Bring the magic of the universe to your dessert table with this stunning Galaxy Macarons Recipe. These colorful, celestial-themed treats are perfect for a variety of celebrations, from birthdays to space-themed parties.
With a crisp shell, chewy center, and a luscious filling, galaxy macarons are not only visually stunning but also irresistibly delicious.
These macarons pair wonderfully with a variety of treats and drinks. Serve them with a Star Wars cocktail for a colorful drink option, or a peppermint iced tea, or try them alongside Galaxy Donuts for a fun and vibrant snack spread.
These macarons also make fantastic edible favors or as part of a dessert platter for your next Cosmic-Themed Desserts event.
What Are Galaxy Macarons?
Macarons are a classic French pastry made with almond flour, egg whites, and sugar. They’re delicate cookies that are sandwiched together with a sweet filling like buttercream, ganache, or jam.
The beauty of macarons lies in their light, crisp exterior, and chewy, melt-in-your-mouth interior.
Galaxy macarons take this traditional dessert and elevate it with a mesmerizing cosmic-inspired design. With swirls of vibrant colors resembling galaxies and stars, they are a feast for the eyes as much as for the taste buds.
Perfect for space-themed parties or special occasions, these macarons add a touch of whimsy and creativity to any dessert table.
Ingredients to Make Galaxy Macarons
Making macarons requires precision, so it’s best to measure your ingredients with a food scale for consistent results. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Macaron Shells:
Confectioners’ Sugar (4 oz) – Adds sweetness and creates a smooth texture when combined with almond flour.
Almond Flour (2 oz) – Provides the chewy texture and nutty flavor essential for macarons. Bob’s Red Mill is a great option for consistent results.
Granulated Sugar (1 oz) – Stabilizes the meringue while adding sweetness.
Egg Whites (2 oz, about two eggs) – Whipped to create the meringue that gives macarons their structure. Ensure they’re at room temperature for best results.
Salt (1/4 tsp) – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp, optional) – Adds a subtle flavor, or substitute with your favorite extract.
Black Gel Food Color (3 tsp) – The primary color for creating galaxy-inspired shells.
Blue Gel Food Color (1 tsp) – Adds a pop of cosmic color.
Purple or Pink Gel Food Color (1 tsp) – Complements the blue for a galaxy effect.
White Gel Food Color (1/4 tsp) – Used to create the “stars” on the macarons.
Water (1 tbsp) – Mixes with the white food color for star effects.
For the Ganache Filling:
White Chocolate Chips (1/2 cup) – Forms the rich, creamy base of the ganache.
Heavy Whipping Cream (1/4 cup) – Adds smoothness and helps thicken the ganache.
How to Make This Space Party Treat
Creating galaxy macarons requires a bit of patience, but the end result is worth it. Follow these steps to achieve perfect macarons:
- Weigh out all your ingredients accurately.
- Sift the almond flour and confectioners’ sugar into a large bowl and set aside.
- Add the egg whites to the bowl of a stand mixer and whip on medium speed until frothy. Add the salt.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar to the egg whites while whipping on medium speed until the mixture forms soft peaks.
- Fold 1/3 of the dry almond flour mixture into the meringue until no dry spots remain.
- Add the remaining dry mixture and fold gently until the batter reaches the “ribbon stage,” where it flows off the spatula in ribbons and you can make a figure 8 without the batter breaking.
- Divide the batter into three bowls. Add black gel food color to the largest portion, blue gel food color to one smaller portion, and purple/pink gel food color to the other small portion. Fold each portion carefully to incorporate the colors, maintaining the ribbon stage.
- Prepare a piping bag with a round tip. Dribble the blue and purple/pink batters down opposite sides of the bag, then add the black batter carefully, avoiding mixing the colors too much.
- Place a macaron template under a silicone mat on a baking sheet. Hold the piping bag vertically and pipe 1.5 to 2-inch circles. Swirl slightly to highlight the color patterns.
- Bang the baking sheet on the counter 10–20 times to remove air bubbles. Use a toothpick to pop any visible bubbles.
- Mix the white gel food color with water. Flick droplets of the mixture onto the piped shells using a paintbrush to create star effects.
- Let the macarons rest at room temperature for 30–60 minutes until a dry “shell” forms on the surface. The batter should not stick to your finger when touched.
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the shells for 10–15 minutes until the tops are firm and they do not wiggle on their “feet.”
- Allow the macaron shells to cool completely before removing them from the baking sheet.
- To make the ganache, place the white chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth. Let the ganache thicken for 10–15 minutes or chill in the fridge to speed up the process.
- Transfer the ganache to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe a generous amount onto the flat side of half the macaron shells.
- Gently press a second macaron shell onto each filled shell to create a sandwich.
- Place the assembled macarons in an airtight container and refrigerate for 24–48 hours to allow the flavors to mature. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for Making This Recipe
Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel colors are more vibrant and won’t affect the batter’s consistency.
Let the Shells Rest: Don’t skip the resting step—it helps create the classic macaron “feet.”
Don’t Overmix: Fold the batter gently to avoid deflating the meringue.
Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer for accuracy, as macarons are sensitive to temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make macarons without almond flour?
Almond flour is essential for the texture of macarons. However, finely ground sunflower seeds can sometimes be used as a substitute.
How do you dye macarons purple?
If you want truly purple macarons, you will need to purchase some gel food coloring in black and purple. Mix some of the purple and black together and keep adding one or the other of those colors until you achieve your desired shade of purple.
How do I store Galaxy macarons?
Store macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
Why are my macarons cracking?
Cracking can occur if the shells haven’t rested long enough or if the oven temperature is too high. Ensure the tops are dry to the touch before baking.
Can you paint macarons with food coloring?
Painting macarons and other baked goods is so easy! Just gather up your gel food coloring, a food-safe paintbrush, parchment paper, and a bottle of vodka. Put the cookies on parchment paper, so you don’t make a mess, and use the vodka to dilute the gel food coloring. The vodka will evaporate and leave no taste or smell.
Have you given this Galaxy Macarons Recipe a try? These cosmic treats are not only delicious but also make a spectacular addition to any dessert spread.
Whether you’re preparing them for a Space Party Treat Idea or just want to experiment with Cosmic-Themed Desserts, these macarons are sure to impress. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your creative galaxy designs—we’d love to hear how they turned out!
If you’re really loving this recipe, be sure to check out all the other fabulous French Macaron recipes available!
