French Buttercream Macarons: A Delicate and Delicious Treat
Macarons are a delicate and elegant dessert that can be a bit intimidating to make.
But, with the right recipe and a little patience, anyone can create these delicious French Buttercream Macarons.
These macarons have a crispy and chewy exterior with a creamy and flavorful buttercream filling.
They are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results.
The macarons have a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, chewy center, while the filling is creamy and rich.
With the addition of raspberries and coconut, the filling is bursting with flavor.
Recipe Variations and Tips:
While the French Buttercream Macaron recipe is already delightful as it is, sometimes you may find yourself lacking in a particular ingredient or wanting to switch things up.
Fear not, as there are some substitutions you can make without sacrificing too much flavor or texture. Here are some easy substitutions you can try for this recipe.
- Instead of raspberries, you can use other berries such as strawberries, blackberries, or blueberries. You can also use other fruit purees such as mango or passionfruit.
- If you don’t have coconut flour, you can replace it with almond flour. Just make sure to adjust the measurements accordingly.
- For a dairy-free version, you can use vegan butter instead of regular butter and replace the milk in the filling with a non-dairy alternative like almond or coconut milk.
- Instead of using food coloring, you can try using natural colorings like beet juice or turmeric powder. Just be careful not to add too much as it can affect the flavor.
- For a nut-free option, you can replace the almond flour with an equal amount of all-purpose flour.
- To make the macarons gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of gluten-free flour.
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best results.
- Make sure to measure the ingredients precisely using a kitchen scale.
- When piping the macaron batter, hold the piping bag perpendicular to the baking sheet and pipe each macaron in one swift motion.
- Don’t overbeat the egg whites, as this can cause the macarons to crack or collapse while baking.
- Let the macarons rest at room temperature before baking to allow a skin to form on the surface, which helps create the characteristic “foot” of the macaron.
- Use a silicone mat or parchment paper to line the baking sheets to prevent the macarons from sticking.
These substitutions can help make the recipe more accessible for those with certain dietary restrictions or if you simply want to switch things up.
Food and Drink Pairings:
Pairing food and drinks is a fine art that can elevate your dining experience. French Buttercream Macarons are a delicate and sweet dessert that pairs well with a variety of beverages.
Whether you prefer a hot cup of tea or a bubbly glass of champagne, here are some suggestions for food and drink pairings that will complement the flavors of the macarons.
- Tea: A warm cup of tea is a classic pairing for macarons. Try a floral tea such as lavender or rose to enhance the delicate flavors of the macarons.
- Coffee: For those who prefer a stronger flavor, a cup of coffee pairs well with French Buttercream Macarons. A medium roast with a hint of caramel or chocolate notes would complement the sweetness of the macarons.
- Champagne: If you want to celebrate a special occasion, pair the macarons with a glass of champagne. The effervescence of the bubbles will help cleanse your palate between bites.
- White Wine: A crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with the raspberry flavors in the macarons.
- Sparkling Water: If you want to keep it simple, a glass of sparkling water can also be a refreshing pairing for the sweet macarons.
These food and drink pairings can help you fully appreciate the flavors of the French Buttercream Macarons and elevate your dining experience.
Kitchen Equipment Needed For French Buttercream Macarons:
To make these French Buttercream Macarons, you will need the following equipment:
- A kitchen scale
- Parchment paper or silicone mats
- Fine-mesh sieve
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Piping bag and tip
- Baking sheets
- Cooling rack
French Buttercream Macarons
Cuisine: Dessert, FrenchDifficulty: Difficult10
servings45
minutes40
minutes400
kcalIngredients
- Buttercream Filling
2 cups 2 confectioners’ sugar
6 oz 6 Raspberries
1 tsp 1 vanilla extract
1/2 tsp 1/2 coconut extract (optional)
2 tbs 2 coconut milk
2 sticks 2 salted butter, softened
1 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped out
- Macarons
1 3/4 cup 1 3/4 confectioners’ sugar
1 1/4 cup 1 1/4 almond flour
1/4 cup 1/4 coconut flour
2/3 cup 2/3 egg whites
3 tbsp 3 granulated sugar
1-3 drops 1-3 red or pink food coloring (optional)
Directions
- For the Macarons
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F using the convection setting. Line 3 baking sheets with silicone mats or parchment paper.
- Measure the confectioners’ sugar and almond flour by spooning them into measuring cups and leveling with a knife. Transfer to a bowl; whisk to combine.
- Sift the sugar-almond flour mixture, a little at a time, through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing with a rubber spatula to pass through as much as possible. It will take a while, and up to 2 tablespoons of coarse almond flour may be left; just toss it.
- Beat the egg whites, cream of tartar and salt with a mixer on medium speed until frothy. Increase the speed to medium-high; gradually add the superfine sugar and beat until stiff and shiny, about 5 more minutes.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the egg white mixture, a little at a time, until the batter is smooth and shiny. If desired, add food coloring and mix until fully combined.
- Fill a piping bag fitted with a round tip with the macaron batter. Pipe 1 1/2-inch circles onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 1 inch apart.
- Tap the baking sheet firmly against the counter a few times to release any air bubbles. Let the macarons rest at room temperature for 30 minutes until a skin forms on the surface.
- Bake the first batch until the cookies are shiny and rise 1/8 inch to form a “foot,” about 20 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely. Repeat, using a double sheet for each batch. Peel the cookies off the mats and sandwich them with a thin layer of filling.
- For the Filling:
- Puree raspberries in a food processor or blender until smooth. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing with a rubber spatula to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the seeds and set aside the puree.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, coconut extract, and vanilla bean seeds with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Add the raspberry puree and coconut milk to the butter mixture and beat until fully combined and smooth.
- Transfer the buttercream filling to a piping bag and set aside until ready to use.
- Assembling the French Buttercream Macarons:
- Match the macarons by size and place them on a flat surface.
- Use a clean piping bag to pipe the filling on top of the bottom cookie. Now place another cookie on top.
- Repeat with the remaining cookies and filling.
- For best results, refrigerate the assembled macarons for at least 30 minutes before serving.
add the Notes
- How to Store French Buttercream Macarons: French Buttercream Macarons can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. If frozen, let the macarons thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these macarons ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the macarons and the buttercream filling ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the macarons just before serving.
How do I know if the macarons are done baking?
The macarons should have a shiny surface and rise about 1/8 inch to form a u0022foot.u0022 The bottoms should be slightly crisp and the centers should be soft and chewy.
Can I freeze the assembled macarons?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled macarons in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Let them thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter instead of salted butter. Just add a pinch of salt to the buttercream filling for flavor.
French Buttercream Macarons are a delicious and sophisticated treat that is sure to impress your guests. With a little practice, anyone can make these delicate cookies with a crispy exterior and a creamy filling.
Experiment with different flavors and variations to create your own unique macarons. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family and subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes.
