Macaroons

Macaroon Recipe: Sweet Delights to Enjoy at Home

Macaroons are those little pleasures that combine a crispy texture with a sweet and juicy center. They are a perfect dessert for special occasions or simply to treat yourself to a homemade sweet. Here you will discover how to prepare macaroons with simple steps and tips to achieve the perfect balance that makes them irresistible.

Preparation time

So that you can plan your time well when preparing these macaroons, here is a clear and precise guide:

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 20 minutes
• Total: 35 minutes
• Servings: 12 macaroons
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

In this recipe we use simple ingredients that you can easily find to make delicious macaroons. If any of them are difficult to find, we will also give you substitution options at the end.

For the macaroons

• 200 g shredded coconut (natural and unsweetened for better texture)
• 150 g sugar
• 2 egg whites (at room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

For the chocolate topping (optional)

• 100 g dark chocolate for melting

If you don't have fresh shredded coconut, you can use desiccated coconut, but make sure it has no added sugars to maintain the characteristic texture. For the chocolate coating, if you prefer something milder, milk chocolate or even a caramel topping can be good substitutes.

Utensils we will use

• Large bowl or container for mixing
• Spoon or silicone spatula
• Hand or electric whisk for the egg whites
• Baking tray covered with parchment paper
• Knife for leveling chocolate or cutting
• Small pot for a double boiler (if you decide to make chocolate coating)

Preparation

1. Whipping egg whites for the perfect texture

1. Prepare the egg whites: Carefully separate the egg whites from the yolks so that no yolk residue remains, as this will prevent the whites from whipping properly.
2. Whip the egg whites: In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form soft peaks. This will help the macaroons have an airy texture.

2. Incorporate sugar and vanilla for the perfect sweetness

1. Add the sugar little by little: While continuing to beat, gradually add the fine sugar in a steady stream so that it dissolves properly and the egg whites become firm and shiny.
2. Vanilla extract: Add the teaspoon of vanilla to give it a special aroma and a deeper flavor.

3. Integrate shredded coconut with folding movements

1. Mix carefully: Add the shredded coconut in small amounts and mix gently with a spatula using folding movements to prevent the egg whites from deflating too much.
2. Uniform texture: Make sure all ingredients are well incorporated while maintaining aeration.

4. Form the macaroons on the baking sheet

1. Prepare the tray: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 170ºC (340ºF).
2. Form the portions: Use a spoon to place walnut-sized mounds, leaving space between each one so they brown well.

5. Baking to achieve the right point

1. Cooking: Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the macaroons are golden on the edges and firm to the touch.
2. Doneness indicators: When touching the surface, it should feel crispy; the inside will remain soft and juicy.

6. (Optional) Prepare and apply the chocolate topping

1. Melt the chocolate: Place the chocolate in a small pot and melt it in a double boiler, being careful that the water does not touch the container with the chocolate to avoid burning it.
2. Dip the macaroons: Once cool, dip the base or half of each macaroon in the melted chocolate and place them on a tray with parchment paper to cool and harden the chocolate.

To finish and serve

Once the macaroons are baked and the chocolate coating has hardened (if you used it), carefully remove them and place them on a serving platter. You can accompany them with a cup of tea or coffee to accentuate their flavor. Remember to store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness for several days.

I want to share these tips with you

• Clarify the egg separator: Use fresh eggs to ensure the egg whites whip correctly.
• Do not overbeat the egg whites: Beat them until firm but not dry peaks, so that the macaroons remain juicy.
• Measure the coconut well: Too much can make them dry; the measurement must be exact to balance the moisture.
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking: This makes it easier to remove the macaroons and maintain their shape.
• Avoid opening the oven during baking: This can cause them to deflate or dry out.
• For firmer coating chocolate: Choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 150 kcal per macaroon
• Proteins: 3 g
• Fats: 7 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g

These values are approximate estimates per serving and may vary depending on the ingredients and sizes of the macaroons.

5 keys to perfect macaroons

• Separate whites and yolks impeccably: Any trace of yolk makes it difficult for the whites to whip, affecting the texture.
• Room temperature for eggs: This makes it easier for the whites to reach greater volume when whipping.
• Correct use of sugar: Adding sugar slowly ensures a stable meringue and avoids sugar crystals.
• Mix gently: Incorporate the coconut with folding movements to avoid losing the incorporated air.
• Control oven temperature: A very hot oven can burn the edges without cooking the inside.

When is it ideal to enjoy it?

Macaroons are perfect for family celebrations, gatherings with friends, or as an exquisite dessert for coffee afternoons. Thanks to their practical size and sweet flavor, they are ideal in any season, although in summer they are especially enjoyed fresh. They are also a charming detail to give as a gift or to accompany a snack.

Comparative table between macaroons and other similar delights

Macaroons at La Macarona, Sweet Delights and more

Homemade macaroon preparation has become a trend, not only for their delicious taste but also for the possibility of customizing them. Emblematic places like Sweet Delights o La Macarona offer versions with exclusive ingredients and special techniques.

It never hurts to seek inspiration from renowned patisseries like French Flavor o Sweet Barcelona Macarons to perfect your technique, as each place brings its unique touch or secret in preparation and presentation.

By watching step-by-step tutorials, you learn to recognize important signs, such as the consistency of beaten egg whites or the texture the mixture should have before baking.

Care for storing and preserving macaroons

To keep macaroons fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a maximum of 4 days. If you have covered them with chocolate, wait until it is completely hard before storing them. You can also refrigerate them, but make sure they are well protected so they don't absorb odors or moisture that could affect their crispy texture.

Tips for customizing your macaroons

• Add lemon or orange zest: It gives them a fresh aroma and a citrus touch that balances the sweetness.
• Incorporate nuts finely chopped: Chopped almonds or pistachios add texture and flavor.
• Use cocoa powder to prepare a version of macaroons with intense chocolate.
• Prepare fillings: You can fill the macaroons with chocolate cream, jam, or dulce de leche to make them more special.

Experiment and share your creation

Cooking is for experimenting and sharing. Leave your comments on how the recipe turned out for you, if you used any variations or tricks you discovered! The pleasure of enjoying a good macaroon increases when it becomes an experience for everyone.

Culinary glossary

• Whip egg whites: Beat the egg whites until they form firm and airy peaks.
• Parchment paper: Thin paper used to prevent food from sticking to the mold or baking tray.
• Water bath: Technique for gently melting ingredients by placing one container over another with hot water.
• Meringue: Mixture of beaten egg whites and sugar used in pastry to achieve a light texture.
• Folding motion: Technique of gently mixing with a spatula from bottom to top to incorporate ingredients without losing air.

Macaroons

Macaroons: step-by-step recipe baked to perfection with perfect texture. Ideal for sharing. Serve immediately and adjust spiciness and salt to your taste.

Type: Recipe

Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: macaroons, Italian, desserts, recipe, easy, homemade

Recipe Yield: 20 servings

Calories: 180 kcal

Preparation Time: PT30M

Cooking Time: PT20M

Total Time: PT50M

Recipe Ingredients:

• 200 grams of finely ground almonds
• 200 grams of powdered sugar
• 100 grams of egg whites (approximately 3 eggs)
• 50 grams of white sugar
• A pinch of salt

Recipe Instructions:

Preparation: :

Preparation: 30 minutes

Drying: :

Drying: 20-30 minutes

Cooking: :

Cooking: 15-20 minutes

Total: :

Total: approximately 1 hour

Servings: :

Servings: 20-25 units

Difficulty: :

Difficulty: Medium

Prepare the almond and sugar mixture: :

Prepare the almond and sugar mixture: Sift together the ground almonds and powdered sugar into a large bowl and set aside. This ensures the mixture is fine and homogeneous, preventing lumps in the final batter and achieving that smooth surface characteristic of macarons.

Whip the egg whites to stiff peaks: :

Whip the egg whites to stiff peaks: In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they start to foam. Gradually add the 50 grams of sugar and continue beating until you get a firm and shiny meringue, similar to stiff peaks.

Incorporate the almond mixture: :

Incorporate the almond mixture: Gradually add the sifted mixture to the whipped egg whites, using a spatula and making folding movements to preserve the incorporated air. It is important to do this with patience and care to prevent the egg whites from deflating.

Form the macarons: :

Form the macarons: Transfer the batter to a piping bag with a plain nozzle and form small circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Leave space between each one. Gently tap the tray on the table to remove bubbles and smooth the surface.

Drying and baking: :

Drying and baking: Let the macarons rest at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes to form a slight dry layer on the surface. Then, bake at 150°C for 15-20 minutes. It is crucial not to open the oven during the first few minutes to prevent them from deforming.

Cooling and filling::

Cooling and Filling: Wait a few minutes after taking the macarons out of the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Fill with ganache, buttercream, or jam just before serving.

Editor's Rating:
4.5