

Cereal – You know I love cereals. In fact, I have a Fruity Pebbles macaron recipe here in my blog. Cereals are good on their own. But using it to enhance the flavor of your French macarons is next level. 

Can You use Flavored Oils in Macarons?

Yes. Flavored oils are concentrated. Therefore, a little goes a long way. Add ½ – 1 teaspoon of the flavored oil before adding the dry ingredients to your egg white mixture. 

Try my Blackberry Macaron Recipe. Instead of using blackberries, you can add fresh raspberries to the filling, and use a flavored raspberry oil. 

Please note that flavored oils have a short shelf life. Therefore, you need to refrigerate it after opening. And don’t stock up on flavored oils unless you will use them within the next 2-3 months. 

Can You add Extract to Macarons?

Yes. Aside from flavored oils and emulsions, extracts are excellent for adding flavor to macarons. Vanilla extract is a popular choice. In fact, I used it generously in my hot cocoa macarons recipe. But, you can also try other flavors like lemon, mango, and coconut. 

What is the Best Temperature to Bake Macarons? 

My Panda Macarons recipe, for example, needs to have the oven pre-heated to 300°F and to be baked 10 to 15 minutes. My other macaron recipes require that temperature, too. This is crucial, so make sure you have a reliable oven thermometer. 

What Happens if You Over-Bake Macarons?

If you overbake your macarons, they become crispy and hard. Your macaron shells may turn dark due to hot spots in the oven. 

How do You Know When Macarons are Done Baking? 

You would know if your macarons are done baking as soon as they’re firm and not wiggly. 

To check, take them out of the oven first. Then, gently touch the macaron cookies. Your macarons should stay in place, and the feet are no longer sticky. If they are, that means they need more time. 

Can I Put Undercooked Macarons Back in the Oven?

Yes. Put them back in the oven for 1-2 minutes or as needed. Keep an eye on them. Otherwise, your macarons may become overcooked and turn out brown and super crispy.  

How Long can Macarons Last?

If stored in an airtight container, macarons will last up to 7 days in the refrigerator. Or you can freeze the macarons and they should last up to 4 to 5 months. Then just take them out and let them come to room temperature.

Seriously though, my macaron recipes are sooo good, I’m sure it won’t last that long in your fridge. 

Can Vegans Eat Macarons?

Yes. To make vegan macarons, all you have to do is substitute egg whites with aquafaba. Your macarons may not look exactly like those prepared with egg whites. But hey, that doesn’t mean our vegan friends can’t enjoy this dessert. 

Is There a Substitute for Almond Flour in Macarons?  

Let’s talk about ingredients, and I will introduce you to our star ingredient–almond flour. If you’re wondering what makes macarons very special, it’s because of this ingredient. Not only does it make your macarons low carb, but it also adds a nutty flavor to them. However, if almond flour is not available in your area, I have a list of almond flour substitutes mentioned earlier that will work. But, as much as possible, avoid regular flour. Otherwise, your macarons will be dense, and less airy. 

What is Aquafaba?

Aquafaba is the liquid leftover from cooked chickpeas. Using aquafaba to make macarons is so easy. Just whip the aquafaba using a hand or stand mixer for 3-6 minutes until soft peaks form. Then, add cream of tartar to stabilize your meringue. 

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10 Best vegan macaron recipes made from aquafaba

1. Vegan vanilla macarons with sprinkles – This basic macaron recipe is made festive because of the sprinkles and food coloring.

2. Raspberry vegan macaron recipe – This eggless macaron recipe is filled with a delectable raspberry jam infused with lemon verbena.

3. Raspberry rose vegan macaron – Did you know that you can use extracts to add flavor to your macarons? This recipe calls for adding a few drops of organic rose extract to the macaron cookies. 

4. Blueberry cardamom vegan macarons – Blueberries are great on any dessert. But this vegan macaron recipe took it to another level, thanks to cardamom. 

5. Vegan aquafaba blueberry cheesecake macarons – Vegan macarons and cheesecake. Two of your favorite desserts in one bite. Who can say no to that? 

6. Sugar-free vegan macarons – This vegan macaron recipe is egg-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free. 

7. Eggless apple chai-der french macarons – This vegan macaron recipe is made special because of the filling. Instead of the typical buttercream filling, apple sauce, chai tea, and spices are added to give it a festive feel. 

8. Lemon blueberry vegan macarons – Here’s a lemon-flavored vegan macaron recipe filled with lemon frosting and blueberry jam. 

9. Matcha macarons – Matcha flavored vegan macarons? What’s not to love? 

10. Chocolate orange macarons – Last but not least, is the chocolate and orange-flavored vegan macaron recipe. Don’t forget to freeze the filling to firm up before transferring to a piping bag. 

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Thanks for Visiting NerdyMamma! 

I hope you enjoyed this guide. Let me know in the comments if I missed anything. 

Be sure to pin this, because I’ll update this post for new macaron recipes and easy troubleshooting tips. 

Thank you for sharing!