Lemon Macarons

Lemon Macarons are elegant, delicate sandwich cookies made with almond flour-based meringue shells and a tangy lemon buttercream or curd filling. Known for their crisp exterior and chewy interior, these vibrant yellow treats offer a refreshing citrus punch, making them perfect for springtime gatherings, tea parties, or as a refined gift.

ingredients

this Recipe

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

almond flour
confectioners’ sugar
egg whites (room temperature)
granulated sugar
cream of tartar
yellow gel food coloring
unsalted butter
lemon zest
lemon juice
vanilla extract
powdered sugar (for the filling)

directions

Prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Set aside.

Sift together almond flour and confectioners’ sugar into a large bowl to remove lumps.

In a separate bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.

Add a small amount of yellow gel food coloring and mix until evenly distributed.

Fold the dry ingredients into the meringue gently until the mixture flows like lava and forms ribbons when lifted.

Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip and pipe small, even rounds onto the prepared baking sheets.

Tap the baking sheets firmly on the counter to release air bubbles. Let the piped macarons rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, or until a skin forms on top.

Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake the macarons for 15-18 minutes, rotating halfway through.

Allow to cool completely on the tray before removing.

For the filling, beat softened butter with powdered sugar, lemon juice, zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.

Pair up macaron shells of similar size and pipe the lemon filling onto one half. Sandwich with the other shell.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 filled macarons.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Resting time: 30-60 minutes
Baking time: 15-18 minutes
Cooling and assembling time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Add a dollop of lemon curd in the center of the buttercream for a richer citrus burst.
Infuse the shells with a hint of vanilla or almond extract.
Use a white chocolate lemon ganache instead of buttercream.
Sprinkle a touch of lemon zest or edible glitter on top before baking for decoration.

storage/reheating

Store Lemon Macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For best flavor, let them rest in the fridge overnight to mature before serving.
Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before eating.
Do not microwave; enjoy them at room temperature.

FAQs

What makes macarons tricky to bake?
Achieving the right batter consistency and proper meringue structure is key. Humidity can also affect the outcome.

Why do macarons need to rest before baking?
Resting allows a skin to form, helping create the iconic smooth tops and “feet” during baking.

Can I make these without almond flour?
Traditional macarons require almond flour for texture and taste. Nut-free alternatives are possible but require different ratios.

Why are my macarons cracked?
Over-mixing, under-mixing, or not letting the shells rest long enough can cause cracks.

Do I need to age the egg whites?
Aging egg whites can improve stability, but it’s optional if your eggs are at room temperature and whipped properly.

Can I use liquid food coloring?
Gel food coloring is best as it doesn’t alter the consistency of the batter like liquid coloring might.

How do I know when they’re done baking?
They should have risen “feet” and lift easily from the parchment paper without sticking.

Can I flavor the shells directly?
Avoid adding liquids; instead, use dry flavorings like zest or extracts sparingly.

Are macarons gluten-free?
Yes, when made with almond flour and no gluten-containing ingredients.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but work in batches to maintain control over mixing and piping.

Conclusion

Lemon Macarons bring a burst of sunshine to your dessert tray with their vibrant color, crisp shells, and zesty filling. While they require a bit of technique and patience, the results are well worth it. Once mastered, they’ll become a show-stopping favorite for any elegant occasion or sweet indulgence.

Print