Description
This Snowflake Macarons recipe features delicate, crispy-on-the-outside and chewy-on-the-inside almond meringue cookies paired with a creamy vanilla buttercream filling.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup almond flour (finely sifted)
- 1¾ cups powdered sugar
- 3 large egg whites (room temperature)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Blue gel food coloring (optional)
- Edible white glitter or luster dust (optional for snowflake effect)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Sift the almond flour and powdered sugar together to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture.
- In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites with cream of tartar until they begin to froth. Gradually add granulated sugar, and continue whipping until stiff, glossy peaks form. Stir in vanilla extract and blue gel food coloring if using, mixing gently just until combined.
- Carefully fold the sifted almond flour and powdered sugar into the whipped egg whites in batches. Use a spatula to fold until the batter flows in a thick ribbon, but do not overmix.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Pipe small, uniform rounds (about 1.5 inches in diameter) onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Tap the sheets on the counter to remove air bubbles.
- Allow the piped batter to rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes or until a skin forms on the surface, which will prevent cracking during baking.
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the macarons for 15-18 minutes until they develop ‘feet’ and are set but not browned. Let them cool completely on the baking sheets before removing.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until smooth. Add vanilla extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt, then beat until fluffy and spreadable.
- Pipe or spread a small amount of buttercream onto the flat side of one macaron shell. Sandwich with another shell and gently press together. Repeat with remaining shells.
- Optionally, dust the assembled macarons with edible white glitter or luster dust to create a sparkling snowflake effect. Chill for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Perfect for winter holidays or special occasions.
- Store macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 macaron
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg