Lemon Macarons

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon Macarons are delicate, elegant French cookies with a crisp shell, chewy center, and a bright, tangy lemon buttercream filling. These eye-catching treats are perfect for special occasions or as a refined indulgence with afternoon tea. Their zesty citrus flavor beautifully balances the sweetness of the cookie, offering a refreshing twist to classic macarons.

ingredients

this Recipe

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

almond flourpowdered sugarsuperfine granulated sugaregg whitescream of tartartable saltlemon zestyellow food coloring (gel or powder preferred)unsalted butterlemon juicelemon extract

directions

Sift almond flour and powdered sugar together to remove lumps and combine well.

In a separate bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar and a pinch of salt until soft peaks form.

Gradually add superfine sugar to the egg whites, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.

Gently fold the almond flour mixture into the meringue using a spatula until the batter flows in thick ribbons (this process is called macaronage).

Add lemon zest and a few drops of yellow food coloring, folding gently until evenly mixed.

Pipe small rounds of the batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet using a piping bag with a round tip.

Tap the baking sheets on the counter to release air bubbles, then let them rest at room temperature for 30–60 minutes until a skin forms on the surface.

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake the macarons for 15–18 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through.

Allow shells to cool completely on the tray before removing.

For the lemon buttercream, beat softened butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon extract until smooth and fluffy.

Pipe a small amount of buttercream onto one macaron shell and gently sandwich with another.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 24 macarons (48 shells).
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Resting time: 30–60 minutes
Baking time: 15–18 minutes
Assembly time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1.5–2 hours

Variations

Use lime or orange zest for a citrusy twist on flavor.
Fill with lemon curd instead of buttercream for a tart surprise.
Add a drop of vanilla extract to the shell for added depth.
Dust shells lightly with edible gold dust for an elegant finish.

storage/reheating

Store lemon macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Macarons can also be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

FAQs

What makes macarons difficult to bake?

Precision and technique are key—overmixing or undermixing the batter, or incorrect oven temperature, can affect texture and shape.

Can I skip the food coloring?

Yes, but the yellow hue adds a visual cue to the lemon flavor.

Why did my macarons crack?

They likely didn’t rest long enough before baking or your oven temperature was too high.

Can I make the buttercream in advance?

Yes, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it soften before piping.

Do I have to use superfine sugar?

Superfine sugar helps dissolve more easily into the egg whites, giving better structure. Regular granulated sugar can work, but results may vary.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is preferred for better flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

Why aren’t my macarons forming feet?

The batter may have been overmixed, under-rested, or your oven wasn’t hot enough.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but make sure to work in batches to avoid overmixing the batter.

Are macarons gluten-free?

Yes, almond flour is naturally gluten-free, but always check ingredient labels for cross-contamination.

Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Yes, but it may take longer to achieve stiff peaks.

Conclusion

Lemon Macarons bring a burst of citrusy brightness to the delicate charm of French baking. Their crisp shells and creamy filling make them a showstopper for any dessert spread. With careful preparation, these elegant treats can be mastered at home and enjoyed year-round.

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