Red White and Blue Macarons

Red White and Blue Macarons are festive, elegant French cookies perfect for patriotic celebrations like the Fourth of July or Memorial Day. With a crisp shell and chewy interior, these colorful treats are filled with rich buttercream and bring both flair and flavor to your dessert table.

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
granulated sugar
cream of tartar
red and blue gel food coloring
vanilla extract

For the filling:
unsalted butter
confectioners’ sugar
heavy cream
vanilla extract

directions

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Sift almond flour and confectioners’ sugar together into a bowl and set aside.

In a separate bowl, whisk egg whites until foamy, then add cream of tartar and gradually beat in granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.

Fold the dry ingredients into the meringue using a spatula until the batter flows like lava.

Divide batter into three portions: leave one plain (white), color one red, and one blue using gel food coloring.

Transfer each batter into piping bags fitted with round tips.

Pipe small, even circles onto prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each.

Tap the trays firmly on the counter to release air bubbles.

Let the macarons rest for 30-45 minutes, or until the tops form a skin and are no longer sticky to the touch.

Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Bake each tray for 15-17 minutes.

Allow macarons to cool completely before removing from the baking sheets.

For the filling: beat butter until smooth, then gradually add confectioners’ sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.

Pipe filling onto the flat side of half the macarons and sandwich with the remaining shells.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 30 macarons (15 sandwiches).
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Resting time: 30-45 minutes
Baking time: 15-17 minutes
Cooling and filling time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Use flavored extracts in the filling such as lemon, raspberry, or almond.
Add a thin layer of fruit jam in the center along with buttercream.
Decorate shells with edible glitter or gold dust for an upscale presentation.
Alternate the shell colors for a swirl or tie-dye effect.

storage/reheating

Store macarons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For best texture, let them come to room temperature before serving.
Macarons can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

FAQs

What makes macarons tricky to bake?
Proper mixing and drying times are essential to avoid cracking or hollow shells.

Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
Gel is preferred as it won’t affect the consistency of the batter.

Do I need to age the egg whites?
Aging can help create a more stable meringue but is not strictly necessary.

Why did my macarons crack?
They likely didn’t rest long enough before baking or the oven temperature was too high.

Can I use a different filling besides buttercream?
Yes, ganache or cream cheese frosting work well too.

Should I use a stand mixer or hand mixer?
Either works, but a stand mixer offers more control for whipping egg whites.

How long should I fold the batter?
Until it flows off the spatula in thick ribbons and settles slowly.

Can I flavor the macaron shells?
Yes, but use dry flavorings or extracts sparingly to avoid affecting the texture.

Are these gluten-free?
Yes, traditional macarons made with almond flour are naturally gluten-free.

Can I make these in advance?
Yes, they actually taste better after maturing in the fridge for a day or two.

Conclusion

Red White and Blue Macarons are an eye-catching and delicious way to celebrate patriotic holidays with a touch of elegance. Their light texture, rich filling, and festive appearance make them a standout treat sure to impress guests and add color to any dessert spread.

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