Macarons are cute, delicate, and delicious confections that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you want to impress your guests or treat yourself, a perfect macaron is always a great choice. However, making macarons can be a little bit tricky. It requires the right technique, ingredients, and patience. In this article, we will uncover the secrets to making perfect macarons.
Let’s start with the ingredients. Macarons require very few ingredients, but they need to be of good quality. You will need almond flour (or ground almonds), powdered sugar, egg whites, granulated sugar, and food coloring (optional). When buying your ingredients, make sure the almond flour is finely ground and that the powdered sugar is not lumpy. Fresh egg whites are always better than old ones. To help achieve the perfect consistency of your egg whites, it’s recommended to separate them from the yolks and leave them in the fridge for 24hrs.
Next, the technique. The macaronage, which is the technique of folding and mixing the batter, is probably the most critical step in making perfect macarons. Start by sifting the almond flour and powdered sugar together. Then, add half of your egg whites and mix until you get a thick paste. The mixture should be smooth with no lumps. Add your optional food coloring during this stage. In a separate bowl, whisk the other half egg whites and slowly add the granulated sugar. Whisk until it forms stiff peaks. Then, add the meringue to your almond mixture in 2-3 parts, folding gently until the mixture becomes smooth and falls off your spatula in a ribbon-like consistency. You want to make sure you achieve a perfect consistency, as it can mean the difference between perfectly formed macarons with feet and flat macarons. Practice makes perfect!
The resting time is equally important. After piping your batter onto the baking sheet, let them rest for at least 30 mins to form a skin, allowing you to achieve the perfect shape and feet formation in the oven. This helps the macaron rise and creates a light, airy texture. Keep in mind that resting time varies depending on humidity; feel free to adjust sitting time as needed.
Baking temperature and time also play a crucial role in making perfect macarons. They should be baked in the middle of the oven, so the heat is distributed evenly. Preheat your oven to 300°F and bake your macarons for 12-15 minutes. Depending on your oven, you may need to adjust the baking time. A perfect macaron should have a perfectly formed “foot” or edge, and the top should not crack or brown.
Finally, let your macarons cool down completely before removing them from the parchment paper. You can fill your macarons with your favorite ganache, buttercream, or jam!
In conclusion, making perfect macarons can be challenging at first, but practice makes perfect. When making macarons, always remember to use high-quality ingredients, perfect your macaronage technique, and ensure you rest at the right time and temperature. Once you have these secrets mastered, you’ll be whipping up the most beautiful and delicious macarons in no time!
